My Winter Vegetable and Herb Garden

I'm so excited to be able to plant a vegetable and herb garden for the first time here in North Carolina.  Last year would have been the perfect one but I was too busy with my move .  I'm praying for good weather this year and, if it doesn't oblige, I'm ready with row covers and transportation to the garage if necessary.

Due to the danger of varmints such as rabbits and deer I have limited my plantings to pots on the back deck. I'm leaving the lawn a little tall in case they want to mow it for me .  I may have to get a dog house and have my mini-Schnauzer Jojo do her job as a rat terrier .

My selections above are :  Lemon grass, kale, lavender, thyme, oregano, giant red mustard, parsley, rosemary, society garlic, bay, and savoy cabbage .    I've planted six of the cabbage in individual pots .

I love being able to clip herbs for my soups and stews, it adds so much flavor.  And when the cabbage and mustard greens are mature I'll find a welcome spot for them as well.

October in the Garden

In late August I installed a front garden at my rental house, investing as little time and money as possible since I don't plan to be there long.

It is simply amazing how fast the garden has filled in.  The two roses I purchased for $3 and $6  ( Knockouts ) are very happy in their new home.  The Lantana has performed beautifully , going from a neglected , scrawny plant in a small pot to a good size shrub filled with beautiful flowers.  The Japanese silvergrass have tassles at the top and the Mums have dropped their original blooms and developed new ones in a very short time because they were planted rather early.

Here's the amazing  transformation of my front garden .

October is still warm here in North Carolina with temperatures in the mid-80's so there is still a lot of gardening left to be done.  Don't look too close or you'll see the weeds I have yet to pull.  A gardener's work is never done.