Friday, October 1, 2010

October Flowers and Garden Zone 4

Our average frost date is September 29. But we are far from having a frost. We have had a beautiful two weeks.  We even had a couple of days where the temperature reached 90 degrees. But the nights get down to about 45 so the days seem cooler. And the forecast is for another week of 70 degrees.  It is amazing how much you can get done with weather like that. I set out to reset one stone in my rock pathways.  One stone lead to another, which lead to some non-wanted plant removal, which lead to some changes to the yellow gate. And so it went.
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This area is next to the tree, in between the garden and the house. I reset several of these stones and inter-planted them with low growing plants.
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This is a new bed. I’ll tell you later what I removed and why. I just planted 2 Royal raspberries. They are a cross between a hardy red raspberry and a large purple raspberry. A friend gave them to me. He says the berries are large and delicious. Beyond the gate I have a strip of red raspberries.  I love berry bushes they don’t require spraying. Years ago I grew apricots, a peach tree, quince, plums. They had too many problems and I don’t spray, so after harvesting some crops I removed the trees.   Raspberries are also a good use of your real estate. Have you seen the price of them in the store. And they are so easy to grow.
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At the base of the large, old Elm tree is this little area.  There is a bit of petrified wood, some neat rocks and the carving in the middle is supposed to be cave dwellers hunting a bear. In our area we have petro glyphs or ancient wall drawings. But his is not an artifact. A local man made this and gave it to Ted. It’s amazing how many people think it is the “real thing”. 
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The pots on the fire pit are plants that I am readying to bring indoors right before the freeze.

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Several of the roses are still blooming. In the morning when the air and temperature is just right the fragrance wafts through the garden.  “Chocolate” green peppers are still growing. This large squash grew on top of the the back arbor. I have another growing on top of the side arbor. I hope they taste good.
As beautiful as this fall is, it is also a busy work time. As some of you know I set up shopping accounts for families for an eco-friendly catalog company. Sort of an online natural foods and supplies store. Normally it is $29 to become a member and we save 30 to 40% versus local store prices.  But this month it is only $1.   - I like what I do! I get to help others use safer products and save money and I am able to stay home and play in the garden.

22 comments:

  1. Oh Gloria, I agree. With the price of raspberries it seems we all should grow them! We have two varieties here at the moment, but intend to add more next spring! Crossing my fingers your first frost doesn't come too soon.

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  2. Funnily enough we should be having warm weather in Sydney, but the last couple of days have been rainy and cold. Winter just wanted to pop back and say "Hi".

    I love the rock art. Those are some mighty fine claws on the bear.

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  3. Gloria I love the way your window is framed with those beautiful plants as you sit beside your firepit.

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  4. I hope to log onto your presentation tonight. Thanks for the info on how to access. I love your backyard. When you get tired of the online shopping biz, you could make a living as a landscape designer! You and your builder hubby could be a complete package for home buyers. Love your blog and pix; they inspire me to get out into my own garden.

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  5. Hi Clare - It looks like we have another week of no frost!

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  6. Hi Paul! You are right! Scary looking claws!

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  7. Hi Rosie - I wove some branches over the window box so that the scarlet runner bean and morning glory vines could arch over. Thanks

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  8. Deb, you are too kind! Thank you. My webcast presentations nights are Friday and Sunday nights, though I can do individual presentations at other times also.

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  9. I would love to grow raspberries! I do grow blackberries but the birds get them before I do and that's okay. They're hungry, too!! :0)

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  10. Hi TS - The birds never seem to touch my raspberries. I have to cover my strawberries. I have friends who grow nanking cherries that the birds leave alone. I asked them about it and they said there are so many other fruit bearing shrubs for the birds to eat, that the birds leave the cherries alone. So perhaps they are eating something else instead of my raspberries.

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  11. I love working in the garden at this time of year, at least I would if it would stop raining!
    Did you rip out your quince?

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  12. Gloria, you work hard! The garden looks good, and I love your stones!

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  13. Hi Gloria, i actually envy your garden and your job and your weather. The fruits of your labor are awesome, healthy from pests and healthy for humans! And you work very hard, considering that expanse of space. And i pity all those labors and life when the harsh weather (winter) comes again. At any rate, congratulations because you are happy with what you do, and you have a wonderful help in Ted. thanks.

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  14. Hi Deborah! You are good! I wondered if anyone would figure out that it was the quince! I hope your rain decides to fall only at night while you sleep::

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  15. Hi Tatyana, yes, I work hard, but I enjoy it! I am still trying to lose some fat and gain some muscle :) The garden is my gym membership

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  16. Dear Andrea Thank you so much for such an insightful comment. Yes, I am thankful for each day.

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  17. What a beautiful hideaway! I love that you have raspberries tucked here and there. I grew some 'anne' (golden) raspberries this year but it was a little underwhelming. I may add some more traditional reds next year.

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  18. Hi Gloria, I am a huge advocate of raspberries. One thing I like about them is that they don't all ripen at once so you're not stuck with a truck load of produce to contend with. A few each day means just enough for a bowl or two.

    Your gardens are lovely. Good luck with your monetary endeavor. Being home is so nice.

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  19. Your back yard looks so peaceful. I could sit there for ever. We grow strawberries for the birds and critters. jim

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  20. Hi Wendy, Thank you -I am excited about my new raspberries. They should do good as they grow in my friends yard a few blocks away. It's always nice to grow something that does well in your area.

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  21. Grace so true! I love how long the season is for raspberries.

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  22. Hi Jim, thank you, but you have such a wonderful shady area. We tend to have alot of sun. But it is all good :)

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