Early morning view of the tropical bed, in front of the greenhouse showing the effects of last nights 26 degree temps. Frost brings the summer growing season to an end throughout much of Southern New England.
Just the night before, the Brugmansia toots thier last horns as the sun sets, and temperature plumets.
Another strange weather phenom to document in the record books. With 70 – 85 degree F temps this fall, we finally recieved a killing frost, and in fact, our first frost of the season, at that. It was swift and sure, and after spending much of yesterdat hauling tubs of plants and trees into the protection of the greenhouse, the rest, we left to be covered with sheets,or to fend for themselves.
Why is it what the Brugmansia always seem to bloom the most the night before the killing frost? Ours we’re decked out in hundreds of the hanging, fragrant, angels trumpets. Only to become frosty horns and then transparent mush the following morning.
Today also marked the day the the greenhouse heater had to be turned on for the first time.
Nerine sarniensis hybrids
Nerine sarniensis shot against the fall foliage lit by the setting sun.
Oxalis lupinifolia
Other greenhouse chores included moving in all of the South African bulbs that were enjoying the late fall sunshine, so all oxalis, Velthiemia (who really enjoyed the rains and strong sun, which strengthened thier leaves hopefully so they wont be as brittle) and the nerine, all moved into new sand beds in the rear of the greenhouse. These are the old raised aluminum beds from the alpine house,which I decided will get more use in the heated greenhouse. besides, I need more room!
Those nerines are beautiful. I’ve never heard of them before. I tried to look them up on the Internet, and while I found a ton of pics, I didn’t see much info on hardiness, Do you have any info? Thanks!
Update: Your pictures so inspired me that I bought some Nerine Guernsey lilies. Thank you for introducing me! Any expert advice you might be inclined to is welcome.