Some great guesses!
Most identified the seed head of a Clematis – this one is Clematis tibetana, also known as Orange Peel clematis due to the leathery golden-orange petals/bracts. It’s a late bloomer anyway, and the profusion of swirly seed heads sparkle in the autumn sun. Quite vigorous when compared to the large-flowered clematis species and hybrids; more along the lines of sweet autumn clematis (Clematis terniflora). Covers small structures and slow-moving terrestrials in a single season.
The second was a stumper – though most folks were barking up the right tree/annual/perennial and guessing some apetalous members of the Asteraceae.
It’s Ajania pacifica (most of us learned it as Chrysanthum pacificum or Dendranthema pacificum) or "gold and silver chrysanthemum". A very well-behaved, low, mounding, old-school perennial; best with good drainage and plenty of sun. One of the last perennials to bloom for us; it’s also very frost-tolerant. The gray-green foliage is edged in white, and despite several hard frosts, still looks great.
Forgot to mention – Hokies got crushed by Clemson yet AGAIN this season. Oddly, we end up in the Sugar Bowl. Very strange weekend.