Japanese Anemone--a Fall favorite

Anyone who spends enough time in the Pacific Northwest learns that summer does not begin in June; and in fact, June is quite simply a disappointment.  But September is something else altogether.   Our summers may not begin until after the 4th of July, but they linger well into what many people think of as Fall.  And this year has been spectacular!  We've had day after day of 75 degree weather and clear blue skies.  Which is, to put it mildly, very distressing to the school children now locked into classrooms.  But that will be a conversation for another blogpost...

This weather pattern makes it very easy to have a late summer garden full of color in the Northwest, and a plant that never disappoints is the japanese anemone.  The blooms are born on top of tall stems which float above the garden.  And the flowers dance along with any breeze, true to their common name of "wind flower".

A cheery mass of pink anemones

This anemone is also drought tolerant and shade tolerant--two garden conditions that are frequently challenging.  It's happy in both the woodland garden and in a partially sunny garden border,  naturalizing easily so you will have plants to share.  I have never observed this plant to be aggressive or invasive, so definitely accept any "free" anemones your garden friends are offering.

Beautiful in white...

White anemones naturalized in a woodland garden 

With no rain in sight, I continue to water the annuals and pots and enjoy the fall flowers.  The rain will come again soon enough, and in the meantime, a morning cup of tea on the deck is a daily gift.

Bon Bon

Bon Bon

Bainbridge Island is home to Bon Bon, the sweetest candy store.  It's the sort of place young children dream about.  And the heady scent of chocolate and sugar brings back fond memories of my own candy-infused childhood.

Lisa, the equally sweet owner and head fudge baker, makes several varieties of homemade fudge daily.  I've sampled more than I'll admit to, and still don't really have a favorite.  (Though I would encourage anyone to try her dark chocolate fudge with sea salt and caramel--truly a slice of heaven.)  

For our three daughters, an afternoon in Winslow is not complete without a stop at BonBon for salted caramels, sour patch and a piece of fudge.  And when I want something special for Easter or Valentine's Day, like homemade fudge and caramels, locally crafted truffles, or chocolate covered espresso beans, this is where I go too.  

So this past Spring, when Lisa asked me if I could help her brighten up the outside of her shop with some colorful planters, I was thrilled.  Designing and planting pots is one of my favorite garden jobs, and I knew that working with Lisa would be a joy.

She knew that she wanted lots of bright red geraniums, black planters and a "french" theme.  So, with candy as my guide, and visions of french gardens in my head, I designed these containers.  It was a thoroughly enjoyable project. The planters filled in nicely over the summer, though the boxwoods will continue to look better as they grow.

Here are a few pics, and be sure to check out her website:  Bon Bon Candies