The Big Freeze

Last night was our first real freeze of the season. The temperature went down to -5 Celcius (24 F). Over the last few weeks, we had many mornings with light frosts here, but those frosts only affected the very tender plants (such as impatience). Last night's frost killed all the remaining annuals and tender perennials left outside.

Here you can see that my two large castor bean plants (Ricinus communis) finally bit the dust. To cut these monsters down, I have to use a hacksaw.

Castor bean in West border

Here is one of the leaves from just two days ago.

You can see the castor bean plant in the middle of the following wide view.

Wide view of island bed and West bed in back of property

This morning as I was outside taking these pictures, the Canada geese were flying south. Here is a small flock.

Flying south

And finally, here is a view of a new hosta border that I planted this September. I will spend today cutting down the dead and slimy foliage (to feed my compost pile!) and planting some spring-flowering bulbs.

Hosta bed, Oct 19, 2008