I thought I’d take a little break from the Aeolians to share some things I’m savoring this fall. These Japanese Anemones (hupehensis japonica) come to me every year, in growing quantities, their poppy-like petals and the bright green centers that remain after the petals drop always make me smile. They grow in abundance here and I love how they brighten the house as the days begin to darken a little earlier.
If you’ve been reading SM for awhile, you probably know that another thrill for me each fall is collecting Osage Oranges or Hedge Apples to pile in bowls around the house. These oddly beautiful orbs offer a fresh glimpse of green and the most refreshing grassy, citrusy scent. Not only are they a natural room freshener, but they are also supposed to repel spiders and insects.
They look lovely and lively around the house and they also make great Halloween decorations. My kids always call them “monkey brains”, which gave me the idea to put them in jars with slightly red tinted water to look like laboratory specimens.
Osage Oranges can now be found on Amazon.
What are you enjoying this fall?
Have a great weekend!
Emily the anemones are so ethereal and I wish they grew here. I used to see hedge apples around a lot and don't anymore…hmmm have to check on that because I agree they are wonderful color and scent in a bowl!!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Parish-Hadley Tree of Life
Hi Emily
I am so curious how long the osage oranges last? As far as I know they aren't grown here in Ca but they can be ordered from the Plains States. They are so interesting!
Hi Cindy — I have had them last for 6 – 8 weeks in cooler rooms. I think they are more common in the middle states and also on the east coast. I've seen them at farmer's markets in upstate New York and there is a huge tree in Central Park. I know they are also common in rural Britain. Because of the thorns on the branches they are pruned to create dense hedges that serve as fences in rural areas (hence the other common name, hedge apples). Emily