Good morning, and where did the time go? Welcome to Saturday Morning Garden Blogging.
Denver is having a dry, warm November. Typically, our highs run in the 40s and 50s, and November is historically the 2nd snowiest month of the year.
This year, we're running 10° to 15° too warm, with no precipitation. On Tuesday we inched back up to 70°, yesterday it was 68° (those measurements come from the airport; my area of town is generally several degrees warmer). Which explains why I have a snapdragon vigorously blooming in the front yard.
But the end of unseasonable warmth is — at least temporarily — in sight. On Tuesday evening, we have a cold front moving in with, perhaps, a bit of snow or sleet. That won't interfere with our annual Thanksgiving trip to visit the Mister's family in Pueblo (crossing fingers that the forecast is correct, as even a small bit of freezing precipitation can make Monument Hill, outside of Colorado Springs, impassible).
Although we talk about "typical" weather here on the Front Range, the only thing "typical" is that we never really know what is going to happen. Forecasting is extremely tricky, as a slight change in a wind pattern can mean the difference between a dusting of snow, or a two-foot dumping. Subtle changes in elevation can mean a 10° or 20° difference in temperature in locations just a few linear miles apart — which also affects whether moisture comes as rain or snow. If you look at the USDA horticultural zone map, you'll see that the Front Range has mixed-up swirls of color.
So living here is full of surprises — and you never know just what might show up. Like this passion flower. This vine has grown up onto the deck of the front porch where it is protected from frost; the buds haven't been frozen and colder ambient air temperatures don't seem to deter their opening. Indeed, there is an apparent advantage, in that the flowers last much longer than they did in the full heat of late summer.
Last night we had another surprise on the porch: the appearance of Bloggy the Garden Gnome. I'm not sure how he managed to ring the doorbell; his hands are full, and he is a little on the short side. But he also is very well dressed, what with his Kossack hat and Democrats Work t-shirt.
All indications are that Bloggy had the assistance of TakeBackTheHouse, an occasional visitor to Casa de Frankenoid who has poured so much effort into Democrats Work here in Colorado. TakeBack credits me with providing him with assistance. I dunno: I enjoy hosting gatherings for the progressive Colorado blogosphere so that seems like nothing compared to all the effort TakeBack puts in; nor did pointing him to Docudharma take any effort on my part.
But Bloggy is much appreciated, and he will make a fine addition to the Garden Blogging Garden. I think he'll enjoy the company of the Zen Frog.
That's what's happening here. What's going on in your gardens?