Fall brings changes to my garden. Cooler weather is the best! It seems odd to me that the more tropical plants (like Bromeliads) start to reproduce like mad and it is time to thin and move them around. I am not sure why I think they should like the rainy, steamy weather better. Maybe that is why I enjoy them so much.
To see more changes in SOS gardens follow this link GardenRuminations to Jim’s blog.
October inspires the ‘Candy’ Portea Bromeliads to flower. This is just the beginning. These get longer and have fat pink stems.
I am trying to decide if I love this or not. These Purple Queen (Transcandentia pallida) pop up in the Bromeliads and add a little color – or does it look unkempt? A dilemma.
A bit more typical fall scene, the Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is starting to show off.
An unusual post hurricane occurrence. The Papaya tree knocked down by the wind is still alive. I think rabbits are eating the leaves. I am wondering if I can prop this up to make an easy to pick Papaya tree. The fruit is usually at least 8 or 10 feet off the ground.
The Juba Bush (Iresine diffusa). A native wildflower makes its seasonal appearance.
Another change in my garden I am sad to share. Fiona the Greyhound was lost to bone cancer this week. She was only seven and diagnosed in late August. I thought we would have more time with her. Here she is looking for bees to munch on in better days.
The Shrub Queen 
Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear about sweet Fiona’s passing. What a lovely girl. 😦
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Thank you.
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I don’t feel it’s appropriate to “like” this post when you have such sad news to share, I’m so sorry about Fiona.
Regarding the papaya, isn’t nature wonderful? It’s amazing that it survived, I would definitely have a go at propping it up if it made it easier to reach the lovely fruit.
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Thank you. I am amazed by the papaya as well and was planning to cut it back to the ground. These are the big Mexican papayas.
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I’m sorry for your loss, Fiona looks like she had a good life!❤
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Thank you, a bit too short.
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I’m so sorry to hear about your dog. They are family members.
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Thank you, she certainly was. My husband has empty nester syndrome.
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It will be an adjustment.
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My Tradescantia pallida is also in bloom here! On the other hand, I only have gravel and no bromeliads behind.
I’m sad for you who lost your dog…. Fiona that you loved so much and that you often showed us in your posts. Do greyhounds often get bone cancer like her? Do you have other dogs or was she your only one pet?
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OH, that is interesting, I did not realize they were fall flowering – though I have had them for years. Thank you, unfortunately bone cancer is common in greyhounds, I had a male that matched Fiona and lost him about four years ago – same gene pool. I am out of pets.
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Maybe a puppy soon… 😉
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I have had greyhounds for twenty five years – but never a puppy!
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Oh, how sad about Fiona, I’m sorry to read about her passing. How are you coping? The worst part of pet ownership is saying ‘goodbye.’ She will be missed. 💕 🙏🏼
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Thanks, Eliza. Definitely the worst part. Still a little blubbery. Wasn’t expecting it quite so soon.
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❤️🩹
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So sorry to hear about Fiona.
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Thanks, Rosie
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So sorry to hear about your loss, what a beautiful dog. I always enjoy your unusual range of plants. The bromeliad is very striking.
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Hi Liz, thank you. The brom is a sight!
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😢I’m sorry about your loss.
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I would separate the Purple Queen, just to make it look neater, or try to regroup them on the side.
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I’m starting a new purple group!
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Oh, so sorry about Fiona. 😦 Your plants look healthy and full, and that ‘Candy’ Bromeliad is something special. ❤
Beth @ PlantPostings.com
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Thank you. Candy is getting taller.
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“I am trying to decide if I love this or not. These Purple Queen (Transcandentia pallida) pop up in the Bromeliads and add a little color – or does it look unkempt? A dilemma.”
Personally, I love the contrast of colours and it looks natural. I am not a fan of gardens where everything is manicured to within an inch of its life. The plants look happy bedfellows.
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I like a little surprise and in purple!!
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Oh, I should not have stopped to read. I am SO sorry! I can not comment about any more than this.
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Thank you, Tony. We miss her so much.
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Oh, it is so much more than simply missing. Canine people are SO excellent!
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Indeed.
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So sorry to hear that you lost Fiona. What a lovely photo of her.
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Thank you, Karen.
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Oh Amelia, somsorry to hear that Fiona is no longer with you. A big doggy kiss from our Anouk and a hug from me. 🐾🐾🤗 Tradescantia flowers are completely new to me – I had no idea they had pretty pink flowers although I have been growing various ones as houseplants for years!
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Kisses to Anouk and hugs to you..
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So sorry for your loss.
You have so many lovely plants in your six this week – I love the Candy Protea Bromeliad
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Thank you.
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