The Unveiling of the Frost Protection Bags

You will recall, back in the fall, I posted that I was going to place specially designed bags over some of the plants I wanted to protect during the cold winter months.  I covered the asparagus fern and begonias in hanging baskets and the large potted palm trees.  I have now removed these protective bags from the hanging baskets and what follows is my experience.

Here you see the two hanging baskets that contain the asparagus fern and begonias.  We removed the covers and what did we find?

Dead asparagus fern and begonias.  This was the first year I used these bags, so I was uncertain if they would provide enough protection.  As quoted from my post on November 5:

"It's time to do a little winter preparation at Crest Avenue.  We are starting to see temperatures in the mid to upper thirties during the night.  We have not had a frost yet, but today being the fifth of November, frost is not far off for the Mid-Atlantic.  Yesterday I decided it was time to cover the plants I would like to leave outside for the winter.  This will be the first year that I attempt to over-winter the begonias and asparagus ferns in these hanging baskets.  And there are the palm trees out front that will need to be covered also."

Above is a picture of what these baskets looked like on that date.  This was indeed my first year using these bags.  What did I learn?  I learned that asparagus fern and begonias do not over-winter in the Mid-Atlantic whether you cover them or not.  I could have gotten what you see in the second picture from the top by just leaving the plants in the basket with no cover.  So, we will clean up these baskets and replant.  This year I think I will put in good old Boston Fern.  They are beautiful.  They love the humidity, which is in abundance here during the late spring and summer and even into the first days of fall.  They get very little direct sun in this location which is a plus.

Tomorrow, we will "unbag" the potted palm trees out front and see if they faired any better.

The Unveiling of the Frost Protection Bags

You will recall, back in the fall, I posted that I was going to place specially designed bags over some of the plants I wanted to protect during the cold winter months.  I covered the asparagus fern and begonias in hanging baskets and the large potted palm trees.  I have now removed these protective bags from the hanging baskets and what follows is my experience.

Here you see the two hanging baskets that contain the asparagus fern and begonias.  We removed the covers and what did we find?

Dead asparagus fern and begonias.  This was the first year I used these bags, so I was uncertain if they would provide enough protection.  As quoted from my post on November 5:

"It's time to do a little winter preparation at Crest Avenue.  We are starting to see temperatures in the mid to upper thirties during the night.  We have not had a frost yet, but today being the fifth of November, frost is not far off for the Mid-Atlantic.  Yesterday I decided it was time to cover the plants I would like to leave outside for the winter.  This will be the first year that I attempt to over-winter the begonias and asparagus ferns in these hanging baskets.  And there are the palm trees out front that will need to be covered also."

Above is a picture of what these baskets looked like on that date.  This was indeed my first year using these bags.  What did I learn?  I learned that asparagus fern and begonias do not over-winter in the Mid-Atlantic whether you cover them or not.  I could have gotten what you see in the second picture from the top by just leaving the plants in the basket with no cover.  So, we will clean up these baskets and replant.  This year I think I will put in good old Boston Fern.  They are beautiful.  They love the humidity, which is in abundance here during the late spring and summer and even into the first days of fall.  They get very little direct sun in this location which is a plus.

Tomorrow, we will "unbag" the potted palm trees out front and see if they faired any better.

A Pretty Spring(like) Picture

Even though we are being blanketed by snow this morning, two days ago it was a much different picture.  On Saturday morning, Baxter and I ran the standard weekly errands.  This week, those errands included a stop at our local Aldi.  We do not shop at Aldi every week.  As my mother said when I told her that we had a new Aldi in the neighborhood, "Well you certainly cannot do all of your grocery shopping at Aldi."  And she was right.  And anyone who has shopped at Aldi knows she was right.  They carry the basics and their prices are good, so from time to time I stop by.  This week I stopped to get some kiwi and strawberries.  (More on what those were used for later in the week.)  Of course, I ended up picking up a good deal more than just kiwi and strawberries.  One of the "extra" things I found once I was inside the store were hydrangea plants in decorative pots.



Three beautiful, blue hydrangea.

 Aren't these beautiful.  And a steal at just $4.99 each.  I got three.  I have the perfect spot for them in the back yard.  And even if I didn't, for $4.99 each, I would find a spot.  You see here they are lined up in a chair on the deck.  Saturday was actually not bad.  In the low 50's and sunny.  So I spent a little time outside.  Fortunately, I brought these in late yesterday before the snow started.

