We have already had our first frost.  The thermometer said 31 degrees on 10/10 but beside the frost there was also ice on the dogs water dishes.  When I let Cocoa and Rosie out that morning, both slid across the icy deck.  The weather forecasters – otherwise known as ‘Poorcasters’ – had said it would get down to 40…WRONG!  I have brought into the enclosed front porch some of my potted plants in the hopes of getting them to survive over the winter.  My Geraniums  have gotten so full and I have had success with them on the porch in years past.  The Martha Washington Geraniums are so expensive and actually bloom much better on their second year, that putting them on the porch is a great plan.

Last week I did my daylily inventory to update my database and came up with 442 different varieties in my garden.  Because I had the rust infestation this year, I did not sell any. I have about 50 varieties that have become huge clumps of close to 20 fans each.  The ten biggest clumps will have to be donated and dug for the Master Gardener sale the first Saturday in May.  The next ten biggest clumps will be sold at the Annual Route 66 Garage Sale in June.  I must admit that those clumps make a huge impression on our garden visitors…..BUT the clumps  crowd out their neighbors and must be removed and or divided.

I traded daylilies for Hostas this year and have about 20 new varieties.  Unfortunately we had a bad storm that broke off half of the Plum Tree which means I will be minus a bunch of shade next year.  I’m not sure I can find enough shade for all my Hosta to be comfortable.  I will go into winter with a firm resolution to downsize my daylily flower garden …. I really have to try!