Cradled in the fuzzy arms of a sage plant, flecks of early snow collect and lend their own fuzziness to the scene at hand. Portending of winter, it is a portrait of stillness and elegance. Muted of color palette and simple of composition. Enthralled in the throes of these last few weeks of autumn, the garden seems grateful for the opportunity to slumber – for a few months of rest from the watering, feeding, pruning, and harvesting routine that dominates the spring and summer months. Summer is a bit of a break for almost everyone other than the gardener – and the plants must feel the weight of that workload too.
This little snippet of the backyard is a cozy patch of herbs – it keeps going right until the big winter storms – certain herbs are miraculous that way. It sets the tone for the upcoming winter season: muted, calm, fuzzy, and contemplative. Outside the attic window, a small section of garden reveals itself for more herbs next year. It’s never too early to think about spring.
