First Fall Frost

Yesterday's weather forecast called for an overnight low temperature of 33 F.  We were pleasantly surprised this morning to find our garden free of frost damage.  A trip to the back acres revealed just how close the frost had come to our front garden.  Pumpkin and squash leaves in the wilderness garden showed varying degrees of damage.  The plants that had climbed the fence were untouched by frost despite their higher elevation.  Plants nearer the woods also escaped burned leaves.

Vines more exposed were hit by the frost.  We had already harvested ripe squash and pumpkins but were now eating stuffed pumpkin blossoms.  The flower in the picture is tightly closed and may be undamaged.  We will check again tomorrow to see if one more batch of blossoms is possible.  If we can remember next year, there is a long period of time when harvesting the male flowers is possible.

Years ago we purchased four sugar maples from a local syrup maker.  Three of the trees are still alive.  We will watch to see if the frost pushes the change in color.  Exactly how our bright fall leaf colors happen is not completely understood here.  We believe frost is a factor so we will watch to see if color follows frost.
 

Monarch butterflies have been taking advantage of the winds from the north to begin their migration south.  Any moment that we look up from our work now, we see these butterflies flying toward Mexico.  They spiral down to feed on the goldenrod then quickly move on.  All are newly hatched so their colors are bright and their wings are not torn or frayed.  If you look for it, each season is special in its own way.  Migrating monarchs are one visual treat at this time of year.

October Frost

With yesterday's cloudless skies and cool temperatures, we didn't need a weather forecast to expect this view of the garden this morning. It was still dark when I got up . I could see Orion and other stars overhead. In the early morning light the garden was covered in white. Later when the sun reached the garden the frost disappeared leaving the ugly  remains of any annuals still in the garden. By ten o'clock it was another gorgeous fall day. But this frost marks an end to this summer's garden. From this point it's next year's garden  that matters. This year it's late enough to be welcome. We like having a four season garden.

Frost Kissed Spicy Globe Basil

Last night Jack Frost did a little sneaking around in our garden. This cute, round spicy globe basil was just kissed by the frost. The top is all brown, but the leaves near the ground are still green. The rest of our basil got more of the kiss of death except for a few plants on top of an old compost pile. There the frost swept by missing the basil, but laying it's nasty brown kiss on the butternut squash leaves right next to it. Some of our tender plants like the moonflower escaped completely. We were not expecting the frost last night. We did bring in the pots of sweet bay. It's a lucky thing we did. Sweet bays don't tolerate even a whisper of frost. In our defense, it was overcast, and we really thought the garden would be safe.


Tonight is a different story. The sky is clear and cloudless. The severe weather warnings were issued days ago. I picked the peppers. The potted plants are in the basement. Tomorrow morning I expect to wake up to a frosted white garden. tonight's predicted low is 35 degrees. Only July and August were frost free for us in 2009. Next year I hope we can do better!

Widespread Frost

Yesterday we left the garden and went to visit our daughter. The trees are coloring nicely although still a little subdued. Autumn in New York ... so appealing. It was a beautiful trip!

When we arrived home I checked the weather forecast. WIDESPREAD FROST was the headline. Ed and I walked around the garden and decided to cover only the chrysanthemums. For the rest of the tender plants it was a quick goodbye. It's time! This year's garden is over. Today marks the start of next year's garden.

Still, here I am like a kid on Christmas morning up at 4:45 a.m. turning on the porch light to see if Jack Frost actually made his appearance. I don't see frost close to the house, but it is still very dark.

When I switched off the light I couldn't help but notice the stars. We have big sky here and it is country dark. Orion is shining brightly to the south. The stars are brilliant against the dark sky. I'll get my coffee and watch the stars fade in the morning light. When the sun is up, I'll bundle up get the camera and go out for a picture. OK, I'll open the window and take one!