While the weather is rather miserable here today, it will improve as the week progresses.  By this upcoming Saturday, we are expecting to be in the mid-50's and sunny.  That means it will probably be 60.  I know someone who will be planting three hydrangea in the back yard if the forecast holds true.

A Pretty Spring(like) Picture

Even though we are being blanketed by snow this morning, two days ago it was a much different picture.  On Saturday morning, Baxter and I ran the standard weekly errands.  This week, those errands included a stop at our local Aldi.  We do not shop at Aldi every week.  As my mother said when I told her that we had a new Aldi in the neighborhood, "Well you certainly cannot do all of your grocery shopping at Aldi."  And she was right.  And anyone who has shopped at Aldi knows she was right.  They carry the basics and their prices are good, so from time to time I stop by.  This week I stopped to get some kiwi and strawberries.  (More on what those were used for later in the week.)  Of course, I ended up picking up a good deal more than just kiwi and strawberries.  One of the "extra" things I found once I was inside the store were hydrangea plants in decorative pots.



Three beautiful, blue hydrangea.

 Aren't these beautiful.  And a steal at just $4.99 each.  I got three.  I have the perfect spot for them in the back yard.  And even if I didn't, for $4.99 each, I would find a spot.  You see here they are lined up in a chair on the deck.  Saturday was actually not bad.  In the low 50's and sunny.  So I spent a little time outside.  Fortunately, I brought these in late yesterday before the snow started.

While the weather is rather miserable here today, it will improve as the week progresses.  By this upcoming Saturday, we are expecting to be in the mid-50's and sunny.  That means it will probably be 60.  I know someone who will be planting three hydrangea in the back yard if the forecast holds true.

Snow

I could think of no more appropriate post title this morning than simply "Snow."  I will not belabor it.  I will simply share it.  It is snowing this morning in and around Washington, DC.  I like snow.  I think snow is pretty.  I like snow.  I think snow is pretty.  I like . . . .



From the dashcam.  Me, being the dashcam.



A little further along our route.



The sand and salt dome near Crest Avenue.  We did not see a lot of activity here this morning.

 We are fortunate in that the temperature of the roadways is so warm that the snow is melting on contact.  Sidewalks are a different story.  They are covered with a slush of snow which can trip you up.  Take it slow whether behind the wheel or hoofing it.

Snow

I could think of no more appropriate post title this morning than simply "Snow."  I will not belabor it.  I will simply share it.  It is snowing this morning in and around Washington, DC.  I like snow.  I think snow is pretty.  I like snow.  I think snow is pretty.  I like . . . .



From the dashcam.  Me, being the dashcam.



A little further along our route.



The sand and salt dome near Crest Avenue.  We did not see a lot of activity here this morning.

 We are fortunate in that the temperature of the roadways is so warm that the snow is melting on contact.  Sidewalks are a different story.  They are covered with a slush of snow which can trip you up.  Take it slow whether behind the wheel or hoofing it.

A Winter Weary Washington

Where is spring?  I know the first official day was yesterday.  But we are not seeing many signs of spring here in the Nation's Capital.  It was 30 degrees at Crest Avenue this morning.  If it were December or January or February - or event the first week of March, that would be expected.  But not as we approach the end of March.  I must take a moment to reminisce and acknowledge that when I first moved to Cheverly, in April 1993, I moved in snow and ice covered roads.  Let's hope that does not happen again this year.

Below is a pictorial of my drive into the city this morning.



Bleak.



Bleak with concrete.



Bleak with old crime scene tape wrapped around it.



Bleak with parked cars.



Bleak beside a Metrobus.



Bleak in front of the Carnegie Mellon library.



Bleak on the other side of the Carnegie Mellon Library.



Ahhhh!  Finally a little spot of spring.  This photo taken at the Washington Harbour complex in Georgetown.  The groundskeepers have done a superb job of getting all these pansies planted over the past week.  It helps to lift the spirit.

