The last week of August has a feeling all its own.

Cooler temperatures, a few sprinkles of rain, evenings going dark a little earlier than you expect, and those spider webs that appear out of nowhere and find your face every single time.

The garden shifts so fast in the second half of August…faster than I remembered. Every morning looks a little different than the day before.

The cut flower garden has kept me busy with cutting, harvesting, filling vases, and starting the process of bringing summer inside in a way that will last well into the fall.

And I’ve had my garden planner out all week, making notes for next year while everything is still fresh. What worked, what didn’t, what I want more of. I’m already planning next year’s garden. More of the tried-and-true flowers that showed up and delivered, and less of what looked pretty in the seed catalog and then did absolutely nothing.

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. My blog also contains other affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

This Week at the Cottage

Many of the hydrangeas are ready for drying, and I have been cutting them all week. I cannot tell you how excited I am about this part.

Dried hydrangeas filling the cottage is one of my absolute favorite things about late summer and early fall.

The way they hold their color as they dry, the charm they bring to a room, and the way they make everything feel soft and gathered.

They’re all in vases with a bit of water in the laundry room, but they’ll soon be moved to their new spots for fall throughout the house.   

The fresh flowers have been coming inside too.

There are blooms on the kitchen table, my nightstand, and the coffee table in the living room.

Whatever the garden is willing to give right now, I’m cutting these gifts and bringing them inside.

And tomatoes. Finally, the tomatoes. After all the waiting and watching those green fruits ( I still think of them as a vegetable) hang on the vine for weeks, they are finally here.

There’s nothing quite like that first ripe tomato of the season pulled right off the vine.

The Living Room

It’s been a while since I’ve shared this room, and I’ve been looking forward to showing it to you.

No fall styling yet. I’ve still been very much in summer mode this month, but will start making some seasonal changes now that we’re moving into September.

There are flowers throughout.

Ollie taking up his usual spot on the leather couch…

and the white slipcovered chair.

And Jax keeping an eye on things from nearby.  

In the Garden

Not much has changed in the garden from last week.

The black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) are still the strongest presence in the garden and still bringing all the color.

They are such reliable, cheerful bloomers and I’m grateful for every one of them right now.

I grew a few rudbeckia varieties by seed this year. They started off extremely slow but are finally blooming.

There are still plenty of flowers to harvest daily in the cutting garden, and they are still keeping me very busy!

Next year’s garden is already taking shape in my head. More of what worked, less of what looked pretty in the seed catalog and then did absolutely nothing.

In the plan currently…

Mum Tip

Mums are starting to show up everywhere right now at Costco, nurseries, and garden centers. If you’re planning to bring some home, here’s the one tip that will make all the difference: always choose plants with more buds than open flowers.

It’s tempting to grab the ones already bursting with color, but trust me, choosing mums that are just starting to show will reward you with a much longer, more beautiful show all season long.

On the Blog This Week

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

This gorgeous home features a kitchen renovation, a laundry room redesign, and a primary suite update that you’ll love.

You’ll have to try this white chicken chili corn chowder recipe.

Wait until you see this easy DIY wreath made with Dollar Tree supplies.

Looking for creative pinecone wreath ideas? Here are three.

This autumn apple and pecan salad is perfect for fall.

You’ll love this UK coastal retreat.

Create a relaxed and refreshing end-of-summer menu with these tips and recipes.

Check out this easy no-sew kitchen towel DIY.

Embrace the essence of fall with this hot apple cider recipe.

Coming Up Next Week

September is here, and the garden is ready to turn. Have a great week.

Until next time,