October 6th and we had a frost last night. This is the second light frost in the last two weeks and it is truly shocking that we have not had a killing frost yet. The Cosmos is still blooming as are a number of fall flowering perennials which frequently, in the past have been zapped before they bloom. The average day for the first frost in Cranbrook B.C. where I live is September 14th. The City is concerned about water shortages in the spring and I worry about getting enough water to my trees and shrubs before freeze up.

We are slow creatures to change. Unlike the trees that are slowing changing where they feel happiest and the mammals, land and ocean, that are slowly moving their habitat. Birds are being sighted where they have not been seen before, butterflies apparently changing migration paths. I find it so hard to change the garden I have nurtured for forty years into something different but I fear I must make some changes. On the one hand I am thrilled to find the plants that at one time, would not do well in our harsh climate zone, are now doing better in some ways but with lack of water, not doing well in others. It is troubling and challenging but I like a challenge, so over winter I will seriously look at what I might do to change the water needs in my garden. Xeriscaping, dry land gardening, has been popular for many years now but I simply do not have the energy to totally redo my patch. It will be one small change at a time.

On a bright note, first frosts sweeten the apples still on the trees and deciduous trees so far are having a very gentle fall in which to transition to winter mode. The colours are fabulous as the chlorophylls in the leaves break down and return all nutrients to the tress. The cold hardening process takes time.

Arrested abscission: Abscission is the controlled process of separation of leaves, flowers and fruit from a plant. If it is arrested, it stops before complete. I love this phrase. Christine Walkdon, one of my instructors years ago loved it too. It has stuck with me. This phenomenon has occurred more than once in the last few years. The sudden onset of very cold temperatures in October has prevented some trees, notably Mountain Ash and Prunus species from fully going through the process of winterizing. The flow of water through the plant’s xylem, into the leaf petiole, or stalk and into leaves had not stopped completely. Even the apples on one of my trees remained until spring. The veins had not been sealed off allowing the leaves to freeze on to the tree. The leaves didn’t fall until spring in some cases when they had become completely dehydrated. Plants have scars on the stems and branches, where the leaves fall and the stem heals. On a tree they are easy to see and to notice the pattern left. Plants are amazingly resilient and recover but if this event happened too many times I can’t help but think it would damage the plant.

In order: Euonymous, My garden, Buckeye Chestnut, Mountain Ash, Sumac, ‘Tiger Eyes’, Maple, Beauty Bush, Kolwitzia, Maple leaf

The best part about this lovely slow and gentle fall in 2023 are the sunny days and bright colours. I hope everyone can enjoy them on this Thanksgiving weekend.