Jack Frost...

Frost has come early to the Valley and Natureman was on it knowing that it was time for the potted plants to come inside until at least next May. So when I returned from my trip South, our 'living' space had new visitors...

There are still more to come in but for those who were just saved, their new indoor life has begun in the window line up adjusting. Yep the far left plant is Bird of Paradise, my newest plant and next to it is my 'old' lantana which is in its 11th year here in the Valley! It started out pink and has morphed into more of an orange.

Well I appreciate his life saving savvy, even though they are not quite saved yet - What Natureman didn't realize is I don't just bring them in without some prep whether its spraying them with the garden hose from above and below to remove creepy crawlers from the foliage or dead heading besides giving them a good trim outside since they will be stressed in their new environs.(FYI cut plants back at least 1/3 - 2/3.)

Well, lo and behold we did have some extra visitors brought inside... The other evening Natureman calls me to come look at something. The largest toad I have ever seen had jumped out of one of the pots. He was quickly ushered back outside...

What wasn't ushered outside until the next day was the hibiscus tree that was covered with aphids. Many branches were covered in a white powder and if you looked on the underside of the plant this is what you saw.

SO the plant was pruned, subjected to the hose and sprayed with soapy water too to hopefully save the plant and its new neighbors. Dawn cleans more than just dishes. :)You may wonder why not just buy a new plant next summer, well sentimental reasons as this plant was a housewarming gift seven years ago.

Yes, it'll be messy for awhile as the plants dump alot of their leaves followed by new growth eventually. It's always a challenge to see how long/how many plants we can keep alive through winter. AND it's always fun to get some bloom color during the winter months.

The wash tub herbs will come in next as a sheet can still be thrown on them for right now. I just have to remember to uncover them in the mornings. Then we will move the tubs inside and those herbs will be cut fresh inside as long as possible. AND when I get tired of watering/ sweeping up dried leaves,they will be harvested.
It's more housework but definitely worth it as all these plants will be the only winter green we'll be seeing for many moons right here in the End of the Rainbow Valley...