We had our first frost last night. It was not a heavy frost, but the lawn was slightly frosted and the temperature was 37 degrees at 6:30 am. It was severe enough to kill the tomatoes and squash, but nothing else was much affected. Even the basic in front of the house, where it is protected, wasn’t nipped.

The sun is brilliant today although probably not as hot as the Arizona sun. The frost quickly melted.

These petunias stand in for all the potted  flowers that are still blooming right in front of the house where they are protected. Fuschias, million bells, gazanias, verbenas. Our house face due south so our piazza is a bit of a heat sink and a space I love.

Only a few roses are in bloom, most notably Thomas Affleck. However when I walked down the Rose Walk this morning I saw that young roses like Winter Sunset  that was still producing buds had been nibbled. Deer! Grrrrrrrrrr.

Japanese anemones look fragile, but they are very hardy. Lots of buds still.  On the other hand I am now giving myself permession to cut back the daylilies.

The vegetable garden isn’t quite done. I haven’t yet harvested the winter squash, or most of the leeks. I have a little planting of lettuce and mesclun  that we are beginning to eat.  We have some warm weather in store, I am sure. Remember Indian Summer?  That will only arrive after a killing frost.