And yes, it is. I’ve slept soundly this week. Two screech owls have been kind enough to sit in the tree outside my window and talk to each other softly every night. I fell asleep each night, eavesdropping on them. It seems like a civil conversation, so I’ll bet they’re talking about the weather.

I got some great responses to last weekend’s newsletter, sharing my news about installing raised beds. Thanks to everyone who wrote in.

It’s funny, as gardeners, we tend to think of spring as our busy season. For the most part, that’s true. But there’s lots you can do in the fall as well. I often think of it as a second spring or backward spring where gardening is concerned.

It’s my favorite time to plant perennials because they’re always discounted at the end of the season. There are lots of vegetables to plant for next spring. And if you have a way to cover your garden, you can plant a second round of cool-weather crops. Heck, I didn’t cover my garden last year, but I had fresh kale on Christmas day.

Both you and your soil deserve time to rest and restore. Maybe you’re looking forward to buttoning up the garden for the year. I know I’ve had years where that first frost couldn’t get here fast enough.

So, how about it? What are you looking forward to as we head into fall? The end of the gardening season or growing as long as possible?