Pretty Autumn Bunch

GT, when you say 'bed for winter' what do you do? does it all go under cover?

Yes, since they are all still potted, we cut down the growth and push them together in rows directly on the ground. Then hill up some sawdust to the rims of the pots, as though they were planted in a shallow hill, then lay fleece over them, tagged down on the sawdust with more sawdust. This gives a breathable barrier to keep them safe if there isnt much snow or during late frosts in spring after the snow melts. It does an OK job. Few things will survive winter standing in a pot exposed. Even the trees and shrubs are 'hilled in' like this. I've got some shots of them, I'll have to post.

Mmm...interesting. Thank you. Still I guess at -29 that is absolutely imperative! Does it get even colder?

Sounds like a lot of hard work, GT, but worth it to save the plants :)

Yes, it gets much colder. This is the tip of the iceberg. -40 to 50 is the real cold. It is hard work Gee, but only necessary for potted plants, so the garden is easier. I just put out a thick mulch. Maybe tonight I can get some more posted, show what it looks like.

Wow!! What do you do when it's -50 degrees? Can you go outdoors at all?

Nothing stops. We all go to work, shop, eat out, visit friends. You just hear more brrrr's in conversation, a little fist shaking or 'this is my last year if its like this'. My cold snap blog it was -40 for three weeks.

You guys are tough!! Go Alaskans!!

:-)))

'ere 'ere Karen ! ;0))

LOL! Thanks Valadel.

WOW! Are the temps in ºC or ºF? Whatever scale you're using still seems like an awful lot of cold! Bbbbrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! lol!

-40 C and F are the same temperature. So in that range its all the same. Very cold....lol. I just stay in, when I can, and look at the warmer places.

Do you dream of sunnier, warmer climes? After Christmas the TV & the newspapers are full of tempting summer holiday scenes, advertising lovely hot, sunny beaches & crystal clear, turquoise waters! Palm trees, white sand beaches, deck chairs, ice cream & long, cold drinks! Getting the picture??? :-D

thats lovely i wud like a hop plant nxt year

Balcony, I wouldn't want a warm winter as I've never had such a thing and think its a bit abnormal. But I do dream of winters where the sun rises in the morning and warms things to a crisp -5C for sledding or walks and hot cocoa. I love those crisp frozen days in the sun I had growing up. Here the sun is too wimpy to even raise the temperature.

Cristina, I love the nice bright green of hops, and it is such a full and vigorous vine. Great for arbors and such with nice big "berries'. I might add it myself, now I know it will come through our winter.

Yikes! I wouldn't like my glasses breaking, presumably, on my face in a fall!

The cold is usually very dry after about -15C but if there was ice on the ground then, it stays until it can dry up. We have a thick ice on the ground this year. Might not see the end of it until melt. I prefer much colder temps to mild and damp cold.