A Winter Weary Washington

Where is spring?  I know the first official day was yesterday.  But we are not seeing many signs of spring here in the Nation's Capital.  It was 30 degrees at Crest Avenue this morning.  If it were December or January or February - or event the first week of March, that would be expected.  But not as we approach the end of March.  I must take a moment to reminisce and acknowledge that when I first moved to Cheverly, in April 1993, I moved in snow and ice covered roads.  Let's hope that does not happen again this year.

Below is a pictorial of my drive into the city this morning.



Bleak.



Bleak with concrete.



Bleak with old crime scene tape wrapped around it.



Bleak with parked cars.



Bleak beside a Metrobus.



Bleak in front of the Carnegie Mellon library.



Bleak on the other side of the Carnegie Mellon Library.



Ahhhh!  Finally a little spot of spring.  This photo taken at the Washington Harbour complex in Georgetown.  The groundskeepers have done a superb job of getting all these pansies planted over the past week.  It helps to lift the spirit.

A Wooden Bowl

I'm always in the market for something new and fun.  You never know where you are going to be when that something "pops" out at you.  In this instance, I was in Target.  I like Target.  They carry some very nice things and some unusual things that you do not see anywhere else.  I was in the Home Goods section and what caught my eye?

A Wooden Bowl!!

Saw it.  Loved it.  Had to have it. 

A view from above to give you a better idea of the shape.  I placed it on this cocktail table for the time being.  Whether it stays here or I find another spot for it - I don't know right now.

The claim in this sticker is that the bowl was crafted from sustainably forested wood.  I'm not sure I know what that means.  I guess it is a good thing.  Whether it is or not, I like the bowl and I'm glad I got it.

A Wooden Bowl

I'm always in the market for something new and fun.  You never know where you are going to be when that something "pops" out at you.  In this instance, I was in Target.  I like Target.  They carry some very nice things and some unusual things that you do not see anywhere else.  I was in the Home Goods section and what caught my eye?

A Wooden Bowl!!

Saw it.  Loved it.  Had to have it. 

A view from above to give you a better idea of the shape.  I placed it on this cocktail table for the time being.  Whether it stays here or I find another spot for it - I don't know right now.

The claim in this sticker is that the bowl was crafted from sustainably forested wood.  I'm not sure I know what that means.  I guess it is a good thing.  Whether it is or not, I like the bowl and I'm glad I got it.

The New Soilsaver Composter

We have joined the world of composting at Crest Avenue.  At our last Farmer's Market Day in the fall I stopped by and bought one of these Soilsaver Compost Bins.

I stored it in the garden shed with the intent of assembling and setting it up in the spring.  Since last Saturday was such a beautiful pre-spring day, I did just that.

Assembly could not have been easier.  I was expecting to spend much longer getting it assembled than I actually did.  It comes with plastic bolts and nuts (which are nice so you don't end up with rusty hardware).  Included also is a wrench for tightening up everything once you are done.  The wrench is plastic also.  And it is all from recycled material.

I'm rather anxious to get started using this thing.  I began reading the book which tells you which items can be composted and which items cannot.  It is an interesting list and one that you will want to review before starting your composting project.  I was surprised to find things on the list which could or should not be placed in the compost bin.  Such as, napkins and paper towels, plants, ashes (coal or charcoal), or any type of colored paper.  I intend to use mine mainly for grass clippings and leaves.  As you can see from the picture above, I have plenty of leaves to gather up.  This location next to the shed is a good one since it gets plenty of sunshine during the day.  When the weather improves and the Farmer's Market is open for business, I will venture over to see if the same guy is selling these again this year.  I would like to get at least one more.

While working in the back yard putting together my new composter, look what I found.  Beautiful little crocus which popped up in an obsure corner.  So beautiful.

This poor crocus is either having a hard time getting started or has already seen better days.  Such is the cycle of life.

The New Soilsaver Composter

We have joined the world of composting at Crest Avenue.  At our last Farmer's Market Day in the fall I stopped by and bought one of these Soilsaver Compost Bins.

I stored it in the garden shed with the intent of assembling and setting it up in the spring.  Since last Saturday was such a beautiful pre-spring day, I did just that.

Assembly could not have been easier.  I was expecting to spend much longer getting it assembled than I actually did.  It comes with plastic bolts and nuts (which are nice so you don't end up with rusty hardware).  Included also is a wrench for tightening up everything once you are done.  The wrench is plastic also.  And it is all from recycled material.

