Perhaps the closing days of September is a funny time to talk about annuals, but if you are one of those lucky persons who planted salvia leucantha last spring and endured a long summer of wondering why, you are now getting or about to get your reward.

Also called Mexican Bush Sage it is one of the most beautiful annuals I know. It's tall. The foliage is silver colored. The blooms are pea-like and purple and white.

I also saw a recent report that it is a late season magnet for hummingbirds. Common sense would tell you that the fragile hummingbird is long gone but I saw several late last week. Closer observation leaves me surprised that the robins have left and the hummers are still around.

While talking about hummingbirds, I might point out that we generally see only one species, but recent evidence suggests that we need to keep our eyes open during migration season. Reports are rather common that some western hummingbird species swing this way on their migration because our gardens are still loaded with nectar.

The last several paragraphs could be read to imply that the temperatures are soon to turn colder. Most of our tropical annuals that have become more popular in recent years will need attention soon or left to the elements. Vines, like mandevilla, might remain happy in the house over winter and contribute to next year's garden.

I don't bother, but if you wish to bring them in, do it when the night temperatures approach 50 degrees. Cut them back and keep in a warm, high light location. They most likely will get stringy, but with a spring trimming it works.

Caladiums and elephant ears are very temperature sensitive. To keep them, dig them soon. Clean and dry the corms and store in peat moss at warm temperatures. We keep the black elephant ears, which seems to be a normal rooted plant, by just putting in a pot and bringing indoors.

Gladiolus and cannas are a bit easier. Some frost will not hurt them, but don't wait forever, or they, too, will be lost. Again dig, clean and dry. Stored in a dry, dark location with temperatures above 40 degrees should be enough to keep them for next year.

Dahlias lie somewhere in between. I don't want too much frost on them and would most likely go the caladium route for over wintering.

In conclusion, someone asked me a few days ago whether I had noticed how much more vibrant the flower blooms were right now. I confessed I hadn't noticed. Too busy I guess. What a shame. I looked. The cooler temperatures are working their magic.

There are lots of things that can be done in the September and October garden, but most of all take time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the beauty that surrounds us during this season.