Day:  74-degrees  |  Night:  44-degrees
It's the last day of September and a glorious day it is.  You know it's Fall when the mums are in the front planter.  Fall is that time of year when you realize just how good it feels to let things go.  The season of changes.  The old passes away and yet, behold, things become new again, in season. 

It's another beautiful day.  Bright sunshine with winds out of the NE at 5 to 10 MPH.  Other than the need for some rain, the weather has been picture-perfect these past few days. It's Weekend Eve. Here's to another glorious weekend to enjoy all the amazing things Saint Louis has to offer.  It's Bellerive Day tomorrow so you know where I will be.  Be good to yourself.  Let things go if you need to.  It does feel good.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  70-degrees  |  Night:  42-degrees
The Winter Pansies are looking lovely in the morning light this last Thursday of September.  The bright sunshine and regular watering have certainly paid off.  They should look lovely through next Spring.  

We are praying for friends and family in Florida as Ian has wrecked a large portion of the Gulf Coast.  It's a terrible disaster and scary to have to endure.  

Tonight is a Drinks and Cigar benefit at the Highlands in Forest Park.  Should be a fun event.  

The weather is just beautiful again today. Sunny skies with winds out of the ENE at 5 to 10 MPH.  It's hard to beat this lovely sunshine.  Be good and be kind to yourself and others today.  A good day to count your blessings.  That's about all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  68-degrees  |  Night:  42-degrees
We take a break from our Garden to look skyward.  The sun just peaking behind the dark clouds just catches your eye in a way that opens the heart a bit.  It is a visual reminder that the dark clouds come; the storms may rage but the light will still come through if we let it.  

It is hard to believe this is the last Wednesday in September.  October 1st is Saturday and, as usual, there is so much to do in Saint Louis.  It is Bellerive Day here in our little world of Carondelet.  An annual yard sale up and down Bellerive Boulevard.  If you have a chance, check it out.  Head over to the Methodist Church for the basement sale and homemade cinnamon rolls.  They are so incredible!

Today is sunny with winds out of the NNE at 5 to 10 MPH.  A stunning Fall Day here in the Southside of Saint Louis.  Here's hoping you have an incredible last Wednesday of September.  Be good and be kind to yourself and others.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  71-degrees  |  Night:  41-degrees
It is another beautiful day here in the Carondelet Garden.  Bright blue skies and brilliant sunshine all around.  A perfect Fall Day!

Today we are heading out and about to run a few errands.  Our main errand is to change out the batteries in our key fob for the car.  It's not something I ever really thought about. Luckily, the car is much smarter than I, and it let me know, in no uncertain terms, that it was time to change the battery.  I'm not sure I like having a vehicle that's smarter than I am.  Yet, many things are smarter than I am lately.  

Plentiful sunshine and winds out of the NNW at 10 to 15 MPH.  You would have a hard time dreaming up a better Fall Day.  I hope you get a chance to get out and about and enjoy this incredible day.  A bit of sunshine can change everything.  Smile a bit more, relax a bit, and take a minute for yourself today if you can.  Be good and be kind.  It can change the world.  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  72-degrees  |  Night:  45-degrees
I love Fall! I love the different activities that happen in Fall. It's such a joyous time and yet it builds into the deep Winter and the waiting that comes with Christmas and the darkness before Spring. Fall is that time of year when you just want to grab everything you can and enjoy it before you can't for a while.  This weekend was that kind of weekend.

Thursday night we ventured out to 9 Mile for the first night of Oktoberfest.  I know it's only September, but, what the heck.  Then Friday we went to JazzSTL for a great concert and wonderful meal.  Saturday was Macklind Days and Homecoming at Saint Louis University.  Sunday was Art in the Park at Francis Park in Saint Louis Hills.  Then we came home and had a lovely fire in the firepit and just enjoyed listening to music, enjoying an adult beverage and just talking.  Just a perfect Fall weekend.

