This morning we went to take some seasonal pictures after we did a clean up. I have been sharing the design and install of this garden in phases for a while now. I have one more to go this coming Monday. But when I saw all the Halloween decorations I thought it would be fun to share them!

We had been planing to take pictures since fall started but wanted to tidy up a bit before hand. We were warned there were Halloween decorations but we were not expecting so many. We had to remove some to take some of the photos but I decided to take pictures with the decorations too. You can not see the two big black cats that fill with air. I really should drive by this evening for another shot. We installed lights in every area around this house and it is really lovely in the evening.

My favorite thing about Halloween is the pumpkins. They come in so many varying shades of orange and now we have green ones, white and even variegated.

Even though I have seen the witches smacked into a tree before it still makes me laugh! And the Chinese fringe trees that flank the house are decorated with little orange pumpkin lights.  I have to admit I am not much for Halloween decorations and seeing them in this garden that is usually subtle took some getting used to. I more prefer the autumn colors natures provides in leaves and berries.

I love the bright orange red berries on the of the  Weeping yaupon holly. This one has grown at least a foot since we planted it last March. Yaupons are native to Texas and are very versatile. They can live in full sun to part shade. They are drought tolerant but can deal with wet clay soil. There are many varieties and while I like using Dwarf yaupon hollies instead of boxwoods for a small hedge, my favorite is the Weeping form.

Everywhere we turned there was a little decorating fun! The little ghosts in the redbud tree were probably my favorite!

“But the raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only,
That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.
Nothing further then he uttered—not a feather then he fluttered—
Till I scarcely more than muttered ‘Other friends have flown before—
On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before.’
Then the bird said, ‘Nevermore.’ “-  excerpt from The Raven

Happy Halloween from the Ravens of Ravenscourt Gardens!