Frosting

We had our first snow flurry last week. Magical as it was, the thin dusting thawed and disappeared within an hour. And thus I was taken by surprise when I later saw this white powder (which my brain, for a split-second, absurdly thought was some sort of drugs) layered atop my raised garden bed.

While the flakes had melted elsewhere, the shade still protected the front garden, keeping the soil cooler. Furthermore, being uninsulated around the sides, compared to a mass of dirt nestled within the earth, raised garden beds are far more affected by temperature fluctuations, meaning they cool down earlier when temperatures drop. This also means they will warm up faster as spring approaches, perhaps offering an opportunity to plant earlier.

An Experiment in Survival

Along with the pepper plants in the raised garden bed, the Tradescantia Zebrina out back is now also undoubtedly upon death’s door. It might regenerate in the spring, assuming the frost is short and temperatures rise again quickly, but I’m uncertain if that prospect only applies to inchplants planted in the ground, as opposed to this exposed planter – a rather chilly home for the roots. Additionally, I read that inchplants fare better in Zones 9 and higher. We’re Zone 7 here. I could try wrapping the pot in some insulation, maybe crochet it a scarf. Considering it’s a wee fella, I think it’ll be easier to stash him in the basement with the fig trees, and hope that’s protected enough for hibernation.

For the Needs of the One

Another plant requiring a bit of maintenance to help boost its unknown chances of survival: one of the Purple Heart cuttings. I had a few Heart-lings propagating in a water bath together. All but one had become rotten and gross, so I tossed the others, refreshed the water, and crossed my fingers that this one makes it. The roots are taking noticeably longer to establish, which I think we can simply pin down to the impending winter season, which triggers a more vegetative state (for all of us!). Even kept inside with the heat, the plants can still perceive the shorter days. The plants know.

Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight

This week we had to bid adieu to a couple succulent babies and one of the many Tradescantia Zebrina bairns. We wish them well on their journey to their next form of life.