Name: Rick Corey Everett WA 98204 (Zone 8a) Sunset Zone 5. Koppen Csb. Eco 2f
Speaking of chocolate flowers, these chocolate-purple Columbines appeared unexpectedly. After some confusion, I'm pretty sure they were from a packet labelled "Columbine, Harlequin" from or saved from a "Burpee Exclusive mixture". I think it took them more than one year to become bigger than nearby weeds. At least, there were no blooms for the first year. basically, by the time they bloomed, I had forgotten what i had originally planted there that "failed".
One person told they look like C. vulgaris. I was surprised to see one batch of blooms come up first on tall stalks, and then later for more blooms to show up low down amongst the foliage. The "upper" blooms were darker, all one color and drooped or nodded. the lower batch of blooms were upright, lighter and often two-color. That bed is such a mess that it might even have been TWO plants with similar foliage!
Name: Rick Corey Everett WA 98204 (Zone 8a) Sunset Zone 5. Koppen Csb. Eco 2f
Thanks!
After struggling for a few years with a few varieties, I got some McKanna Giants to come up, but they seemed almost artificial. Then this guy appeared where I had once tried to start some.
I wouldn't have chosen that color out of a catalog, and had considered chopping it down ... but it grew on me.
And I hate to kill a plant deliberately. I do that too often unintentionally.
About 25 and frosty clear this morning, I think this may be my killing frost. Hard to tell because every plant I would normally use as an indicator has died down or lost its leaves. In any event, the killing frost is late this year.
I want to live in a world where the chicken can cross the road without its motives being questioned.
Name: Rick Corey Everett WA 98204 (Zone 8a) Sunset Zone 5. Koppen Csb. Eco 2f
Today was my first frost, and where a pea leaf was holding a little water, it froze solid. Local weather stations report things like 28 - 30 F. Except for one night a week or two ago (35), my lows have all been in the 40s.
That agrees with tables I've found for "average first 28 F freeze", but it's 6 days AFTER the 90% date for first 32 F frost.
Name: Suzanne/Sue Sebastopol, CA (Zone 9a) Sunset Zone 15
Sitting at the Vancouver,BC airport waiting for flight home after two weeks visiting family in Canada (last time I vacation up north this time of year!) really crisp and cold this morning on the drive in. Lots of frost, a golf course looked so white it almost looked like snow.
Anxious to get back to my garden.
Too cold for you huh Sue!!?? I love the crisp days - especially when its not raining! But I have noticed that I've become less "interested" in doing too much out in the cold, snow or rain!! Stay warm!
20 degrees this morning. Glad Gary took the time to winterize our faucet bibs and bring in the hoses last evening, time to add a light to the pump house.
I want to live in a world where the chicken can cross the road without its motives being questioned.
I don't normally follow the Co-op forum, but somehow caught wind of this and thought I'd share it. Atlas gloves for a little over $2 per pair - can't beat that even at the feed store spring sale ($4). These are my go-to gloves.
Unclear yet, perhaps an extra nickel per set of gloves plus $1 per order (not per glove). I think whoever is organizing this hasn't yet figured that part out. I figure even up to $3/pair it's a steal, and I love to have fresh gloves at the ready.
I want to live in a world where the chicken can cross the road without its motives being questioned.
Stay warm! 
