Feels like winter

Fall came and went swiftly this year and it feels like winter. In years past, my dying annuals would have been pulled out, pansies put in their place, and a huge pile of raked leaves would be accumulating. But I am way behind. The early cold temperatures and bone-chilling wind haven't inspired me to work outside.

Strawberry plants, sweet peas and parsley

Maybe the October trip to the Bahamas set me back a few weeks? Or is it my new interest in watching Sunday afternoon football with my husband? (It is amazing how many hours you can waste sitting on the couch!) Hurricane Sandy was also somewhat of an interference, not bad for our area, but horrific for the folks in New York and New Jersey.

This sparrow was scolding me!

Anyway, today it is cold and wet snow is in the forecast. After an early morning walk out to the compost bin , I looked over at the overgrown and dying garden. I had been putting off this big job of clearing out frost-bitten basil, tomatoes, and pepper plants. It was too late for the basil and any hope for homemade pesto will have to wait until next summer. The cilantro, peas and parsley are alive and well, unfazed by the cold nights we have had recently.

Sweet pea blossom

cilantro going strong!

season's final harvest

I was happy to able to salvage lots of green and light red tomatoes and jalapeno peppers. Time to research recipes for green tomatoes...maybe salsa using the jalapenos?

Lola!