The garden at the end of November

Can it really be the end of November? Where did the month go? For that matter, where has the year gone?

Tomorrow we head into December. Our average first frost date is December 10, so it is likely that many of the blooms in the garden today are on borrowed time. Already, we have had a few chilly nights, once dropping down to 35 degrees F., but the garden positively loves this weather. The fact that we've had a very wet couple of weeks has made the plants even happier.

As we get ready to welcome December, here are some of the blooms - and other things - that are still bringing color to the late fall garden.

I love violas and I tend to tuck them into every bare spot around the garden in late fall.

I like them in all colors.

Purple trailing lantana is at its best in the late fall and the butterflies are grateful.

The Cape honeysuckle is in full bloom, but I haven't seen any hummingbirds sipping from it lately.

Yellow cestrum blooms persist right up until the first frost.

Muscadine leaves and fruits are turning color. The fruits of these vines ripen in stages right through the fall, so there are always ripe grapes and green grapes present. Mockingbirds love them and watch for the purple fruits. They don't last long once the birds spy them.

Bronze esperanza is still blooming, but my yellow variety hasn't done too well this year. Unfortunately, one of my garden helpers pruned it at just the wrong time. 

Yellow milkweed is still going strong.

This sprawling plant is Copper Canyon daisy. It will be knocked back by the first frost but for now it is in glorious bloom.

Pansies are another of my favorites for winter color and, like the violas, I tuck them into various spots around the yard.

African blue basil is still full of blooms and most days it is full of bees, as well.

The Mandarin oranges are ready to be picked.

Yum!

There are Meyers lemons on this tree in all stages of development. These are just beginning to turn color.

Nearby on the same tree are buds just about to burst into bloom and begin another crop of lemons.

Crossvine blooms gloriously in the spring, but it continues to put out a few blooms throughout the year.

The little yellow marigolds just don't know when to quit.

Nearby in the herb bed, the pineapple sage is in full bloom.

And so is the shrimp plant.

'Molineux' rose is putting on some late blooms.

Red kalanchoe blooming on the patio table.

Almond verbena. Its lovely scent lends its fragrance to the backyard garden.

The 'Graham Thomas' rose is happiest in the fall. Half of this blossom's petals got knocked to the ground in the weekend's rains, but the three fat buds promise more soon.

It's a joyful time in the garden. Not much for the gardener to do and the plants are very happy. Jack Frost will put an end to it but that's tomorrow's concern. I'm happy just to enjoy today.