Considering my love of trendy tropicals, it's no surprise 'Lavender Lady' passion vine found it's way home with me during the fall greenhouse sales. But with the 7 day weather forecast showing the possibility of snow (and definitely frost), I'm wondering what I was thinking? Why didn't I just wait until spring instead of adding it to my already enormous list of "tenders" to overwinter? *sigh* I will let the frost singe most of my tropicals then cut back their foliage, and haul them downstairs for a long winters stay in my unheated basement. They get placed in a dark corner and receive just enough water to keep them alive. A couple years ago, I bought myself a dolly and bungee cords to make this chore easier on my back. It works like a charm. Today, before any chance of frost, I will cut back the foliage on my amaryllis bulbs:
They have spent the summer happily sunning themselves (and being fertilized) on my patio. Before they get placed in a dark closet, they will be re-potted in fresh potting soil. For this care, they will reward me in late winter (when I need it most), a symbiotic relationship of the best kind. It's going to be difficult to let the tuberous begonias frost:
Since the temperatures have cooled, they've been blooming nonstop. The photo above is of 'rose petticoats.' These tubers will be stored as well to be started again in early spring. I guess I better get moving. If you've been keeping up on all my container posts, you know I have a lot of work ahead of me. This is the season of harvest isn't it?? and seed collecting, and cuttings, and....
At least you have a place to store your tender perennials for the winter. It would of been hard for me to pass up that passion vine too, it's a beautiful shade of pink!
Posted by: Racquel | October 08, 2008 at 12:40 PM
I love Lavender Lady. It's a beautiful color.
Posted by: Jane Marie | October 08, 2008 at 01:15 PM
Kathleen, Hello! Frost and snow, wow, it is still very warm here. Have you seen the plant dollies that nurseries use...I always wanted one!
If I had a basement...I would do exactly what you are doing, buy on sale and keep them safe all winter. Next spring you will be so happy you did; the prices will be astronomical with the increased costs of transporting etc.
gail
Posted by: gail | October 08, 2008 at 01:56 PM
So true Racquel. I am lucky to have the basement for storage. I couldn't afford to start over every year otherwise.
Posted by: Kathleen | October 08, 2008 at 09:12 PM
Thanks Jane Marie. The color is what sold me too!
Posted by: Kathleen | October 08, 2008 at 09:12 PM
It's gorgeous here right now too Gail. Hard to believe it will all change like they predict. Maybe they'll be wrong?? I can only hope...
I have not seen the plant dolly's the nurseries use. I just bought a cheap one but it serves the purpose. I'll check them out next time I visit. Trying to stay out of greenhouses and nurseries for a while. I've done enough damage the past few months!
and you are right about transportation costs affecting prices next year. I hadn't thought that far ahead. Glad I'm saving everything I can by overwintering.
Posted by: Kathleen | October 08, 2008 at 09:16 PM
I think I'd better get "hopping" when it comes to tending to trying to overwinter annuals, etc. :-) Don't tuberous begonias look like mini roses?
Posted by: Shady Gardener | October 08, 2008 at 09:20 PM
Kathleen, I find it amazing that you can keep plants like this. I'm sure mine would die. It sounds like a lot of work, but I know next spring you are happy to have done it. So many plants not to buy and a jump start on spring.
Posted by: Beckie | October 08, 2008 at 11:19 PM
I love the passion flower and your photos are great.
Posted by: MrBrownThumb | October 08, 2008 at 11:58 PM
I enjoyed perusing your published works on the sidebar.
Posted by: Mother Nature's Garden | October 09, 2008 at 05:21 AM
They do sort of look like minature roses Shady Gardener. Right now they look the best they've looked all season which is why I'm sad for the frost to get them. :-(
Posted by: Kathleen | October 09, 2008 at 08:18 AM
I was doubtful I could keep things alive at first too Beckie. But considering how expensive (especially the tropicals are) it was worth the experiment. Luckily I haven't lost anything this way and you're right, it saves so much money the next spring.
Posted by: Kathleen | October 09, 2008 at 08:19 AM
Thank you Mr Brown Thumb!
Posted by: Kathleen | October 09, 2008 at 08:21 AM
Oh good Mother Nature's Garden. I need to update it a bit and add more projects. I added those few when I first started blogging then have never gone back. I had no idea how much time even the blogging would take!
Posted by: Kathleen | October 09, 2008 at 08:23 AM