Its Deserved Rest

The annual conundrum, when
and how, where and why to begin.
The garden is deeply in fade mode
weary of its spectacular showiness
tired of its proud conceit and our
admiring accolades, well prepared
for its deserved rest. The gardener
appraises all options, knowing the
end of luxuriant blooms are nigh.
Wait for a succession of hard frosts
to devastate the pride of the garden
or resolutely undertake the process
of deconstruction, lifting still-vibrant
annuals, storing roots and bulbs 
for spring, composting fleshy,
bright petals and cutting back all
those perennials to tidy the beds
and borders for spring arrival
as certain as life-destroying winter
making its stealthy approach.