Wrapping it up on Veterans Day

"When the world wearies and society ceases to satisfy, there is always the garden."

Minnie Aumonier

I took a little walk around the garden this evening before daylight faded, it's become apparent that we have come to the end of another growing season, although the frost ended the tomatoes and peppers progress, the cabbage and kale are hanging on strong. The winter garden is just beginning and some of the bulbs are just starting the growing season. But for most this is the end of it and I've seen so many gardens around town that are tidied up with lush cover crops or straw covering the raised beds like toasty winter blankets. I'm never that ahead of the game and since half the garden was planted with winter food in mind, I guess I don't mind it looking like it's still a working place. 

Parrotia persica leaf in the changing season There is always a bulb in bloom through the winter months so I'll be posting something between now and spring, but since it's the beginning of the holiday season, and I still have a deer tag to fill. I'll probably be busy hiding in the woods for a bit from now through the darkest, longest days of winter. So this is a short goodbye to one long growing season, and a look forward to a fun filled holiday season. We at Illahe Nursery and Gardens wish you a festive and merry one. To tip a glass to my neighbor Jack who served this country in a ground war in South East Asia, many years ago.  I wish wars could be extinguished forever. Thank you for your service on this day we remember those that made it back and those that did not, may your glass always be full! May peace be found throughout the world and in your life this day and through the season. Rain, high of 50. Cheers, Mark