Right now it is 5:45 a.m. and I have the back door open so Scout can run in and out...able to announce to me that she has found the trail of the bunny that has been visiting our garden in the evenings.
It is cool and crisp you can literally smell autumn. I know many of you up North are already experiencing gorgeous Fall color. But we here in coastal Virginia are just beginning to witness the first signs...goldenrod in bloom, acorns on the oak trees, geese again flying overhead.
The past few weekends the boys and I have been reading the garden for the winter growing season. Last year, we had parsley, cabbage, and swiss chard that made it all winter. The perseverance of those plants had me wondering what else would survive the winter. With a little research, I found that the ocean, being slower to cool and warm than the air, provides some protection from the dipping temperatures that most of inland Virginia experiences. So we along the coast can grow year round. For you locals, Useful Gardensand their forum is a great source of information for those of us who can take advantage of this interesting geographical gardening opportunity.
So far in our little raised beds, we have...
- kale, can't wait to try this recipe for kale chips
- mixed lettuces
- broccoli
- peas
- spinach
- leeks
- onions
- brussel sprouts
From the summer garden we still have...
- a few tomatoes, but they are quickly being devoured by tobacco hornworm caterpillars
- green beans
- cucumbers
- the dill and cilantro have reseeded themselves, but not sure how big they will get before a cold snap gets them
- rosemary
- thyme
- lavender
- stevia, blooming now
- marigolds and zinnias are still blooming away
- and other herbs
From the photos above, you might almost think in was Spring again. New life, new growth, that gorgeous pale green color. Yes, I think I'm already in love with Fall gardening.
Make it a great Monday all. It is good to be back.