Speaking of a perfect Fall.  Today is another one of those perfect Fall days.  Sunshine and clouds mixed. Winds out of the NW at 10 to 20 MPH.  We are watering in the re-seeding of the back lawn after the ravaging of the Summer heat.  It's a good day. I hope you have an amazing day as well.  Be good and be kind to yourself and others as you travel about this last Monday in September. Well, that's about all the news here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  77-degrees  |  Night:  55-degrees
It is a Super Sunday morning here in the Carondelet Garden. You could not ask for a more beautiful start to a day.  Lovely temps with low humidity and bright sunshine.  A simply stunning Southside Fall morning.  

The past few years we have been planting Winter Pansies in the front garden along the stone wall.  They are a nice little pick-me-up as the weather starts turning colder and the other color in the Garden begins to fade.  Last year these beauties were still blooming in June when they finally gave up the ghost.  A fantastic bang for the buck to be sure!

Sunny skies with winds out of the NW at 10 to 20 MPH.  What more needs to be said? It is the perfect Fall Day.  We are heading to Art in the Park in Francis Park this afternoon.  Maybe we will see you out and about.  Be good and be kind to yourself today.  You deserve a good day!  That's all the news here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  86-degrees  |  Night:  60-degrees
It's a beautiful sunny Saturday here in the Carondelet Garden.  Soon we will be heading out to the myriad activities available in our beautiful City of Saint Louis this time of year.  Macklind Days is a favorite.  We will also be heading to Saint Louis University for Homecoming weekend.  It's always a fun time and this year we get to witness at top 10 Women's Soccer team.  Go Bills!

The Hydrangeas are still hanging in, but it will soon be time to prune them back for the Winter.  We had to sneak in just one more picture before they are gone again until 2023.  That's a bit hard to believe.  This month has flown by.  

Abundant Sunshine and bright blue skies with winds out of the West at 5 to 10 MPH.  Simply stunning day for your Fall adventures.  Be good to yourself.  Be good and kind to others you may meet along the way today.  It's a good day for a good day!  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  65-degrees  |  Night:  57-degrees
Fall has definitely arrived here in the Carondelet Garden as you can almost feel a slight nip in the air. Refreshing after the intense heat of earlier in the week.  After our latest vax we decided to be brave and start heading out a bit more.  We visited 9 Mile Garden for the beginning of Octoberfest.  An entertaining evening filled with Oompah Music and good food.  We will definitely be back. 

The sunflowers are hanging in there. Such a little piece of joy in the garden.  Fall is such a great time of year for this old gardener. Lots of changes and a bit less work.  Other chores are certainly calling my name.  No rest for the weary.  No complaints!

A wee bit of rain is on the radar for this afternoon. Winds are out of the SE at 5 to 10 MPH.  Stay dry and keep smiling.  It's almost the weekend. It's cooler weather. Life is good. Be good and be kind to yourself.  You deserve it.  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  72-degrees  |  Night:  51-degrees
Welcome back Fall, we missed you! It's the first day of Fall here in South Saint Louis and it couldn't be more welcome.  The Doodle Dog and I just returned from our sojourn around the neighborhood, and it is glorious outside this morning.  So glad Fall has returned to the Carondelet Garden.

The Mountain Hostas have been moved from where they have lived for the past twenty years and are looking pretty good in their new location.  They will enjoy this nice shady spot much more than their previous home.  Their world changed when a tree was removed, and they were suddenly thrown into full sunshine.  They were not happy.  They already seem happier in their new home.

That's the way life is sometimes.  You have to change or adjust to flourish. We all go through changes.  Some good.  Some, not so good. That's the circle of ups and downs.  St. Ignatius calls this, times of consolation and desolation.  He reminds us that it is natural to go through each but to save making those big decisions until we are in times of consolation.  The good times. Good advice for all of us.

