10.16.2024 | Ordinary Wednesday

If you were not convinced it was Fall in St. Louis, then last night was a clear indication.  We had our first "Frost Advisory" of the season.  No worries in the City of Saint Louis as our little heat island keeps things a few degrees warmer than the rest of the region but we took precautions anyway.  Covering tender plants or placing plants in the cold frame to protect them.  I'm happy to report that all is well, but it is a chilly 36-degrees out in the Carondelet Garden on this mid-month, midweek morning.

The mums are doing their thing this year.  A beautiful rust and yellow to brighten the back beds and add a bit of Autumn glory to the garden. The days are getting shorter and after beginning the month with memories of summer, the leaves are beginning to change, and you can now imagine winter trailing hard on its heals.  

The light is magical this time of year.  The sunsets have been glorious and a touch of grace for this old gardener.  You can feel the borders and flowers slowly beginning to fade.  The intensity and vibrancy are inching their way toward the end with the first hint of frost waiting in the wings.  The winter salad greens are looking great and the last of the Fall raspberries are just beginning to turn red.

I would be remiss if I didn't wish my amazing partner for the past 42 years a happy anniversary.  42 years ago, she said yes, and we've been together ever since.  There have been hills and valleys and many trips down the side roads of life, but none of those side roads were every truly wasted.  Truth is, we learned something life-changing on each of them.  To think, it all started with a yes!  I love you, Dr. B!  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.