Week 44 recap + 45 plans

Our first frost hit Halloween morning. 2023 was the first year I planned and prepared for a frost covering young seedlings and chrysanthemum buds. I took a potted dahlia indoors, knowing the frost and freezing temperatures would soon reside and rise to the 80s Fahrenheit /26 Celsius. Oklahoma weather typically fluctuates like this in Autumn. We had four mornings of freezing temperatures, and shorter days kept me from inspecting the damage until the weekend. Dahlias, Red-leaf Hibiscus, and Zinnias were black and shriveled up. The basil and marigolds took a hit, too. As I walked around, recording the damage, I saw beauty left behind in the stunned celosia. Their color was no longer vibrant yet muted and natural with a simplistic beauty. I uncovered the hardy annual seedlings and hired help to clean the dead annuals. Now the garden is tidy and shines in a new way. Anemones and Ranunculus have emerged, Arugula is growing, and herbs of mint and rosemary are green. The roses are still growing, and the grasses are beautiful. The garden duties are slowing, but there is still much more to come.

Week 44 recap:

• Removed frosted plants.
• Repotted Dracaena (corn plant).
• Arranged and photographed the last of the annuals.
• Started organizing a Garage Sale.

Plans for week 45:

• Tie up climbing rose.
• Start viola and sweat pea seeds.
• Plant allium, muscari, Ranunculus, and tulips.
• Have a garage sale.

Week 45 blooms:

• One potted Dahlia
• Gomphrena
• Ivory Feather Plumes
• Oxalias
• Petunias
• Roses
• Sedum

Once the frost hit, my feelings flooded with peace and stillness. I appreciate a new beauty that was emerging and hidden under the abundance I was dreading to let go.