Lots of frost!

The end of our growing season came suddenly on Sept. 28. I don’t know about you, but that snowstorm was a surprise to me. Not a good one, either. If that wasn’t bad enough, we were “blessed” with several nights down around freezing.

I’m sure I’m not the only one with lots of green tomatoes indoors. These should ripen soon, but might not be as tasty as they would have been if they could have stayed outdoors a while longer.

Some of the tougher things made it through. Those that kind of “like” cooler weather, such as lettuce and petunias. I knew my dahlia plants would give up the ghost … and they did. After a few days, where they send their nutrients down to the tuber, they’re ready to dig up, clean off and store for the winter.

Don’t delay any longer if you’re wanting to plant any spring bulbs. I see the stores are still well supplied with tulips, daffodils and others. Once the ground freezes, you’ll be out of luck.

If you have Virginia creeper vines like I do, they should be full of purple berries by now. These are especially enticing to Northern Flickers. Keep an eye out for these gorgeous birds as they love to swoop in and gobble the berries.

I hope you have your raspberry canes cut down. Cut the brown canes to the ground and the others about 4 feet high. Go ahead and dig out any baby ones that have popped up where you don’t want them. Give them to a friend or toss them onto the compost heap.

Most perennials can survive if planted in the fall. Just don’t expect too much when planting chrysanthemums. These are what they call borderline hardy. They may survive and they may not. It’s best to plant them in the spring … if you can find them at that time.

Now that the leaves are turning to fall colors, we are reminded that they do this because of shortening day length, not because of colder temperatures. Once the days shorten up, the leaves stop producing chlorophyll, which makes them green. Once that happens, the green disappears and we’re able to see the fall colors which were under the green all along. Kind of like magic, huh?

When that storm hit, I rushed outside and cut a LOT of flowers. Now I have enough bouquets to stock a flower shop. Have to enjoy them while they last.

I hate to say this, but we might as well realize that our days are numbered, before lots of snow hits. Get those shovels ready and tune up the snowblower. Bring in the tender houseplants and patio decor. Drain anything that holds water and keep those bird feeders full of seeds. Hope you have an “easy” winter. Til spring, ta-ta.

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Elaine Cerny has gardened most of her life, starting in 4-H. She has belonged to garden clubs in three states and is currently serving as secretary for the River City Gardeners Club in Post Falls. Her column appears in the Press every other Sunday from March to October.