awarded Petunia, Tidal Wave Red Velour. It was cut back quite hard in late August. That’s much later than I normally recommend but sometimes my procrastination pays dividends. With the extended growing season this year these Petunias have almost become overgrown again. This frosted and frozen bloom is a delight this morning that will probably be mush by the time I return to it this afternoon. That starts the next set of chores. The garage wall planters will have to be taken down and have all of Petunias, and possibly a few weeds, removed. They will then be stacked for the winter at the back of the outdoor potting bench. The soil will not be removed. Next spring it will be loosened and have a bit of compost added and it will be ready to go for another year. New planting media in your containers is very good for the soil companies but in most cases totally unnecessary. The planters on the front porch grow wonderful flowers every year and they have been there for about 15 years filled with the original soil and the spring top up of soil or compost. That practice may give me the odd weed but removing weeds from containers is an easy task.




I suppose I should feel sorry for my rabbit population. The cold weather has forced them to compromise their feeding preferences. These Turnips have been growing happily in the back garden for many weeks and they have been ignored by the rapacious rabbits. Suddenly, as most other green things have frozen and disappeared, the Turnips have been severely pruned. Maybe this is the opportunity to put my traps out again with some more delectable delights. I’m sure the rabbits would like to be transported to some other location to spend their winter. Inside the house there is a bright yellow Iris still blooming away. The bloom stalk showed up a couple of weeks ago and when the buds were showing significant colour, the weather man was promising a very cool night so I cut it and brought it inside. The primary buds are finishing and the secondaries are now blooming. A real November treat for this Iris addict. As that final Iris fades the bloom stalks on the

Now it’s time to answer a few of my reader’s questions. Don’t forget to check the front page of the Website for frequent short ideas for current gardening activities.

Sandy Asks? I have a few fruit trees in my yard. The apple, pear, apricot and peach trees bear fruit that show signs of diseases. I hate to throw out the whole fruit so I clean it up and eat the parts that look edible. Is it harmful to eat?

Ken Answers! You are still here to ask the question so maybe that's your answer :-) I do much the same with lots of produce from the garden. Cut out the soft brown bits and use the rest is my strategy.