Is the gardener ever ready when it comes to the first fall frost? I mean, we know it's coming, yet it always seems like we're caught in a panic. The forecast for Sunday night is potential frost, at least to the west of Washington D.C., like in my backyard. So today I started digging. All tuberose came out. Cannas are chopped up to save. Tender potted plants come in and brugmansia are dug and potted. This is where the emotional gardener meets the practical one. I'm muttering all day "I love that plant". But how much window space does one have? Decisions have to be made, realistic ones.
Back in spring I decided to buy Salvia mexicana 'Limelight' in a soft moment. I was banking on a long fall, only because the last 2 haven't been. We're due. Salvia 'Limelight' is tender and late to flower. Blue flowers come out of green calyxes, just glorious. Sadly it's just begun, so I'm hoping we dodge the frost. Give me 2 more weeks.
Other salvias are splendid for fall, as they tend to be. I do love them (emotional), but I'll let them go (practical). And that's final!
I understand your gardening pain! "(
The blue Salvia is just splendid!
Posted by: Jackie P Neal | 10/16/2015 at 01:26 PM
Ugh... It will be hard to see those salvia freeze this weekend. Maybe they'll make it through just a bit worse for the wear but not totally frozen. My zinnias will be goners by Monday so I'll enjoy them while I can.
Posted by: Casa Mariposa | 10/16/2015 at 09:46 PM
I could have taken cuttings in August, and I thought about it, but salvias are white fly magnets in the winter. So I'm fine with buying them again in spring. They just get so gorgeous and then BLAM!
Posted by: Karen | 10/17/2015 at 08:04 AM