In Between

 

We are in that in-between phase of the seasons...

The summer garden has started its decline and the cool season plants are bursting with life.

And yet...

This hardy hibiscus in front of my house keeps blooming. I started it from seed early this year and planted it out in early summer. It has achieved most of its mature size in just one season, from seed. It is the "Luna" variety of hardy hibiscus. The seed packet contained a mix of colors. Besides this luscious pink, white-blooming ones also grow in my flower garden, although they are not as robust as this specimen.

If I keep them watered, they should live through the winter to bloom again. 

Water will be the key to winter survival for many things. We are in moderate to severe drought conditions here in Northeast Kansas. Summer brought us a couple of extended periods of high heat (100-plus degrees F. for a week or more). And so far autumn has been a little warmer than the norm. If it remains dry, perennial plants and trees -- especially young trees -- will require water throughout the winter, as long as the ground does not freeze. Evergreens are particularly susceptible because they continue to transpire (lose water through their leaves) even though their "metabolism" slows considerably in winter.

As they transpire they pull water from their roots. Drying winds will cause that to occur even more. In the spring they are likely to show signs of "burning," their leaves brown and dead because of it. Keep your valuable evergreens watered -- but don't drown them.

This hibiscus plant is planted in a choice spot, where it is easy for us to water it with our dishwater. We always capture dishwater in tubs and use it to water the flowers and herbs next to the house. 

When I planted the fall vegetables, the kale, winter radishes, collards, cabbages, broccoli and lettuce, I laid soaker hoses along the rows for ease of watering. The reward is these wonderfully robust purple daikons (left) and other veggies. Several more cabbages are ready to cut. I'm looking forward to turning some of them into sauerkraut. 

Enjoy this in-between time of beauty and abundance.