Bring on Fall!

I miss Touch of India

My favorite long-closed Indian restaurant was on my mind when I made this green tomato pickle:

Yum!

Posted with Blogsy

Makeshift Cold Frame

When we had a window replaced, I saved these panels with this in mind. I thought of maybe buying some straw bales to build a cold frame, but two round trips to the garden center to squeeze straw into my recently cleaned car was not appealing. Then I realized this cedar raised bed I purchased for a new strawberry bed was sitting idle. I planted extra tat soi seedling in the outer portion, and in the covered portion I planted carrots and scallions. I have already forgotten to pull the panels apart on this nearly 60 degree day, so this will be an interesting experiment.

One of my favorite flowers--Acidanthera

The gladiolus relative is also called peacock lily--a fitting name. I have moved these bulbs around too much, so the bloom is paltry, but I think next year they will take off. Even showier than the flower is the scent, reminiscent of moon flower.

Homesick Monarch?

I guess the Mexican sunflower (Tithonia sp.) reminds the monarchs of their homeland. They have been flocking to it for weeks. I keep hearing news reports that monarch numbers are low this year, but I've been seeing plenty. Plant more milkweed!

Waiting...

... for summer to ripen.

for seedlings to grow.

for sprouts to form.

 for the blue star to glow.

 for the cold to come.

Hearts a Bustin'

 

Euonymus americanus, an unassuming green stemmed native plant for shade, wows in early fall. Warning, rabbits adore the young tender shoots.