Winter kills

There’s still a couple weeks before the official start of winter, but the signs are already in the air, like early morning chills and occasional light to heavy freezes.  

These things aren't a problem for those who are prepared to let their garden sleep until spring.

Most of my garden is filled with perenials that will sleep through the winter and re-appear in the spring. Other annuals that I’ve added for color or variety I allow to wither and return to the ground they come from — I’ll add some new ones next spring & summer.

But then I have a lot of pots full of sensitive plants intended for other warmer climates, some of which I’ve had for years, and though it’s a lot of work to prepare them for winter, it’s worth it.

Those I have already begun to protect by overwintering.

My plumerias & Madagascar palms have been hauled off to the storage space.

Others, like my agaves and sago palms,

I’m covering with “plankets.” A few I’ve had success with by bringing them into the house, like my desert roses.

And my crazy cactus.

I don’t know the real name for the cactus. Its arms grow in all directions.

I picked it up at a local flea market and the seller didn’t know much about it.

By the beginning of December, I’m ready for a break.

After the hauling, moving and covering to prepare my pots, I hope my plants are ready for their long winter naps.