Time to gather seeds

Zinnias. Holly hocks. Prairie coneflower. Genoese basil. Thai basil. Hummingbird mint. Coneflower. Milkweed. Poppies. Larkspur. Arugula.

In November, you may feel your garden it well-past producing, but it’s seed season, and there’s lots to gather out there. There’s something incredibly satisfying about gathering seeds for next year’s flowers (and fruits). Looking ahead soothes the heartache of another year gone by. And zooming down into the tight focus of seed gathering helps one appreciate all the intricate creations of nature. Zinnia seeds are not too far from flower petals themselves. Poppy pods are stunning cathedrals that rattle when rips with tiny seeds. Larkspur, hummingbird mint, and basil seeds dwell in tiny cups of former flowers. Arugula seeds are tucked away into miniature pea pods that dry to readiness. Prairie coneflower seeds nearly unzip from their flowers in an incredibly satisfying way. Hollyhock seeds line up donut-like around a central, blank space. Coneflowers prick and poke at you until you fine the right way in. Milkweed pods burst with downy, feathery fluff that carries seed far and wide. If you’re missing your garden, get out there. There is still so much to harvest!