Frost Nip

 Frost Nip is actually the name
of one of my favourite dahlias.

But my title refers to today`s experiences.

First of all, I woke really early and was up by 6 a.m. Secondly I was pretty surprised when Openreach workmen began working on telephone cables outside our house at 6.20. I thought it was a bit early. And they must have been pretty cold because there was a rather heavy frost.

We don`t usually expect frosts at this time of the year, but the car was covered in a layer .... the first clue, unfortunately it was all over the grass and the birdbath had an icy layer as well.

I had reason to be worried. 

We went to the garden. I was just a little bit upset to find all the lovely new dahlia growth blackened.

The sprout net had blown over a couple and they were saved.

This is the lovely My Love that was shooting so well.

A few days ago.

Everything else seemed to be ok but sometimes you don`t find out til later.

Such was the case with these plants at home.

French marigolds and amaranthus.

 

 

Looking very sorry for themselves.

I am hoping the dahlias will recover with new shoots pushing up. I have since wondered whether they need thinning anyway.

I had one tray of statice Pink Pokers to plant.

 

Oh these bakers trays are so useful.

 

Then Steve and I cut some very thick willow poles. Maybe we will use them to construct sunflower support.

It was great to have the dead hedge for all the trimmings.

 

And great to try out our new short but very strong loppers.

 

And here is the flowerbed we did not start weeding today.