Everything still in clay pots made it onto the front deck so that the pots will live to see another season. Also in there are a few things in glazed pots that can stand the cold, but not the wet.
A few things, like Picea pungens ‘Fat Albert’ made it into the ground, where poor Al looks a little lost and forlorn. He is destined to grow big, though…
so I envision him one day standing out against the dark background of the cedar trees in all his silvery glory, much like the golden Cryptomeria japonica ‘Sekkan Sugi’, planted in ’04.
I picked all of the dahlias that were in bloom, anticipating that they would turn to mush in the freeze.
Not so. These happy new blooms seem little worse for the cold temps.
I picked all of the Zinnias too. The remaining stems may not make it all the way to new blooms, but we shall see. In the meantime, our house is looking pretty festive.
Not much continuity here, though, with summery dahlias and zinnias in one part of the house and the fall arrangement of Chasmantium latiflorium and dried ‘Limelight’ Hydrangeas with a few squashes in another.
Richard gets a little panicky when I start moving plants indoor, fearing that it will get claustrophobic.
So I left a few things out, incorporated others into existing pots and tucked things into corners here and there. We’re both happy with the results. I hope the plants will be.
Wandering around to assess what Jack Frost had wrought, I spotted one lonely little muhly bloom (if you look closely, you can see it against the dark background provided by Sami…she’s an unusually accommodating cat, um, occasionally).
It’s not even on the healthiest looking of the three plants I got from Scott of Rhone Street Gardens. I think I can expect a stunning display this time next year.
Once again, the Kniphofia multiflora is racing against time.
All of those little buds seem unfazed, so perhaps this year it will make it.
I love the way the tip of the blooming stalk curls over and almost echoes the silhouette of the weeping Sequioia behind it.
Strange things are happening out by the compost bins. I’ll close with a plea to all of you knowledgeable observers of nature. Can anyone tell me what this is? I’m pretty sure we shouldn’t try to eat it.
I do have a certain love of the crazy over-the-top riches the house fills up with when I’m running around cutting things to save them from certain death. It’s good to see you doing the same thing.
It’s fascinating to see how other gardeners prepare for winter. It looks like you’re well on top with preparations!
We’re rooting for you crazy Kniphofia, bloom baby bloom! It sure looks cool with the Sequoia. Probably wouldn’t eat that fungus but you know, what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger so you can decide if you want to take the risk. It’s Halloween and all, maybe you’ll see some really interesting things if you eat it.
Okay, you win for the craziest mushroom! Whoa. That cryptomeria is gorgeous and F. Albert is going to look smashing next to it.
Anna K~always courting the strange and unusual, sometimes it arrives unbidden.
Loree~Like minds.
Alison~How protected is your porch?
Anna B~It’s all over the map, according to the weather guys, but first frost Oct 28 did seem a little early to me. The weather seems to be getting weirder and weirder.
Mark & Gaz~We haven’t nearly the wintering-over space you guys have, so we must improvise. So far, so good.
Peter~Knif will appreciate the rooting squad (Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, siss-boom-bah). As for the mushroom: I think I’ll stick to a sugar high for Halloween.
Heather~You will fit right in on Delusional Drive.
That compost creature is frightening. I’m in love with Fat Albert, though. He’s adorable (well, now, anyway). Does your kniphofia always bloom at that time? I have a K. rooperi (different, I know) that is supposed to bloom in Aug-Sept. but insists on insists on waiting until after Thanksgiving to get going. And then it freezes. I’m ready to ditch it.
Sarah~I’m a kniphomaniac, so have several different varieties. They all finish blooming well before now, except for this one. It’s been here only two years and both times has come on late like this.
The thing by the compost bin is clearly an alien life form. Do not eat it or even look at it !!
I covet Fat Albert btw !
Jane S~Too late…I already looked, but I’ll follow your advice about the eating.
Isn’t it fun to see what happens in the compost bin? Thanks for the reminder–I need to turn mine before it gets too cold. The Sequoia-mimicking Kniphofia is certainly a great sight to see! I don’t bring plants inside because my cats make litter boxes out of them, but I did put the cold-hardy succulents on the screen porch. I wonder if they’ll survive the winter?
Beth~The fungi are having a field day everywhere I look. I put pine cones to cover any bare earth in the indoor pots. It discourages Sami the cat from indulging in those bad habits.