The last of the season. Fall chill in the air...

The gorgeous red leaves of Oakleaf Hydrangea 'Alice really stand out. They don't market the fall characteristics of this variety but should. The leaves are quite large at 12 to 14 inches across.

A true favorite in the fall garden is Aconitum Napellus or Monkshood. All parts of this plant are very poisonous. The principal alkaloids are aconite and aconitine. Of these aconitine is thought to be the key toxin. Ingestion of even a small amount results in severe gastrointestinal upset but it is the effect on the heart, where it causes slowing of the heart rate, which is often the cause of death.

A yellow Knockout rose giving it one last flourish.

Rosa Oktoberfest with a few water droplets on the petal.

This is a shot of Polygonum cuspidatum 'Crimson Beauty' from underneath. It grows about 6 feet tall and arches over (similar to Solomon's Seal) giving it a flowing effect.