The last few days of the 2009 growing season are really eeking away. The weather has been chilly and generally damp since September and I was certain we’d get an early frost. Our expected frost date in this area is October 15th. We’re just about there, and truth be told, I’m ready for it. My garden was just plain disappointing this season. I’m not beating myself up about it. I’m just ready to put it to bed and forget all the heartbreak. Usually I scurry around putting blankets on things I want to protect from the first frost and squeeze out a week or two more of growing, but this year I’m unexpectedly anxious to get to ripping out the annuals and cutting back the perennials so I can focus on planning for next year.
Click “more” to see a series of photos that show the progression of my garden’s growth this season.
late april
early may
may
june
june
july
july
early august
late august
september
october
Hello,
I look forward to seeing your garden next year, although I do think is beautiful right now.
I love the montage effect! Gardens are so beautiful almost any time of the year.
I’m pretty convinced that I’d be more excited about planning for next year rather than squeezing a few more days out of my plants REGARDLESS of what kind of season I’d had. Though, I do agree, this particular growing season had few highlights.
We’ve already gotten our first light frost here in the Chicago area. It was enough to sting most people’s impatiens and tease out some more fall color from the trees. I’m expecting the REAL frost to come in another week or two.
I’m excited to plan for next year, too. Fingers are still crossed for getting a community garden plot of any size, at this point. I’d love to be able to just use my balcony for flowery things and just a few kitchen herbs instead of trying to turn it into a full-on garden.
I like to think of fall and winter as little retreats, anyway — a chance to get cozy and shut out the busyness and distractions of spring and summer, giving yourself permission to delve into the deepest idealism, where newer and better plans take shape. Besides, you need that time to get your nerve up to try it again in just a few months!
Yet again, your eloquent prose has hit the proverbial nail on the head, Jason. Really, where did you learn to write like this?
That last line really tickles my fancy. It’s so true!
You’re too kind. Thank you!
The only training in writing I’ve received has come from the standard-issue, required college courses [even though I was a music major] and (moreso) from having the good fortune to read really good books written by inspired people. As a kid, I enjoyed stringing ideas together into a story and I fancied myself a novelist, though I’ve never managed to build a story large and complex enough to fill a book. Maybe someday, though.
And, on the subject, your writing is excellent TOO! After all, I don’t just keep coming back for the pictures! (though they’re terrific, too)