So, all the local gardeners tell me that here in Houston, Fall is our second Spring. Due to our extended growing season here and our relatively mild winters, Fall can apparently be another great time for planting and reworking the yard.
This is the first time I’ve ever really paid this much attention to the seasons. I mean, sure, I get hot in the Summer, and remember to put on my sweater in the Fall and Winter, but other than that, not so much. It’s been very interesting to me, this year, to watch the progression of my plants throughout the year. All of the Coleus I planted in Spring are considered tender perennials and it’s fascinating to see that a year is almost like a whole life cycle for them.
When I planted them, they were cute little babies, all fresh and dewy. After being in the ground a while, they grew and bushed out and became beautiful adults. Now, as Summer has passed by and we are in the midst of Fall, they are looking leggy and worn out. Time for a replacement!
Some of that is my fault, I know. I’m supposed to have been out there pinching and trimming and weeding all Summer. But, it was just so hot (can you hear the whine?) that I really let things go. Consequently, now I’ve got a bunch of work to do!
Another thing I planted is Oxalis or “False Shamrock.” I’ve been very pleased with this choice! They are a beautiful low, purple foliage plant that I put all along a narrow side border. They are planted as bulbs, but they popped their little heads up right away and have looked gorgeous ever since. They have more than earned their place in my garden and I just love that purple color! I’m planning to add a bunch more of these to the front bed in place of some of those Coleus.
Anyway, now that it’s the Second Spring, I guess I need to get off my butt and get back to work. The question now is, what will survive the Winter?
