The excitement of the unveiling of the restored Victoria Jubilee Fountain, Nocturne and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee is behind us and the Gardens prepare to go dormant.
Some of the annual beds and the serpentine beds have already been cleaned up and the gardeners have had their annual walkabout to discuss what worked, what didn’t and to suggest ideas for next year.

Though fall is traditionally a precursor to the dormant season, it also holds a promise for the future.
Trees and shrubs are shedding their leaves, but they are also busy setting leaf and flower buds which will patiently await the longer days and warmer temperatures of spring to expand.

The Cercidiphyllum japonicum (Katsura trees) by the Victoria Jubilee Fountain create a beautiful and scented backdrop to the newly restored Egeria.

The afternoon sun creates dramatic highlights and shadows on the streamed between the two bridges.

Against the odds, the Dahlia beds are still stunning. In fact maybe more stunning than ever…

Looking at this photo one can almost believe that it was taken in spring.

Light play on the lower bridge.

Ceres, Goddess of grain (cereal anyone?) protected from afar by a man bearing a gun.

In the eye of the beholder. To me it’s esthetic, to migrating birds it’s sustenance.

The Petit Allée looking lovely but much quieter than it has been all summer.

Promise of things to come. The flower buds have already been set on this Rhododendron which will be protected by scales (tight, protective outer leaves) and a gummy outer coating, until spring. Not all plants produce resting buds.Some set their flower buds the same year they bloom.

This week promises to be sunny and in the low teens. Take advantage while you can, the season is drawing to a close.