A Time to Plant and a Time to Harvest

It came earlier this year than it has in a while. Today is one of my favorite days of the year, and simultaneously one of my least favorite. The First Snow! I like seasons, and I love changing seasons. The past few weeks have been lovely here in Colorado, but I am not lamenting the coming winter cold as much as I could. I love snow, and the magic that comes with the shimmering crystals and cold air. And it is the season for Halloween decorations, which have a much spookier impact on a dark, cold, stormy night. However, it means consciously pulling the plug on my vegetables and flowers. Acknowledging the end of the colorful fruit and leaves, and laying to rest the plants I have been sustaining every day for the past several months. When my alarm went off this morning, there was barely light in the sky. Looking out onto the patio, there was a dusting of white on the grill and the fence. I did not need the snooze button! I bundled up and went out to brush off the plants, trying to decide how quickly they needed to be moved into the garage. Today should be in the 40's, but tonight and through the weekend are forecast to be icky and freezing. I decided not to waste any time fretting about it(for once), and bite the bullet. I moved most of my potted plants from the patio around into the garage, except for the flower planters which I snuggled up next to the front door. Hopefully the dose of sunshine every morning will keep them happy for a little while longer. We still have beautiful ripening cherry tomatoes - the plant is still producing flowers! The peppers are in an odd state of green to red transition, and I have been coaxing the tomatillos so gently all summer that I am not convinced any of the husks really have anything substantial in them. The basil will be laid out to dry this weekend, and the herbs will hunker down for the winter. We will harvest the beets and use the greens in a comforting concoction this weekend, but the okra and chard might have to be sacrificed. To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.