Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes

Most of the foliage in my garden has succumbed to repeated frosts, but a few things hang on. As I went out to gather these, a cold, gusty wind was swirling snow flurries all around. Winter is right around the corner.

Garden sage (Salvia officinalis) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), with their attractive gray-green leaves, provided a base.

Burgundy-red deciduous azalea foliage (sorry, no ID, as it came with the house) has rich purplish-brown undertones, a perfect contrast to the gray-green. Mauve heads of stonecrop (Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’ Autumn Joy) expand the color range.

Dried seed heads of bee balm (Monarda didyma) and wild common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) provide vertical interest and a smattering of bright green rose geranium leaves (Pelargonium graveolens)  create the finishing touch.

My vase is hand-blown crackle glass, a treasure from my childhood, once belonging to my mother. Mr. Toad, who lives on this autumn-themed…