The ‘Roseum Elegans’ rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense ‘Roseum Elegans’) sprawls to cover a considerable space at the forest’s edge along the garden’s southeastern border. The shaded area is further congested by a large ‘Delaware Valley White’ azalea that extends spring flowering in this carefree area to a month or longer.

I was only slightly surprised to see several lavender-pink flowers on the rhododendron on this mid-October afternoon. I don’t claim to understand the sequence of weather that causes this, but one or another of the garden’s rhododendrons displays a bloom or two nearly every autumn. Buds for spring flowering are set in late summer, and of course, buds will not be reset after this out of season flowering. There are plenty more.

As nighttime temperatures fall into the low thirties (Fahrenheit), I’m in no hurry to experience the lengthy dormancy of winter. Despite falling leaves that begin to litter the paths and patios, the garden remains shaded beneath the canopy of leaves that change color by the day. But, not for long.