The cooler temperatures are surely welcome.  The skies are overcast here in the Garden and there is a slight chance of a rain shower or two as the day progresses.  The winds are out of the North at 10 to 15 MPH.  It's a lovely morning. The tea is poured. Music playing on the Smart Speaker.  The newspapers are calling my name.  I hope you have the best first day of Fall. We all deserve a good day. That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  96-degrees  |  Night:  61-degrees
Another hot and humid humpday here in the Carondelet Garden.  We are definitely looking forward to tomorrow's promised relief from this crazy heat.  Come back Fall, we love you! 

My poor old sundial is looking a bit tired and worn.  I love it in the garden.  It's a simple reminder that time keeps going.  No matter what is going on around me. Time keeps moving. It reminds me to do the same thing.  Keep moving. Don't stop or you'll not be able to start back up again.  We keep going.  Like the old song says, "if you are going through hell, keep on moving." There is an opening on the other side.  The dark night of the soul ends when joy comes in the morning. Just keep moving.

A few clouds are appearing in the skies above the Carondelet Garden.  The sun is still beating down with the winds out of the West at 10 to 15 MPH.  It's hot and humid so be careful if you are outside for any length of time.  Keep hydrated and take breaks.  It's a good day for a good day.  Be good and kind to yourself and others as you journey about.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  97-degrees  |  Night:  73-degrees
It was Fall last week.  Now it's summer again.  We even have a chance to break another heat record. Come back, Fall.  I need you.  My poor Mums need you as well.  We planted our Mums last week when it appeared Fall had really arrived.  Silly old man gardener.  It's Saint Louis. You should know better.  I should know better yet hope springs eternal.  Fall is coming soon.

It's sunny, hot and humid out in the Garden today.  The Doodle Dog looked at me after our walk like, "what's going on?"  She's laying on the wood floor passed out from the heat.  We should be setting a new high temperature for this date.  Whew! Winds will be out of the SW at 5 to 10 MPH.  Stay hydrated and take lots of breaks if you are out and about this hot, humid Tuesday in September.  Be good and be kind to yourself.  You deserve it!  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  95-degrees  |  Night:  70-degrees
Welcome to another Monday kind of Monday here in the Carondelet Garden.  It's already hot and humid out in the Garden this morning.  The watering ritual is back up and running full speed.  We were teased with rain yesterday, but it was a total bust.  The hoses are out, and we are back at it.

The garden is looking a bit tired and worn.  Not unlike the gardener who tends to it.  That's the way things go.  The Lamb's Ears are still hanging in, but they are definitely showing some of the ravages of this summer's heat.  Most of the beds are put to sleep for the Fall.  I've planted my cover crops in most of them.  Now I'm working on re-seeding the small lawn.  You would think that I could grow grass.  You would be wrong.  It's pretty pitiful actually.  Although the little Doodle Dog can take some of the blame. 

It's going to be sunny and hot with a few more clouds this afternoon. Winds are out of the West at 10 to 15 MPH.  It's definitely a Monday kind of Monday.  A bit of slow start for this old gardener.  Take it easy as you head out to work.  Take a few more breaks today. Be good and kind to yourself. That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  92-degrees  |  Night:  72-degrees
It's a bit of a mixed bag of weather this Sunday in September.  The rain is looming for this morning with lots of clouds in the sky.  We shall wait and see about the rest.  The last Coneflower is still hanging in there though.  We are leaving them alone now.  We allow them to go to seed to feed the birds and other friends and get ready for next Spring.  A bit of a mixed bag.  The Garden is looking a bit scruffy but that's what happens in the Fall.  Things don't look as vibrant as they once did, but good, important work is still being done. 

Happy Sunday.  Clouds and rain followed by some sunshine this afternoon according to the weather prognosticators.  We shall see.  Hot and humid with winds out of the SSW at 5 to 10 MPH.  Here's to a little cloud, a little rain, a little sunshine and whatever weather may come. It's what we do.  We take it what we get, and we make the very best we can from it. Happy Fall everyone.  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  89-degrees  |  Night:  66-degrees
The pollinators are loving our Hostas right now.  It's such a joy to watch them do their job.  From oe blossom to another they just keep going.  It's been a rough year on some of the Hostas here in the garden.  We've spent the past few weeks moving some and splitting others as conditions change things need to get moved around so they can flourish.

