With the winter quickly approaching there is so much to cleanup. Usually every year I rake pine needles from a friend’s subdivision to mulch our blueberries, but this year I bought pine bark mulch. It was more expensive – the pine needles were free – but it was much faster.

In addition to weeding and mulching, I cut several branches out of our three old bushes. For the biggest blueberry bush, since it didn’t produce at all this past year, I cut it all of the way down to the ground. A new shoot is coming up near that plant!

This took me three sessions to finish, but it really feels good that it’s done. I also worked a little on the blackberries and I still need to trim the lavender. Those are my priorities and helping Dave clean up the main garden when he’s ready.
It’s been hard to let stuff go, but often things just don’t get done. And the world does not stop or end if I don’t get these irises planted. I had moved them earlier this Fall from the iris holding area that will be gone next Spring.

This lonely coneflower just doesn’t want to give up!

The sedums have turned again. They were brighter a couple weeks ago. Love how they add color to the Fall beds.

The holly bushes are absolutely beautiful. I think about cutting them down every year and then to see them so beautiful. Sure glad I didn’t!

Also love these mums!

I love how the blueberry bushes turn this time of the year.

I have mixed feelings as the winter approaches. I don’t look forward to the ice and snow, but I do love the colors this year, the crisp air, and the chance to not feel guilty about spending time indoors.
Great photos, as usual! Gardening is so much work, at least on a temporary basis. I’m glad you are not feeling guilty anymore!! Looking forward to our play day soon.
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Thanks for sharing. I love the pictures, and the reminder that I have to clean up my blueberry bushes. I just took some pictures today in the garden.