I don’t know about you, but things are changing quickly around here. Temps dropping by 30 degrees will do that! I talked with a friend today in Wisconsin and they are expecting their first frost this week. That was a wake-up call for me to get busy.
- Collect Seeds
- Take cuttings of the pelargoniums (Robers Rose and Attar of Rose)
- Bring the much-neglected topiaries into the potting shed
- Put the heater in the potting shed
- AND, get serious about garden cleanup!
BLOOMS GOING FOR A BIG FINISH

and I have these!










FUN TIMES
Big thanks to the Colonial Rose District in Virginia for inviting me to their wonderful event. It was so good to be with you all.


roses and rose friends!









While at the ARS (American Rose Society) Colonial District meeting I met John & Cheryl Smith who hybridize some amazing roses that they were selling! David also told me about their fertilizer (from Microbial Science Laboratoratories) and gifted me some to try next year. Seeing his results, I am very excited to give them a try. Have you used these products? Would love to hear about your experience.
John & Cheryl were also awarded the prestigious Guy Blake Award for rose exhibition. Many were talking about what great exhibitors they are and how they always take the time to help others! Congratulations!




Friends, Until next time, I hope you are enjoying your fall days in the garden.
Oh, my! When I first read about your planning to attend the Colonial Rose District, I wondered if you were coming to VA. Our local Peninsula Rose Society use to be a member of the Colonial Rose District, but the very nice Women’s Club building where the majority of the meetings were held was supposed to be sold prepandemic. A lot of the very active and older members have since passed away, so we basically disbanded. Just a few members still meet occasionally, but they may not now due to the pandemic. Richmond is our capital of VA. We use to go up to Richmond many times as my daughter lived and worked up there many years ago. She lived in the Upper Fan District near Monument Avenue. A most beautiful museum is nearby there, a real jewel. Well, today has been windy and brought much-needed rain from Hurricane Ian as we were in a drought. Today is a very special day for me and my husband, our 55th Wedding Anniversary. I baked a homemade coconut custard pie, and we celebrated and exchanged some gifts. I even made a few floral arrangements last night before the rain arrived early this am. Lovely photos of you and everyone. Thanks for sharing.
Happy Anniversary! Homemade coconut custard pie and flowers are a great way to celebrate!