Summer has not abandoned us yet

A Zinnia in bloom at Honey Creek Park

Oof! Did it rain last night! All night. That chilly, fall is on the horizon kind of rain. But today, the sun is peeking out, and everything that was green looks even a bit greener. 

​The flower gardens are still blooming, and may get yet another push of blooms from this recent rainy spell. Our trusty Tickseed is still blooming. 

Blooming tickseed seems to cross over from summer to fall

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A late season bloom in my garden

I don't know about you, but I'm often conflicted at this time of year.  I feel both the pull of summer and fall.  I want to hang out with those summer vibes - sunshine, blooming gardens, the sound of crickets in the evening. My container garden is looking full, yet haggard. Some of the plants a bit leggy, some tired, some ready to go another round.  I'm half tempted to go buy some late season blooms to plant. But then, I'm like, Nahhhh...the leaves will be changing color soon and I'm in for that. That's life, I guess. 

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I happen to love fall. I mean, really love fall. I love the colors, the smells, the coolness in the air.

The wispy sound of fallen leaves underfoot, the sleepy buzz of bees that have been bustling all summer and are ready for a nap.

​Fall is my season. But...

Autumn leaves in the creek at Jacobus Park in Wauwatosa

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I'm tempted to take another trip through summer gardens. In addition to sunflower fields, several local farms have cutting flower gardens as well, and they are still blooming. 

​Recently I spent some time at Honey Creek Park in West Allis, where the gardens in front of the Historical Society Museum are just lush and colorful, with some of the biggest Zinnias I've seen. Definitely worth another look.

Zinnia bloom at Honey Creek Park

Honey Creek Park has an amazing garden

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The Labyrinth Garden in West Bend in full bloom

In West Bend the Labyrinth Garden is still blooming with a wide variety of flowers, in a charming park setting.  It's a flower photographer's paradise!

​The garden features a wide variety of daylilies, and was designated a Daylily Display Garden in 2009 by the American Hemerocallis Society. You'll see them in just about every color.  

The garden is open daily during regular park hours, and is free to visit.

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Of course, Boerner Botanical Gardens are always worth a visit, but the new addition of Margie's Garden is a must see. And bring the kids! It was made just for them.

Water lily in the pond at Boerner Botanical Gardens

Bright pink blooms at Margie's Garden in Hales Corners

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If you'd like to take home a bouquet of fresh cut garden flowers, check out these local flower farms:

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And, of course, there are all the prairie wildflowers in bloom at your local parks, trails, and preserves. Especially vibrant at this time of year with Goldenrod, Maximillian Sunflower, and Asters. Such beauty!