Worry is like a rocking chair, it's gives you something to do but gets you nowhere!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

The Final Curtain Call

The artic blast is not going to let up anytime soon here in North Florida. It's time to draw the curtain on the Spring and Summer bloomers. It's been a good long run with trying conditions.
The Gazania is trying to open even in 23 degree weather.
Jatropha interferrima was new to the show this past year. She grew quite fast and bloomed constantly. Jatropha would like a more tropical environment and told me so when she was hired for the summer performance. At this time it is unknown if she will return for the 2011 show.
Odontonema strictum - Firespike has been a good sport this past season, but is tired and ready for a long nap. We look forward to your return in the Spring.
Crinum Lily was a discarded and neglected eye catcher when my husband rescued it from a heap of throw aways at a local construction sight a few years ago. It took Crinum a couple of years to get comfortable, we look forward to seeing you again in the Spring as well.
BES Vine....Once you decided to join the show this year, your performance was wonderful. I could do without your aggressive nature though.
There will be contract negotiations on your return....
Gomphrena, you surprised us all by your willingness to return this past season and take care of this little corner of the stage, we thank you! You are more than welcome to return at your leisure.
Oh my beloved Dahlias how you smiled at everyone that drove by. Up until two days ago you were trying to lift your head. Sleep now my beauties and I hope you will return next season.
Imaptiens how you surprised everyone by hanging around the stage so long. Thank you and I will see you soon.
Tradescantia spathacea--Oyster Plant...joined the show late in the season. I did fall in love with your deep purple pink tipped foliage...I know your part in the show wasn't a good fit, if you decide to return next season we can discuss using you in a different area.
Variegated Hydrangea---a gift from Ms. Doris Three Doors Down....you were still a little immature for such a large cast, here's to seeing how you have improved come next season.
Always graceful and happy. The Gerbera Daisy closes the show with a bow.

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Today I am Thankful for the past gardening season.

23 comments:

Ruth Hiebert said...

What a sweet way of putting your garden to sleep for the season.
Blessings,Ruth

Meems said...

Love this cast of characters and your description of them as they bow out until spring. Most of them will likely return quickly in the spring. Just think ... our spring comes on us early, too.

We had our first frosty morning today. It will all work out in the end. It is just not worth the stress to fight it. Stay warm up there in the NORTH, my friend.
Meems

Racquel said...

Sweet post Darla, don't worry your garden will be sure to reward you next spring with a great show. :)

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

The gerber daisy bowing is so sweet. I love how you're telling some plants, "you may not be returning!" Too cute.

Unknown said...

Oh, my, Darla ~ That is COLD for your state ...

May they rest in peace, as they are nestled by the autumn leaves, nourished by the winters dew, to bring forth in the spring, beauty anew.

Have a beautiful Christmas ~
TTFN ~
Marydon

Dorothy said...

Darla, your summer garden has been spectacular, as usual!! Guess the plants need to rest and recharge.
Have a happy day!

Commonweeder said...

I heard that even Florida is feeling an unusual chill - but hearts are warm and gay. Time to deck the halls - inside.

tina said...

Isn't it amazing how tough your plants are? They still go strong even while frozen.

Patsy said...

So sad to see them go.

Lois said...

I still can't believe it is this cold this early! It does put me in the Christmas mood though.

Floridagirl said...

Isn't this arctic blast stuff nuts?!! I have eerily similar scenes in my garden this morning. Frosty jatropha, wilted crinums. I've forgotten to even look at the Gerbera daisies and oyster plants. Need to go check on those now. I'm sure they're in trouble. They do always return for me though. I'm hoping this means a short winter, but my luck would be that we have a warm month, lots of new growth, and then it hits again.

Becca's Dirt said...

And the curtain falls. Looking forward to a beautiful spring filled with lots of pretty petals and colors.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Darla: Oh so nicely captured, you have shown the results of the cold so well.

sweetbay said...

I'm afraid to think of all of the things that may be permanently resting in peace after winter. There are some losses every year. I don't know how much is weather and how much is due to voles.

Stuff around here looks pretty cold-stricken too. I'm not sure temps got above freezing today.

You asked about growing daylilies from seed. They take 2 to 3 years to bloom. I give them 6 weeks cold stratification and germination is good.

George said...

You had a wonderful cast for your garden. I hope they have a good rest and return for an even bigger encore next Spring.

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

I loved this post and your goodbyes for the season to your plants.
It sounds like you're having colder weather than us now. I'm impressed with how tough some of the flowers are.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Oh Darla, You have had a fabulous growing season. Now that it's winter for sure---you can relax and enjoy Christmas and the New Year.... THEN---you can yearn for Spring with lots of new growth... It will happen. Just be patient.
Hugs,
Betsy

NanaK said...

Great way to say good-bye to the beauties that need their rest. Love the daisy bowing at the end. We have had frosty mornings here too. I really think having them before Christmas has helped me accept them more. There is much to do indoors and the garden will be ready for attention when all the festivities have passed.

Gail said...

Darla, I know that your garden appreciated your review. It's had a long and successful run. Happiest of weekends to you, xxoogail

Jackie said...

Heard about your frigid weather!Brrrrr! My son lives in jacksonville. I'm not sure he even owns a coat!(Kinda cold/warm here in Louisiana lately.)

Corner Gardener Sue said...

I enjoyed your post, Darla, a nice bed time story for me.

Twisted Fencepost said...

I know it is a necessary thing so that all things can begin anew.
But darn it is sad to find that Mr. Frost has stayed too long in the garden.

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