Nothing sings the song of autumn more eloquently than a sunflower withering on its stem. Mid-July I was at a nursery, purchasing a perennial that had been marked as a clearance item. Like the sunflower in the above photo, that Black-Eyed Susan [Rudbeckia] had passed its season, and it had withered almost to nothingness. When…
Category: Autumn
Samhain – The Ancient Celtic Origin of Halloween – A Struggle to Light the Darkness
Over the years, I have read many explanations about the origin of Halloween. Until recently, no explanation stuck, but I am in the process of researching ancient civilizations, and I have begun to understand why and how the need to celebrate Halloween has been etched on our consciounesses. Before I begin this post, allow me…
Halloween – History and Mythology of an Ancient Harvest Festival
SUN-WORSHIP. THE SOURCES OF HALLOWE’EN “If we could ask one of the old-world pagans whom he revered as his greatest gods, he would be sure to name among them the sun-god; calling him Apollo if he were a Greek; if an Egyptian, Horus or Osiris; if of Norway, Sol; if of Peru, Bochica. As the…
Time to Set Up Bird Feeders and Plant Wildflowers – Winter Comes Too Soon: Memoir Mondays
There’s a frenzy in my garden, Squirrels can’t get enough. Birds are looking frantically For seeds and nuts and stuff. The corn is dry and shriveled now, A vine has reached the top. Fading leaves are bending low, And bright red apples drop. – Jacki Kellum – I began writing the abovee picture book manuscript…
What Is a Hedgerow and Why Have a Hedgerow at the Back of Your Garden?
Goldenrod at the Very Back of Jacki Kellum Garden God planted the above stand of goldenrod next to the very back of my garden. This stand is not actually in my yard. It is at the back of an untended area at the back of my neighbor’s yard. Because I don’t have much control over…
Ode to Early Fall – Celebrating September, a New School Year, and a Time When Life Begins Again
Ode to Early Autumn Sweet white fairy wings, Purple, when the poke plant sings, Dance across the arbor tall, Paint my garden–fall. It’s finally September, and I celebrated the changing of the months by taking a stroll through my garden. I noted that many of my early spring bloomers have shriveled and turned brown. Yet,…
Cinnamon – Memories of Mom and Apple Pie – Health Benefits & Essential Oil Blends
Cinnamon has many potential health benefits, including: Blood sugar Cinnamon may help lower blood sugar levels, especially in people with type 2 diabetes. It may also improve insulin sensitivity, which helps regulate blood sugar. Heart health Cinnamon may help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and reduce blood pressure. Inflammation Cinnamon’s antioxidants may help reduce inflammation in…
Crimson Clover for the Garden
“In Mississippi, crimson clover can be planted from August–October and typically blooms in late March or early April. Crimson clover is a winter annual that takes around 12 weeks to flower after sowing, or roughly 3 months. Planting 6–8 weeks before the first expected frost is recommended.” Google ai
Fall Watch 2024 – Noting Signs of Autumn As They Occur
First Sweet Autumn Clematis Bloom Jacki Kellum Garden – August 11, 2024 A few days ago, I noticed that my 1-year-old Sweet Autumn Clematis was covered in buds, and today, August 11, 2024, I saw its first bloom: To be very honest, I thought that my Sweet Autumn’s seemingly early show was a fluke. It…
Sweet Autumn Clematis – Like Little White Fairies Circling Around My Garden — But Beware! This Girl Can Be Invasive!
Sweet Autumn Clematis and Red New Guinea Impatiens – Jacki Kellum Garden September 2022 Every time I mention that I love Sweet Autumn Clematis, a group of garden puriists hiss and boo. You see, Sweet Autumn Clematis is NOT a Native Plant, and Yes, It Can Be Invasive. But for anyone who is trying to…