Early Signs of Autumn ... and Deer Karate

By John Markowski @jmarkowski0
Autumn is here and there isn't a hell of a lot I can do about it. 
I miss the summer already but I vow not to wish my life away. It's not that I dislike the fall as much as I despise the winter and fall is a reminder it's not too far off.
But enough of my bitching ...
There are signs all over the yard that "things are a changing"; some subtle and some not so subtle.
Come with me on a journey to view these changes, won't you?
Miscanthus 'Purpurascens' is out of its mind with color right now:  
Hydrangea 'Endless Summer' bloomed like shit for me, but the foliage still looks good:

Viburnum fall color comes and goes real fast so I am enjoying it while I can:

Amsonia (Bluestar) is just now showing signs of its amazing fall color and when it is at its peak, I'll probably dedicate an entire post to it:

Even the geraniums are joining the autumn color brigade:


Fall color on a Monarda 'Bee Balm' isn't something I typically count on, but I'll take it:

It may not be a foliage change, but the fading blooms on Helenium (Sneezeweed) always gives me the fall chills:

Not overly exciting, but the "yellowing" of the River Birch leaves backed by some serious "redding" is not so bad:

Not gonna lie, the transformation of this Panicum saddens me more than I am letting on:

The tour is complete ... but it wouldn't be fall without the deer taking up permanent residence in the landscape. And raising holy hell in the process.
We had a bit of a stare down:

He threatened me with some sort of "Karate Kid" like move:

And then he ran when I screamed bloody murder with fear of being karate chopped by this SOB.
Another day, another battle.
What I do for my garden ...
John