The end of summer.

It was a good one, but now it's over. The snow and cold have reminded us of the realities of winter- way too early for my liking- and has abruptly put an end to the growing season. A few hardy souls live on: the pansies, mums, ornamental kale and dusty miller, but for most plants it's time for rest until the next season, or for the compost heap.

I always have a hard time at this time of year. This fall, as usual, I wrestled with the cold nights and forecasted warm days ahead. The flowers are blooming profusely unawares to their coming fate. I, with an eye on the forecast, know that they are doomed, but what if it's to warm up in a day or two? Couldn't I get another week of blossom just by covering the plants one or two frigid nights? So I run around my yard with sheets and blankets frantically covering this and that hoping to get through the night, all for a few more days of flowers.

As much as I am disappointed to have the season come to an end, there is a relief when the deed is finally done. Much of the garden looks tired and sad now, but there still is a lot to do this fall. Tulip and daffodil bulbs need planting, perennials need cutting back, raised beds to be built or repaired, leaves to rake and general clean up. But my favorite fall garden task of all? Is to snug up by the fire in the living room after a day in the garden, listen to the howling winds of November, making notes of the season past, read, plan and dream of the first blooms of the coming spring.