This enchanting patch of our garden is currently producing a surprise third act of sorts, as it displays the exquisite shading of a Japanese painted fern, still resplendent despite several hard frosts, all against a backdrop of scarlet Japanese maple leaves.
The latter seemingly dropped all of its leaves in Saturday night’s vicious thunderstorm – a victim of the rain, the wind, and perhaps the sheer exhaustion of keeping itself presentable at this late stage of the gardening year; I know I am certainly spent on every front.
The color combination is striking, and a perfect companion scene to the upcoming holiday season – a season in which I intend to participate as little as possible – going through the motions to get myself to January without major friction or blow-ups. To that end, I’m going to act like all the wise waterfowl – letting just about everything roll off of me like water off a fucking duck’s back. If others want to act out, stir up drama, create unnecessary tension and consternation – have at it. I’ll direct you to work it out amongst yourselves because I’m not letting anything bother me this year. Watch this space and you’ll see.
