Only The Tough Survive

Some plants did survive in the yard this summer but many died. Mainly annuals like New Guinea impatiens and the traditional ones recommended to be avoided the last few years due to disease. So what's the plan for next season? Don't know yet. What I do know is, plan not to waste money and choose my selections carefully based on past experiences. If I get branches from the tree hanging over the yard cut, maybe I can get a nice harvest of tomatoes next summer. Little sun was probably the cause of a tiny harvest this year. I pulled the vines yesterday along with strawberry plants. I'll start fresh with them in the spring but I have to order some.

I left it along but picked another off . Making progress with insects actually picking up a caterpillar.

Saved mum from last fall that will live to bloom again along with a coreopsis that was never planted, dwarf crape myrtle, and  herbs that didn't do well this year. 

Fallen seeds, tomato and other pulled vegetable plants done yesterday.

This didn't do well. All the annuals died, sweet potato vine was pretty but it should have grown a lest five feet but didn't. Creeping Jenny loved where it was planted and should return in the spring. My coleus seedlings did okay but could have put on a better show.

I thought the coreopsis  had died and would never develop blooms in the shade but I have a tiny bloom. I'll plant it out front in the fall and maybe it'll return in the spring.

Coral bell (heuchera) has been in the pot she came in for months. I'll plant it in the ground this fall. One that's already planted has almost been eaten by slugs and snails.

I banished my parsley started from seed during the winter to the yard as it was dying.  A small piece has survived although in little soil. It did do well form me on the seed shelf this winter but I think I planted too many seeds. A new packet of seeds await planting. Seed starting already! Thinking about parsley, basil, echinacea, and another annual that takes a long time to get to good size. The early start if they survive so help them if they make it. 

Nettle planted in the spring has almost vanished as is the fern, but they're perennial and hopefully will sleep and awaken again in the spring.

All the pink impatiens and annual vinca died in the basket.

This hosta did well.

Foliage on rose bush was eaten but 2 carex grasses survived unlike ornamental onions planted in the same spot the previous year. 

Carex Sedge

This hosta didn't do well. Squirrels have dug up most of the bulbs that were left in the ground. They left the allium in the container. Guess they don't like onions. I'll have to buy more grape hyacinths which should have been adding foliage all summer. They're dug up in both flower beds.

Begonias always survive in my yard. Maybe my focus should be on them for added color and blooms next spring.

Cut tomato vines yesterday.

Can't kill Swiss chard.

Peppers are making nicely.

Bluebeard

This hosta didn't do well.

The peony were covered in powdery mildew. Most of it cut.

Hydrangea also has mildew.

Russian kale.

Broccoli from spring.

Waiting for leaves to rain down.

The scene of last nights visit. Security light came on and my daughter looked out the window hoping to see the cat that sits outside my window at night and visits my cat who sits in the window. She got a surprise. A large raccoon sitting on the bench. Usually its a pack of 4 that visit nightly. Maybe one nigh I can capture them with my camera.

Grape hyacinths dug up by squirrels.

Bell Pepper

Russian Kale

Kitty sunning on the porch this morning.

This is my plant that normally sits on my desk at work. Didn't take her back to work this year and she seems to like the cooler temperatures by putting out new foliage.

Can't kill it and it requires very little water.

Cactus and impatiens. Looking forward to blooms this winter if it gets enough chill time. It'll be left on the porch as long as there isn't below freezing until buds set. At least I hope they do.

Foxtail Fern

Warming up on the porch from the 50's this morning.

Pumpkin Time