From bland to grand

There are hollyhocks.

The hedges are changing color.

On the ground, the maples are glowing.

And this exuberant hydrangea makes me smile.

Really? It's opposite of bland.

Whether mops of color or delicate sprays,

what it takes is a closer look ...

and even the seed heads have a lovely geometry.

Early October in Seattle looked bland at first glance (below). But what beauty we found with a closer look ... What's around you?

A sunny walk

There are fragrant roses.

And on the same plant, rose hips.

But the cone hydrangea waves, "Look at me! Look at me." So we do.

Fluff and stuff

Everywhere I look, something is ready for reassignment. These tall dried grass heads are a perfect complement to the book corner. 

Not done yet!

 Our daughter-in-law and her friends are gleaners, picking up expired food and flowers from a variety of supermarkets. This wall-hung vase offers a second chance: "One more round for you!" and the bouquet lights up the corner for another week.

Star-crossed

The shrub in a Seattle boulevard boasts a star-cross topping. How pretty!

What the blazes?

On a walk around the Seattle neighborhood, the grandkids pause beneath a fall tree, ablaze with color.

Dry finds

 This week, I find moss and seed pods on the street. That's enough to make a collection for the nook table.