A Milwaukee-Area Bed and Breakfast, The Port Washington Inn

Autumn leaves at Port Washington Inn

Ever ponder what gives autumn that extra special appeal, at least for those of us living in the midwest where we experience a definitive four seasons?  For me it’s my favorite colors, the bounty of the harvest, the mildness of the weather, and (way back when) the beginning of a new school year.  It’s a mixed bag of beginnings and culminations and it’s all wrapped up in the most gloriously colorful package for us to enjoy!

Having grown up amidst the farm fields of Iowa, once the harvest was in and the leaves were down, the palette of the landscape turned from colorful to monochromatic. The same would be true here except for Lake Michigan which injects a wide range of colors into the views from Port Washington Inn.  Depending upon the weather, Lake Michigan can be every subtle shade of blue ranging from greys to greens to purples.

Autumn leaves in Port Washington are typically at their peak of color the end of October.  Then the winds of November carry them off and we are left with greater views of beautiful Lake Michigan.  Come enjoy Autumn near the lake.

Stay longer, savor more, and save more!

Ninebarks at PWI

Originally uploaded by port_washington_inn

The ninebarks near our off-street parking area turn a deep burgundy this time of year. Port Washington’s location along the shoreline of Lake Michigan means that autumn’s colors peak later in the season.

Yesterday was an idyllic day to enjoy a stroll around the yard where so many blooms are fragrancing the air. White shrub roses, weigela, bridal wreath, climbing hydrangeas, and iris are in bloom and the pagoda dogwood branches are laden with creamy blooms later to become clusters of dark blue berries. The ninebarks and rock soapwort (rubra compacta) compete with each other for best of show as guests pull into the offstreet parking area in back. As summer solstice fast approaches, we marvel once again at Mother Nature’s ability to transform the barrenness of the winter months to this abundance. Truly we are meant to embrace this beauty, taking time to smell the roses!

In July the colors of daylilies are like fireworks against the backdrop of the grounds…. momentary bursts of color and pattern set against the more subtle textures and varieties of groundcovers, trees, shrubs, and hostas. The grey green hardscaped surfaces lend a serene background. Sit a spell in this parklike atmostphere and enjoy the cool lake breezes.