Krista We’ve just entered an intermission after a very wet spell here in Seattle - it’s been nice for garden activities and some last views of dahlia blooms. The rain’s return is inevitable though!
calico20hill And with the wet comes lack of sun and weak stems. I think my garden is essentially over with since we have so much less sunlight now. My garden is still pretty from a distance but up closem not so much. I cut down the row of Grow Bag dahlias yesterday. They did bloom and I got to see what I had but they did not grow as tall o rbloom as prolific as the in-ground ones. It could be that the purchased soil was not very fertile...I think it was mostly sand.
calico20hill Suddenly the weather forecast has changed! Now showing temps dropping into the 30's at night within the next week1. Before there was No Frost being shown even through Nov. OK, out to the garden I go! TIme to whack them down......Today is probably as good as its going to be for putting things to bed for the winter.
Krista calico20hill Ours has just shifted too, Noni! Looks like nights in the mid-30’s by next weekend. I’m leaving town tomorrow for most of the week so hopefully I’ll have a day or two when I return to get everybody cut back and lifted before we freeze. 🤞🏽
calico20hill I have all the (70) grow bags and 2 of the 6 rows cut down now. And the most amazing cut flowers off those rows! Its a sad but happy time...I had so many pretty flowers to cut this year. and I got quite a few seeds saved for next year. I can most likely finish the cut down tomorrow. No hurry then to dig...Will just watch for good digging days for the last 4 raised beds.
Juliarugula Had our first frost last night. It was pretty light - not sure (what’s left of) the plants will actually be affected much. I’m about ready to sprint to the finish with this dig/divide business…
JessieC It’s warm, dry, and pleasant here, which makes me want to do as you say and get it done! I haven’t watered in weeks and we have had little rain, so it’s pretty easy to get these little treasures out of the ground.
AndreaB Temps dipped to 28 last night. Time to put the gardens to bed. Went for a chilly garden walk this morning. I love looking at all the frosty plants.
Krista AndreaB Beautiful, what is your cylindrical, plum-hued bloom in the 4th photo, I love the shape and color!
AndreaB Krista It’s Buddleia, aka Butterfly Bush. Do yourself a favor and get one (or 3) if you enjoy butterflies and bees in your garden. They come in all sizes, so I’m sure you could find one that fits!
Krista AndreaB Thank you, I will certainly consider it if I can be sure to manage it responsibly here. It’s really pretty so I’d be game for some TLC to make it happen!
calico20hill I miss my Bubbleia. Oregon does not permit them. To me, part of autumn is the fragrance of Bubbleia and the flowers were great to add to mixed bouquets. Unfortunately the seeds spread like crazy far away into the forests and disrupt the native habitats here in Oregon, so they got banned except for the tiny hybrid . I guess that one doesn't set seeds .
AndreaB calico20hill Oregon does not permit them. Wow! I’ve never heard of a ban on them. We’ve grown them for years and I think we’ve only gotten a couple of “volunteer” plants. They must be heartier growers in your area.
Teddahlia 11AM and cold rain and the temp is 50F. High today expected to be 54 as it rains. Not a day to work in the garden. Weather like this is more typical in December.
calico20hill It is only 49 Degrees here, very dark and rainy....not a work outside day at all! We did get the first bed dug yesterday and they are washed now so IF I turned on the heater in the greenhouse I COULD go work on dividing them...or I could wait a few days until the sun shine more. Very dark and dismal...
calico20hill Oregon is very protective of their forests. Apparently it has been found seeding far away from the parent shrubs. I know when I grew it in Washington State, i got volunteers but I just pulled them out or moved them. Anything I could use in my cut flower bouquets was welcome if I had a space for it.
calico20hill Krista Krista, it also has a strong fragrance. It makes me think of plums turning slightly alcoholic under the tree at the end of the season.....
Krista calico20hill Oh, good to know, thank you! Is it a nice “plums turning” fragrance or not-so-nice?
calico20hill Krista I kind of enjoyed it. Being as alcoholic beverages don't agree with me, I could at least smell the kind of wine scent...smells like an autumn bash!
