Sometimes, just as now, I've pulled out photos from earlier seasons so I can remember how beautiful the shade garden can be. This photo was taken in May, 2019.
A second benefit... looking at past photos shows me what the garden can look like next spring. I'm doing quite a bit in the garden at the moment... planting some one and two gallon perennials, moving a few perennils that have overgrown their space, watering, mulching, etc.

To those who feel relieved to back away from any gardening for the next 4-5 months, I can only say please don't. To boost your feelings about continuing your participation through the winter months... try little things like calling your effort "gardening" instead of "yardwork". Try calling that brown stuff you cover roots with "soil" instead of "dirt." Try calling it "deadheading" instead of "shearing" or "trimming." Attitude is everything... and proper terminology for winter efforts will help you appreciate what you are doing.

Best wishes for winter...