Doesn’t this open gate make you want to come in and take a look?

I love garden gates because even the simplest of them creates an air of mystery, and every garden needs intrigue, a way to invite casual viewers in for a closer look. Arched garden gates like this one also frame a view. This one drew my eyes to the faded pink beauty of the Joe Pye blooms along the fence  And the strong curve of the black iron against soft yellow leaves made me stop in my tracks . . . and take a picture in the hopes you’d see the beauty I saw.

Yes, fall is in the air here in zone 4b. It’s gleaming in the yellow leaves of the Amur Cherry and rustling through the scattered fallen leaves. Yet the warm air and golden light makes winter feel blissfully far, far away.

Sometimes stubborn denial might just be the best part of gardening, don’t you think?