The last several years we’ve had long, trailing falls with temperatures s-l-o-w-l-y dipping lower and lower, and flower-killing hard freezes only in late October or even early November. This year we had our first frost October 13. The grass was frosted the next morning and the zinnias were dead. My short marigolds and the annuals in pots around the front door were hurt but not dead; even the nasturtiums continued to bloom for a few days.
Mums in Back Garden Before Frost
Then we had a serious frost October 15 that killed all the annuals. My mums in lower-lying back garden and all the asters were zapped with brown foliage and dead blossoms. Some of my mums in the front which is somewhat protected showed frost damage too although they all continue to bloom as do the dianthus.
In some ways I am glad we got a hard frost because I could pull my annuals while they are dry and before they turn to mush. True it means the flowers are done but it also puts a period on the summer season and avoids the long lingering decline we’ve had other years.
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