Tuesday Snapshots

Our high temperature today came early, before 11 AM. The TV weather folks have been warning us about this cold snap for several days now, almost giddy at the possibility of covering snow in early November. We’ve seen lots of maps and charts, but the forecast seems to change day to day and hour to hour. We’ve seen the snow accumulations to our west and north, but I don’t think anyone in Williamsburg has any expectation of seeing more than a brief flurry, which we had this afternoon.

The Pineapple Sage will probably freeze before morning.

The sky filled with flying leaves as the wind howled all morning. What a beautiful sight against the increasingly brooding sky. The temperature started to plummet around noon, and we all know that the garden will look like a very different place tomorrow. I went out for a last visit with the vividly scarlet pineapple sage , gathered the last of the hot peppers, admired the basil one more time, and noticed a still emerging bud on a zinnia. The garden has hung on as long as possible. I think it would be quite happy to keep on growing and blooming for another month or so.

But we expect lows in the 20’s tonight.

Begonia Rex came out of its summer pot yesterday, leaving the Camellia to brave winter with some Violas as new companions.

We spent all of yesterday bringing in the last of the pots to save; digging the final Rex Begonias and settling them into new pots; and dealing with the leaves accumulating around porches and flower beds.

It was a long day, but we wanted to finish up while it was dry and sunny. Besides, it was a gorgeous day to be outside.

The roses, iris, and lantana are blooming as though it were still September. New buds continue to open on the ginger lilies and camellias. It is almost surreal to see the riot of blossoms against the now nearly bare limbs of trees.

Now the Begonias will have to adjust to life inside, with drier air and less light. They will all drop some leaves, but those will be replaced with new ones over the next few weeks. Pinching back, and pruning over long branches will make the plants grow more thickly.

So the house is officially full up. There is even a potted Begonia on my work table in the office. I’m clueless where I’d set even a holiday Poinsettia. The last few ivy geraniums are going to a good home tomorrow in my friend’s guest room.

So let the frozen wind blow. The fireplace is lit and the house smells of roasted sweet potatoes. Autumn is upon us, winter knocks at the windows, and we’re settled in for the season.

Here then are Tuesday’s snapshots, photos from the last week in our forest garden.