I guess that's a bit like my life as well.  Sometimes I need to change some things that I've "always" done because they aren't good for me anymore.  Some things I simply can't do anymore.  My old body just doesn't work that way anymore.  We adjust. We change. We keep moving onward.  We can't stop because that will definitely spell the end.  We have to keep moving, just like our friends the pollinators, we just keep on keeping on.  

Beautiful sunshine here in South Saint Louis this Saturday morning.  Winds are out of the South at 10 to 15 MPH.  WNYC New Standards on the smart speaker.  A cup of coffee.  Life is pretty good here in the Carondelet Garden.  I hope you all have a wonderful day as you begin your weekend.  Lots to do in Saint Louis this weekend.  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  87-degrees  |  Night:  62-degrees
Another beautiful morning here in the Carondelet Garden.  It's really starting to feel like Fall in the mornings now.  Cooler temperatures have arrived for now and it is glorious!  As an old educator, Fall is always "New Year" time for me.  New beginnings and all.  It's definitely a favorite season for this old Gardener.

The sunshine is sticking around.  Winds are out of the South at 5 to 10 MPH.  Just a stunning day again.  We are heading out to the Missouri Botanical Garden today.  It will be our first time seeing the new Visitor's Center and we are excited.  We are feeling a bit more adventurous since getting our new second booster this week.  I hope you had a good week and an even better weekend.  Be good and be kind to yourself and others as you journey about this Friday.  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  86-degrees  |  Night:  59-degrees
It's Thirsty Thursday here in the Carondelet Garden.  That means there will be a White House History Association Happy Hour online this evening.  We started watching these when the lockdown first began and are hooked.  Twice a month the Association invited historians and authors to give a talk about the White House, Presidents, First Ladies and great history about some of the men and women who changed our country for better or worse.  Fascinating stuff! We follow that up with a Smithsonian Associates presentation from Rick Martinez the author of the amazing Mexican cookbook: "Mi Cocina."  Definitely looking forward to both of these tonight.

It's another sunny day here in the Southside of Saint Louis.  Winds are out of the SSE at 5 to 10 MPH.  Just a lovely morning for a walk with a certain Doodle Dog.  I hope you enjoy this lovely day.  Be good to yourself today.  Be kind to yourself and those you meet along the way.  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  86-degrees  |  Night:  57-degrees
Another brisk, beautiful start of the day here in the Carondelet Garden.  Woke up feeling much better after the vaccines on Monday.  Slept like a log last night!  

Today is all about cleaning up the last of the beds and planting cover crops for adding back some nutrients before next Spring's planting begins.  Where did this year go?  September is almost half-way gone!  It's craziness!

It's going to be the perfect day to work in the garden.  Abundant sunshine with winds out of the SE at 5 to 10 MPH.  The past few days have been heavenly.  It is time to begin watering again.  We didn't get much moisture over the weekend.  I hope you have an amazing day and get some time to go outside and enjoy the sunshine.  It will put a smile on your face!  We all need something to smile about right now.  Be good and be kind to yourself this Wednesday in mid-September!  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  83-degrees  |  Night:  54-degrees
A bit of a slow start around the Carondelet Garden this morning.  After being Boosted and getting the old Flu Shot, we are just slow and achy as we start our day.  Coffee is helping!

The Hostas are a bit on their last legs at this time of year but still quite lovely with their white and lilac blossoms.  We have quite a variety of them around the Garden and love them so much.  Such a joy!

