Images of What Fall Should Look Like but Doesn't

October 15:  As I stare out the window here by the computer small white flakes are falling in abundance. While it's not abnormal for snow to fall this early here in Alberta, we have become accustomed to long pleasant autumns.  The previous two years were bliss!

So today I planted a small maple shrub, "Elf", amidst the snow in partially frozen ground, only the first inch was really frozen. I am wondering when I will get my bulbs planted. Will it quit snowing and actually melt enough so I can accomplish this last task? I wonder. Honestly, I can just push aside the snow, and if necessary grab a drill to make holes, right? With this early snowfall, many of us gardeners are hustling about trying to winterize.  This morning I was the rude neighbour, out early in the day bringing in two rattan chairs and the umbrella.  I knew it was coming and I was determined to beat the snow and I did, just barely!

I took a lot of photos, as usual and figured I'd post some a little more in keeping with the season than that above and what I see out my window today. 

Earlier this month:

Some fun shots while shopping with A:

We enjoyed Thanksgiving here in the snow, a light snowfall which began to melt just before this dumping we have now.  All the kids were here but one who was in London. 

Following Thanksgiving it was back to work in this....I cannot complain at all.

Last week at the greenhouse: the mums are in bloom and the poinsettias are growing well.

A Halloween Fairy Garden, above.

We left the fountains running overnight to prevent the pumps from freezing.  It made for some pretty ice sculptures.  

The poinsettias are growing well.

Mums are in all shades...pink, red, yellow, white, burgundy....

Getting ready for Christmas.

October 16:  I'm finishing this post today, Sunday.  We had freezing rain early this morning and the walks are a sheet of ice.  I don't much feel like driving anywhere on a skating rink so reading and movies is where it's at today.  Maybe I'll make that butternut squash soup recipe for tomorrow.  It feels like soup weather.

Hope this finds you well.  Cheers!!

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Aphids Everywhere!!!!

This has been a wonderful growing season.....for aphids!!!  I generally expect a battle with the Summer Wine Ninebark, sometimes the roses, and occasionally on the Mock Orange.  This year, though, I have seen blue/green ones on the tomato plants, black aphids on the ninebark and mock orange, green on the rose bush (only a few) and several in my hair or on my clothes when I come in from working in the garden.  What to do?  

Summer Wine Ninebark late spring before I washed off the black aphids you see clustered here on the new growth.

A sharp blast from the hose is what I most often do for control.  Spraying every square inch and centimetre of the plant, I wash those nasty little suckers off where they can become bait for other predatorial bugs.  I also encourage (carry) the lady bugs to the affected regions.  You can buy them at a few of the local garden centres, just in case you don't have enough in your garden.

If your petunias are suffering from a recent infestation now, though, the best advice is to pull them out and discard the plants.  Replace them with annual mums or something else that will continue blooming while the evenings lose their warmth and the daylight hours begin to dwindle.  Days here have been a bit cooler so it is the perfect time to add some mums for a splash of colour now.

For more information on aphid control, see this article written by Rob Sproule of Salisbury Greenhouse:

http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Home/5553/23982/images/SPN%20Aphids%20101.pdf?utm_source=mailoutinteractive&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Aphids+101+

Enjoy those sun shiny days while you can.  I hear whispers of an early autumn.  Are you turning a deaf ear or a blind eye?  I am.......

Mum`s the Word

Mums on sale at Home Depot