I'm rather anxious to get started using this thing.  I began reading the book which tells you which items can be composted and which items cannot.  It is an interesting list and one that you will want to review before starting your composting project.  I was surprised to find things on the list which could or should not be placed in the compost bin.  Such as, napkins and paper towels, plants, ashes (coal or charcoal), or any type of colored paper.  I intend to use mine mainly for grass clippings and leaves.  As you can see from the picture above, I have plenty of leaves to gather up.  This location next to the shed is a good one since it gets plenty of sunshine during the day.  When the weather improves and the Farmer's Market is open for business, I will venture over to see if the same guy is selling these again this year.  I would like to get at least one more.

While working in the back yard putting together my new composter, look what I found.  Beautiful little crocus which popped up in an obsure corner.  So beautiful.

This poor crocus is either having a hard time getting started or has already seen better days.  Such is the cycle of life.

Preparation for Spring Continues

Spring officially arrives tomorrow, which is not a day too soon as far as we are concerned.  This past Saturday was delightful here in the Mid-Atlantic with high temperatures at 61 degrees.  Sunday was not so great.  It was cold and cloudy and I believe our top temperature was 43 degreees.  A huge difference in the span of 24 hours.  Yesterday we got what we hope was one last blast of winter.  We had snow flurries all day in the District of Columbia and the eastern suburbs of Maryland where we are located on Crest Avenue.  As was the case two weeks ago, the western suburbs in Virginia received several inches of snow.  The line dividing areas with snow and areas without snow this year has been positioned very oddly with the northern and western parts of the beltway covered in snow and the southern and eastern part of the beltway only wet with sprinkles of rain or snowflakes which melt on contact.  Very strange.

I spent majority of the day last Saturday cleaning up the back yard including the seating areas.  At some point, I took a break and ran to Home Depot to pick up a few more things to help prepare for spring and summer.

A box of pink mixed Caladiums.  These need a shady spot and I have scoped out the perfect location for them.  You do not want to get these in the ground too early.  Ideally, the soil should be 70 degrees when these are planted.  Will I wait until it is at exactly 70 degrees?  Probably not.  But it is much too cold today to plant them.  They can be left in the ground in our zone but will need to be covered with a thick blanket of mulch in the fall.  Zones further north should probably raise them for the winter months.

I have no idea where these will go.  The picture is just so beautiful on the package I couldn't help myself.  I do not think I will be happy with these growing in a container.  They should be planted in the ground.

These giant arborvitae balls will be perfect in the planters on either side of the front entrance to replace the dead topiaries I planted there last year.  You will remember a few weeks ago I admitted that I chose topiaries for these two planters that were not intended to be left outside during the cold winter months.  I removed them.  These will go in the planters and then trimmed by hand to a form that is pleasing and in appropriate relation to the size of the planters.

We already have a whiskey barrel in the outdoor cocktail lounge area in the back.  We will be adding two additional whiskey barrels to this area this year.  All three barrels will be planted with tall, upright grasses which will give a very ethereal feel to the space.  Only the slightest breeze will bring gentle movement to the grasses.  This area has been difficult to design properly.  With the addition of these and the grasses it will take on a whole new feel this year.  The two extra-wide, zero-gravity lounge chairs arrived last week and are in place and ready for the season to start.  These chairs are large enough for two people to occupy.  Or for one person to occupy with a miniature, wire-haired dachshund named Baxter.  He has already checked them out and he approves.  We will have to get pictures of that in the upcoming weeks.

The final item we purchased this week was the Miracle-Gro Shake 'n Feed containers.  I was able to get these both applied on Saturday.  I have used these for years with wonderful results.  The sooner in the season you can get it applied, the better.  Another application in late July or August helps to keep everything looking vibrant.

I would say we are well prepared for spring weather to arrive at this point.  The extended forecast states that this week and weekend will be chilly; not at all spring-like.  In the low to mid-30's at night and high 40's - low 50's during the day through the next 10 days.  Not great conditions for working outdoors.  We will see what comes and deal with whatever mother nature hands us.  We're just glad that we have taken advantage of these weeks before spring weather arrives to prepare so that when it gets here, we are ready to get started with our gardening duties.