A Fine Fall Day

Today was day one of our annual Fall Festival at work, and the weather could not have been more cooperative. Although it was in the 50's this morning and I had to wear a jacket for the first time this season, it warmed into the 70's quickly and there was not a cloud in the humidity free skies. Perhaps because of the weather (and I'd like to think good planning on our part), we were extremely busy, and boy did we need it. I have become concerned over the downturn in traffic at the store over the past month, but I understand why it has been this way. Scary times make people hang on to their money, and I'm sure trying to be careful with mine.

Since it was so clear this morning, and everything was covered with dew - I took a few pictures to share. The first shot is one of the displays D.M. (the hand model from the previous post) put together.
An unknown Japanese Anenome (Anenome x)
Coral Vine (Antigonon leptopus) is an annual for us, but I remember when I lived in Charleston what a weed it was, albeit a pretty one.
These are two of my favorite new plants, Kaleidoscope Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope') and Purple Pixie Loropetalum (Loropetalum chinensis 'Purple Pixie'). I am very impressed with Kaleidoscope, primarily because of its winter colors of orange, red and yellow. If you would like to see more, it has its own website. Purple Pixie is the lowest Loropetalum, getting only 1.5' tall by about 3' wide.
We have yet another new Coneflower, Echinacea purpurea 'Fragrant Angel', and it indeed has a light pleasant aroma. It has the largest flower I have seen on any Coneflower no matter the color. Here is the Ryder Cup of Euonymus with the American contender (Euonymus americanus) growing wild on the edge of the property...
... and the European entry (Euonymus europaeus 'Red Ace').
This is our native Swamp Sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius).
I love the reflection of the pines in this fountain with the Purple Irisene.
Indian Magic Crabapple (Malus x 'Indian Magic')
The Muhlenbergia capillaris was covered in dew.

Sabal minor is one of the most cold hardy palms, being able to go well into zone 7, and maybe beyond. I have always thought that the seeds were attractive.

Golden Delicious Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans 'Golden Delicious)
Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha)
Thanks to all of our customers for spending their disposable income with us. I hope all of you out there shop with your local independent retailers whenever possible.