After the first snow

The first big snow dump has come and gone, and, even though it requires way more patience to upload pictures on the old laptop I am now using, I just had to show you what my Canadian garden looks like while waiting for its thick blanket of snow.

 The alyssum and the autumn joy sedum are really taking the lead now, filling in for all the less hardy annuals and perennials. 

 But a few of the roses are still hanging in there.  This one was a miniature that I got from the grocery store in spring for about $5.00, and divided into 5 plants.  It's hanging out with the snapdragons that have also been snubbing their noses at the frost.

The grape vines are hanging on to their pretty yellow leaves and so are the meadow rue. 

 

Anything that works well with autumn color and is willing to keep on going through the snow, as this lobelia did, deserves a yearly spot in my garden.

As you can see, I don't rake or do a lot of clean up other than to make sure the iris leaves are removed from the area to prevent over-wintering of the iris borer.

In a few days I suspect my garden will be covered with a blanket of snow that will settle in for a few months. It will have a beauty all it's own, and, if I tire of the blinding white, I can always spend a few hours pouring over my photos, rereading my blogs, and then going through the blogs of other gardeners to get new ideas for next year.

My Cottage Garden Survived the Three Weeks Away

I hadn't planned on being away for three weeks, because I didn't think Bruce would be in the hospital in Toronto that long, so I hadn't made provisions for my cottage garden.  But God sent the rain, and the weeds almost couldn't compete with my vigorous annuals and perennials. Other than some dead heading and a bit of weed control, I really am not that far behind on my postage stamp, trailer, cottage garden.

I like a garden bed that will withstand some neglect.  Here is how I start my beds: Flower Beds  and for some ideas check Flower Beds and Borders

If you need help with planning read A guide to Planning Garden Beds

The amazing Mrs. P. T. James Clematis

I've discovered that some garden purchases give you more for your money in your cottage garden.  Take this clematis, Mrs. P. T. James, for example.

It started blooming in June before the peonies, and just kept on going, gradually climbing beyond my reach with its blooms.  Although it changed as the season progressed, it was always there to compliment whatever was in bloom.

It blended with the the peonies, the irises, the delphinium, the roses,

and the obedience plant, and now it looks awsome with the autumn joy sedum.

It's amazing, and I'm impressed.