It's going to be a quiet day here in the Garden as this super cool old couple just take it easy.  Good day to sit outside and read a book.  The sun is shining, and the winds are light and variable.  Hard to imagine much better! I wish you sunshine and joy this Tuesday! Be good and kind to yourself and others.  That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  79-degrees  |  Night:  52-degrees
It's Money, Money Monday here in the Carondelet Garden.  Honestly, it's Money Plant Monday.  This little beauty was a volunteer we found in a Hibiscus we purchased in late Spring.  We now have propagated three of these little darlings.  They will brighten up the kitchen this Winter.  You have to love it when you get something for nothing!

It's also Booster and Flu Shot Monday for this old man.  To be perfectly honest, I've waited a bit longer before getting my second booster because I wanted the newer one that covers more variants.  Today is the day.  It's time as Soccer and Volleyball season for the littles is in full swing and Basketball is just around the corner.  We want to show up for those kids while they still tolerate us being around.  They grow up so fast!

It's another absolutely stunning Sunny day here in the Carondelet neighborhood of South Saint Louis.  Winds are out of the WNW at 10 to 20 MPH.  The Doodle Dog and I have already had our morning walkabout through the neighborhood.  Did a bit of work and now we are going to relax with another cup of coffee and the morning papers.  I hope you can enjoy the sunshine and get a little sunshine smile in the process.  We all deserve something to smile about! That's all the news we have here in the Carondelet Garden! Have a great Monday!

Day:  70-degrees  |  Night:  53-degrees
It's a cloudy, misty morning here in the Carondelet Garden in South Saint Louis on this 21st anniversary of the attacks on the United States by terrorists on New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania.  It's a sad memory as I stood and watched the towers collapse just as a new school day was beginning.  I remember this country coming together as a true United States.  Today it feels, too often, a disunited state of affairs.

There is hope! We are a country built on hope for a better tomorrow. Harry S Truman once said, "America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination, and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand." The job at hand is to keep faith, hope and love alive. To not be afraid. To have courage. To fight the good fight not just to win but because it is the right thing to do. I'm no Pollyanna, I know we have some huge problems to overcome.  Our history is riddled with atrocities committed by Americans on Americans and others around the world. America is not, nor every will be, perfect.  Our goal is for a "more" perfect Union. That is our hope. There is where faith comes in. Love is the answer. "Love one another." It's hard to hurt someone you love.  Enough of the Sunday sermon from an old man in a Garden.  

Clouds, rain, drizzle and then a bit of clearing this afternoon.  Winds are out of the NNE at 10 to 20 MPH.  We could use the rain. It does have that Fall feel outside this morning. I'm getting ready for another cup of coffee and newspapers and maybe even a crossword puzzle.  Who knows? A relaxing day here in South Saint Louis.  I wish you faith, hope and love for yourself, for those around you, your neighbors and even those who may not love you back.  That's the news here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  84-degrees  |  Night:  63-degrees
It is a beautiful morning here in the Carondelet Garden.  The skies are bright and filled with gorgeous sunshine.  The air is beginning to have the feeling of Fall with the cooler morning temperatures.  A perfect day to head to the Farmers' Market and Macklind Days to check out some of our local makers.  A fun day in store for this old Gardener and Dr. B.

We could all use a little fun in our lives. I hope you have the opportunity to get out and about this lovely Saturday and have a little joy. Do something that brings a smile to your face. It will do your soul a world of good. I know it does it for me.  

It's the perfect morning for a walkabout.  Sunshine this morning but the clouds are supposed to move in the afternoon with the possibility of rain and maybe even a thunderstorm overnight.  Winds are light and variable.  Heading out the door for our weekend adventure and then home for some College Football later.  You gotta love Fall!  Be good and be kind to yourself today.  You deserve a little goodness.  That's the news for this Saturday here in the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  84-degrees  |  Night:  63-degrees
What sad news to hear of Queen Elizabeth's passing. Long live the King.  She ruled in the most turbulent of times yet remained a leader and a calm, steady force to be reckoned with.  The world is in mourning for Britain and her Queen.

