Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

You are here: Home / Archives for garden

Autumn Surprise(s)

at by


Our sedum Autumn Joy has the most intense color this year – I suppose it is because of all the rain. I love seeing this splash of color among the earth tones of Autumn. The garden is overgrown with maple leaves everywhere. Imagine my surprise when I saw this perfect little bloom:


At first I thought it was something else, then I realized it was my Butterfly Bush. Up until this year it hasn’t done much blooming – I forgot I had it! Tucked in amongst everything else, it is blooming beautifully and is a wonderful Autumn Surprise.

I have decided I love my new font and I’m keeping it! It makes me happy. That alone is reason enough, isn’t it? Thanks for all your comments – and your thumbs up for the font!

At 4 in the morning we were jolted awake by a piercing alarm – but only for a few seconds. We stumbled around trying to figure out which of the many detectors in this house went off. We have no idea. It didn’t last and never went off again. I don’t think it is anything wired into the alarm company or they would have called. We have two carbon monoxide detectors – but the windows were open and the one in the bedroom registered 0. There are also a few smoke alarms that are not wired into the main alarm system. Of course, I couldn’t get back to sleep for a while. Today I am convinced it was a fluke – dust or something setting off some alarm for a split second. Nevertheless, a frightening way to wake up in the night!

Alright, I must get going…hope your Monday is beautiful!

Tired Garden

at by


About the time mid-August rolls around, my garden is tired. And I’m tired…of weeding, of pinching back, of pruning…all of it. Fallen maple leaves make their new home amongst the plants ~ their presence heralds the arrival of Autumn.


The hydrangea changes from white to soft green.

I know this is part of the cycle. Nevertheless, it always makes me a little melancholy.

Some plants, like my sedum, don a new color.



I used to say that Autumn was my favorite season and it still might be. But since we have lived in the Cottage, I have been blessed with a garden and I love it so. I hate to see it fade away for another 9 months or so. By the way, we moved into MHC 4 years ago on August 30th. What a wonderful day that was!

I managed, in true Claudia-the-procrastinator fashion, to avoid doing the two things I needed to do yesterday. My husband shot some photos of me for my work-related web site and we were so pleased with the results that we merrily drove off for lunch and a visit to the bookstore. Next thing I knew, it was time for dinner. So I must tackle both tasks today, along with cleaning the oven. Last night husband was making a delicious pizza when the kitchen filled with smoke, setting off the alarm and prompting a call from our alarm company. Many windows were opened, fans turned on, and the alarm company was reassured that all was well. But something was smoking in that oven. Some cleaning must be done.

I just realized that this is my 301st post! How did that happen? Have a wonderful day!

Missing and Mowing

at by

I looked out my front window this morning and saw this pink ribbon moving in the breeze. I miss our little stray kitty…this is the ribbon we used to help her relax a bit and begin to trust us. And beyond the ribbon are the hydrangea and spirea bushes where little Birdie was hiding. I know we couldn’t keep her…but I miss her.


The endless rain has finally left us along with the humidity and what a gorgeous day it is. I decided to tackle some lawn mowing. More specifically the back forty where I encountered two yellowjackets in recent weeks. We’ve had both nests treated but because of the rain and humidity I couldn’t get back there to mow. I must be honest. I was nervous. So I wore these:


My husband’s size 13 boots. I needed some ankle protection – just in case – and I didn’t have anything remotely appropriate. My foot size is much smaller, so I’m sure I looked ridiculous. Nevertheless, they gave me the confidence I needed to get out there and get the job done. And I did.

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

Thanks for visiting! Feel free to browse, read and enjoy. All content is my own; including photos and text. Please do not use anything on this site without permission.

Disclosure/Privacy Policy can be found in the Navigation Bar under ‘About MHC.’

Also, I love receiving comments! I do, however, reserve the right to delete any comment that is in poor taste, offensive or is verging on spam. It’s my blog. If you’re a bot or a troll you’ll be blocked. Thanks!

Archives