Garden Friday

 

Welcome back to Garden Friday.

The weather this week has traversed

from summer to winter temperatures,

but by the weekend, things should settle down.

Our first wicked freeze happened on Wednesday night,

with temps dipping down to 24 degrees.

The Romaine lettuce has been looking delectable,

and here's hoping that the covers placed over the bed

have saved them from any harm.

The brassicas in two other beds should be fine.

Not sure if it's easy to see here,

but the garlic has popped up in the grow bags.

This is the first time I'm using this tool for this crop,

although we have an entire 3X8 bed planted elsewhere with this staple.

before

Earlier this week,

we did away with the center crepe myrtle in this bed.

The dogwood to the left and the other crepe myrtle

to the right will be much happier to have some space.

The center of the bed can be filled with perennials

that love an abundance of sunshine.

after

The rue that was planted just under this tree

has been left intact and is showing signs of growing.

This is one of the host plants for the

black swallowtail caterpillars.

This tower of black-eyed susan vine

will be history after the freeze yesterday morning.

Ah well, it gave us many weeks of beauty

and seed was saved for next year's blooms.

The cotton fields are becoming engorged with

this miraculous crop.

It's just fascinating to me that we can grow the makings of the fabric

that fills up so many rooms and closets in our homes.

I'm a thrift shopper,

and have focused on purchasing only natural fibers for my wardrobe.

Cotton, linen and wool are always my first choices.

A little while back,

I entered a photo contest sponsored by our

local electric co-op.

One of my pictures was chosen to be published

in their monthly magazine,

and they paid me $25 to boot!

This month they are looking for shots

that capture the essence of North Carolina.

This is the photo I will most likely enter.

The intention for me is to connect with my subject,

and hopefully bring joy to others.

I enjoy taking pictures and feel

that it helps me engage more fully

in my surroundings.

(Well, I made it through my first post 

with the new computer.

Thankfully, some of the issues I was having

with the blog have been resolved.

Bear with me as I get the hang of this thing.

Me and technical tools don't always see eye to eye.)

Hope your weekend

is just how you like it.