Even though we haven’t had a killing frost yet here in the Rogue Valley in Southern Oregon, Mother Nature’s creatures have certainly gotten the word that winter is on its way. Mt. McLoughlin, marking our eastern horizon, wears a fresh cap of white, and just over the past few weeks the maples and liquid amber trees in my yard have gone from mostly green to vibrant reds, oranges and yellows. And a week or so ago, we got some welcome drenching rains to put a close on fire season.
I saw the writing on the wall (there hung the calendar) more than a few weeks ago and started my annual cleanup of the vegetable garden and flower beds. When frost threatened (though ultimately held off), I got out and harvested all the tomatoes that had even the slightest hint of yellow, stowing them in boxes in the garage to slowly ripen. Down came the sprawling vines, leaving large bare spaces where five-foot-tall lush tomato plants had towered. Out came the squash plants . . . not a huge loss, as their leaves had become dusted with powdery mildew, as they will as days grow shorter and cooler. Out, too, came the eggplants and assorted peppers (sweet and hot), but not before we gathered a final bounty that will contribute to my husband’s famous pepper jelly.
The raised beds aren’t completely bare, though. The arugula and lettuce seed I sowed in September has sprouted into rows of leafy green, offering fresh salad makings for a while longer yet. And the carrots planted in late summer will snuggle under a layer of leaves, providing us with crisp, sweet veggies in the coming months. And one bed, though seemingly bare now, harbors shallot and garlic cloves that will sprout and slowly grow throughout the winter, promising a generous harvest next June.
This past week we enjoyed some gorgeous, sunny days with highs that reached into the upper 60s, and I took advantage of them to get out and cut back the annual and perennial flowers that were done for the year. Shasta daisy stems, withered hosta leaves and such got chopped up and tossed in the compost bin, while my potted geraniums were moved close to the house on the patio to protect them from the cold nights. With luck and a milder winter, most will survive to bloom next year.
But even now, with days growing ever shorter, there are still valiant bloomers in the garden, providing sustenance to the bees and hummingbirds that buzz about them in the afternoon. I have two varieties of abutilon (also known as flowering maples) that are nectar-lovers magnets all summer long. Looking very tropical and exotic, they are hardy and old enough to survive our cold, wet winters and provide cheer not only to the birds and bees but also to the hearts of all who see them on a gloomy day. In addition to these, the dahlias just keep on blooming; they will only conk out — and dramatically — when a hard frost finally arrives. More dainty-looking but no less persistent are the hardy fuchsias with their flouncy petals. And while I struggle with my invasive Japanese anemones, I do love the way they show up late in the season to provide bright white blooms with cheery yellow centers on long, elegant stems just as everything else is fading away.
I know the next few weeks of garden chores will be dominated by gathering and disposing of lots of leaves, but I’m thankful I’ll still have some bright spots of color to cheer me on.
— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor
Read This Next
Tauck to Launch New Riverboats in France
December 2024
Dec 22, 2024Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDecember 2024
Dec 22, 2024Tauck to Launch New Riverboats in France
Leading guided travel brand Tauck welcomes two new riverboats in France in spring 2026. Set to sail the Rhône and Seine, these two ships, yet to be named, will launch following construction in 2025 in Serbia and the Netherlands.
Sponsored Content
Sailing the Ionian Sea: Explore Greece’s Nautical Gems
Sailing the Ionian Sea is an enchanting way to experience Greece's breathtaking islands and pristine waters. Known for its favorable winds, calm seas and stunning landscapes, the Ionian Sea offers a paradise for both experienced sailors and those looking to explore for the first time. From lively beaches to secluded bays, these waters have something for every traveler seeking adventure and relaxation.
Airlines
Dec 21, 2024Finnair Boosts U.S. Schedule to Finland
Finnair will boast its largest-ever U.S. schedule to Finland in 2025. Starting March 30, the airline’s popular route to Los Angeles (LAX) will increase from three times per week to five times per week. Additionally, Finnair will offer daily flights from Chicago (ORD) next summer, an increase from the five weekly flights currently on offer.
Daily
Dec 20, 2024Travel Platform Makes for Easier Access to Indonesian Islands
The more than 17,000 islands comprising the tropical country of Indonesia have just become more accessible thanks to new journeys on offer from travel platform Timbuktu. From logistics to curated experiences, Timbuktu’s team of travel professionals can arrange memorable experiences that range from Komodo dragon encounters to hiking along paths on active volcanoes.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Daily
Dec 20, 2024Last-Minute Holiday Happenings at Sofitel New York
Add Sofitel New York to the list of New York City’s must-see holiday hotels. Decked with all the holiday trimmings, the hotel is offering iconic New York City holiday experiences.
British Airways Unveils Brand-New First Class
Daily
Dec 19, 2024Palm House Opens in Palm Beach
Daily
Dec 18, 2024Daily
Dec 18, 2024Italy’s Grand Hotel Fasano to Reopen with New Amenities
Situated on Italy’s Lake Garda, Grand Hotel Fasano reopens in April 2025 with a host of new offerings for guests. Formerly a 19th-century hunting lodge, this hotel is ideally positioned between Venice, Milan and Verona.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Relaunches Direct Casablanca–Beijing Route, Debuts Toronto Flight
As part of its international network expansion, Royal Air Maroc will reinstate the direct Casablanca–Beijing route initially launched in January 2020 and suspended just a few weeks later due to the health crisis.
eFlyer Reviews
Dec 18, 2024Villa Petriolo Review
Tucked in the heart of Tuscany near the birthplace of da Vinci, Villa Petriolo is a luxurious countryside escape that blends historic restoration with modern elegance. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member, the estate’s meticulous revival of a centuries-old villa and its surrounding properties transformed it into a haven of elegant design, hyperlocal cuisine and postcard-worthy moments. The seamless integration of its organic, regenerative agriculture revival, mimicking the once-bustling production of the property, influences its award-winning cuisine, wine production, spa products and amenities found throughout. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a single detail here that doesn’t speak to Villa Petriolo’s dedication to both the authentic past and hopeful future.
ShareThis