The season is winding down.
You can feel it in the air.
It’s a slow winding but we are definately on the down side.
These endless glorious days
Our reward for the past few months.
So I thought it would be a good time for a little review.
Let’s start with pots.
Mandevilla & Lantana on the back deck
They had a tough summer.
Luckily I decided to plant lantana in many pots
Don’t ask me why
Other than I remember liking a pot of lantana years ago at my friend JB’s house.
It’s the first year I’ve used it in pots.
It loves heat
So it has done very well.
I’ll definately repeat it next year.
But… the variegated purple fountain grass is another story.
It’s simply too big
I mean waaaaaay to big.
So big that it falls over with the slightest wind or rain.
I’d thought I’d dig it up and take it in
I’m more in a “let it die mood” at this point.
Let me know if you want to come and dig it.
I did see a mix of lantana, salvia victoria and penta that was stunning.
I also admired plumbago recently so may mix all that into the pot next spring.
The butterflies and hummingbirds should really like that combination.
Now, remember when I whacked away on the roses on the arbor of the garden house.
I’m pleased to report that the black spot has not returned all summer.
To be fair it could have a lot to do with the severe lack of rain
But I’m hopeful the black spot is truly history.
Maybe it fried along with the rest of us.
And speaking of roses the blue sticky traps seem to have worked.
I’ve enjoyed fully opened gorgeous blooms from the Aloha roses.
The traps are covered with lots of little black things which I’m guessing are the villan thrip.
Then there are the zinnias.
I planted more than I ever had.
Now, I have a ton for the monarchs to feast on as they migrate south.
I am not as crazy about the Thumbelina zinnia that I planted at the front of the bed.
Somehow they are taller than I expected.
The blooms are pretty small for arrangements.
They, too, are blooming wildly, but I think I over did it.
Perhaps if I just don’t plant them as thickly next year it will work better.
Kind of a recurring theme here too much & too tall.
The fall snap pea crop would have to be considered pretty much a failure.
Sorry Peg.
My guess is it was too hot when I planted.
Or maybe that place just wants a rest.
I’m not great at crop rotation.
But I do have lettuce popping up in three different places.
And the cilantro is doing just great.
For the first time I’m growing swiss chard.
Throw in a little of the volunteer arugala
And we’re talking greens!
That’s not a review of the entire season
Just what’s in front of me now.
Frankly, I’m just grateful to have something left to review this year.
But please.
Don’t think of this as a scorecard.
Gardening isn’t a contest.
It’s a journey.
Gail
In My Garden 