What saddens me even more are some of the editorial comments in the newspapers who are already trying to write their version of her history and cast aspersions about her immediately after her passing.  History will sort itself out as we well know but now is not the time to throw stones. This is a time for sorrow and remembrance. 

Today in the Carondelet Garden we will have plentiful sunshine with winds out of the SE at 5 to 10 MPH.  It's a beautiful day.  I've already enjoyed looking at my English Rose bush that we planted earlier this year in honor of the Queen's seventieth year. It's a bit sad now but the world continues on. Be good to yourself. Be kind to yourself and others as you journey about. That's all the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  84-degrees  |  Night:  57-degrees
It's haircut Thursday today.  Heading down to get these white locks trimmed down for Fall.  It's time as things are looking a bit shaggy around the old noggin.  The Asparagus is also looking a bit shaggy.  It's all I can do not to go in there and neaten things up a bit.  I know I'm not supposed to, and I won't until late, late Fall but it's starting to get on my nerves a bit.  Not unlike this unruly hair.

We all have things that can drive us up the wall, don't we? It's oftentimes such a little thing that gets under our skin.  Like out-of-control Asparagus ferns.  Patience is what is required but I don't want to wait.  Waiting is hard. Waiting requires time and patience and I'm not one for giving either.  It's another lesson learned by gardening. Patience. Waiting. Oftentimes waiting is the key. So, for now, I'm trying to learn patience. 

It's another beautiful day here in the Carondelet Garden.  Simply stunning this morning.  Bright sunshine with light and variable winds. It's an absolute delight. Try to enjoy some time in this sunshine. Be good and be kind to yourself and others this Thursday in September.  That's the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  81-didn't like  Night:  65-degrees
It's a beautiful morning here in the Carondelet Garden.  The last of the Butternut Squash is just about ready and we couldn't be more excited.  Do you feel Fall in the air? It seems trees are turning already.  Maybe it's just me. It seems early but somehow right. 

Yesterday was Mum day here in the Garden.  We moved a huge old Mountain Hosta from its old spot in the side yard.  We had an old Ash that died and was finally removed by the city earlier this summer.  That was fantastic, but now the entire side yard is now filled with sunshine and that old Hosta didn't like it.  Time for it to be moved.  It's a lovely, giant specimen and is going to be great in the back in a much shadier spot.  We also stopped and picked up some Mums to fill in temporarily until we decide what to do with that space.  Love the color and the smell of mums, don't you?

It's pretty much a perfect sunny Wednesday.  Skies are bright and blue. The winds are out of the NNE at 5 to 10 MPH.  Couldn't dream up a much better day.  Have a great Wednesday.  Be good and kind to yourself and others on your way.  That's the news from the Carondelet Garden.

Day:  81-degrees  |  Night:  64-degrees
We had such a great experience planting carrots last Spring that we decided to do it again this Fall.  They are looking pretty good right now.  I'm excited for the sweetness coming soon.  We went with the Carnival Mix once again.  I love the different, vibrant colors.

I have learned so much over the past few months about vegetables and gardening.  It's good to know that even this old guy can learn a few new tricks here and there.  Gardening is good for this old man's soul.  Prayer time while you pull weeds. Pulling weeds is a lot like prayer anyway.  It's a time to look back and try to get rid of the negative parts and focus on the good.  Like weeding, it's not always easy but it is necessary to get rid of that stuff keeping us from growing the way we should.  Keep weeding!

It's humid this morning but the temps are lovely.  We had a nice walkabout through the neighborhood this morning.  The Doodle Dog is now asleep in momma's chair.  The clouds are making me a bit sleepy as well but there should be a few peaks of sunshine later on. Yet again, there may be some more showers.  It's South Saint Louis! Who knows? The winds are out of the North at 5 to 10 MPH.  Be good and kind to yourself and others as you journey about! That's the news from the Carondelet Garden.