This week brought out the coldest temps to date and the garden is showing the signs. While it was not cold enough to give that enchanting dusting of frost on the blooms, it was enough to cause the not so enchanting beginning of the end — they sort of look like they are melting. Yikes.
I have work to do! Mercy, some of the roses, zinnias and cosmos have grown so tall. #jungle Many of the David Austin roses have grown to 10′ or more. Tomorrow will be a “put on your boots, coat and gloves and get busy cleaning up the garden” kind of day. They weather is going to be in the high 60s. PERFECT.
BLOOM THYME THIS WEEK
POTTING SHED PUTTERINGS
“Bloom Thyme This Week” will become “Potting Shed Putterings” for the winter.
Today I brought into the Potting Shed the last of the plants that need winter shelter. Took some time to move them around to places where they can catch the most light. Eventually we will install lights but for now there will be a bit of stretching.
Here are the two roses we started from 3″ cuttings at ROSEFEST in June. My good friend, Connie Hilker, was here to show us her method of starting rose cuttings and while these guys got off to a “proper” start, I assure you they should not still be in their “planting pot.” But they are. Forgive me Connie, I plan to repot them soon! Pray I don’t lose them, I have become quite fond of my baby Peggy Martin and Therese Bugnet. Take a look at Connie’s method of starting cuttings HERE. It might work for you too. I plan to do several more next year!
Other things brought in today were my boxwood topiaries and my boxwood cuttings.
Look at this cute cactus that called my name in Lowes… This time of year I spend a lot of time in the houseplant section of Lowes. Houseplants are really trendy right now and you can tell it in the selection we have! I have never seen so many different houseplants! Mr. G is beginning to get worried. Seems like I’m getting at least one new one each week. How many weeks does winter have?🌿 😱🌿
INSIDE JOBS: First up will be bigger pots for the baby roses – fingers crossed they do ok. You know roses love sun and sun is not something that Indiana has a surplus of in the winter.
There will be a lot of “puttering” in the Potting Shed this winter. Yes, puttering, planning, reading and dreaming of spring – and taking care of these baby plants.
I hope you will join me.
For those who have asked… here is the front of the potting shed. It is a tiny space (about 6′ X 12) that is attached to the back of our house. It is attached to our house because 25 years ago when Mr. G built it, the covenants on our street did not allow out buildings. I think they do now, but I am so happy that my potting shed is right in the middle of all the garden action! Out the door is a small pond and beautiful roses.
I look forward to your blog and know that you love all types of plants. What kind of soil mixture did you use for your baby rose cuttings? Can you grow pansies in your area as they need sun during the winter? Do you ever have any luck rooting a rose stem (cane) with leaves on it in water and placing it in a sunny window? Thank you! It has also turned chilly here, and we had rain all day this past Wednesday. We really welcomed it.
Be careful with that darling little cactus. It looks like Bunny Ears, which loves to offload its tiny little stickers into your skin. I was beguiled with it too but it wasn’t very nice to me.
Hello, The 🌵 cactus is cute but yes I’ve been “bitten.” It is on my desk where it gets little sun but is growing strong!
They look so innocent, without larger spines, but that fuzz is wicked!
You don’t need my forgiveness, Teresa dear. I am also guilty of leaving my cuttings in tiny pots for way too long. I convince myself that it will mean that I have to dig a smaller hole when planting time comes. 😉
Your garden, no matter the season, is always wonderful!
Thanks Jim! I sure love it! Thanks for stopping by.
Nasturtiums! I used to get flack for growing them, but they seem to be more popular than my colleagues would admit.
Edible flowers are fun and quite trendy!