Late September into October is always an interesting time in the backyard. The summer blooms are starting to look a little worn and leggy in places. I have begun to pull up plants that are past their prime and trim back others that might have a few more weeks left. One evening last week, in the hours just before the sun set for the day, it provided a pretty, orange tinge to the quiet wild. I caught a few close-up shots of the last of the summer florals that I want to share.

The Garden Balsam has gone through a second blooming at the end of the summer. I cut all of the stalks down to the ground in mid-July because they were taking over the flower bed in front of my bedroom. To my surprise and delight, they came back even stronger and with more vividly colored blooms! When taking pictures in the early evening light, I noticed a heart shape deep in one of the blooms. It took my breath away, and I knew I had to share it.

More close-ups of the Garden Balsam in the early evening light.

The Powder Puff plant seems to glow in the evening light.

The closer shot really shows the gold anthers at the end of each filament on the Power Puff flower. Just exquisite! Nature never ceases to amaze and fascinate me.

I leave you with a sweet photo of wild morning glory growing up the pole holding one of my birdhouses. This house has hosted many Eastern Bluebird families over the last eight years. Hopefully, we will get to see another brood this coming spring.