On the Shores of Lake Chicago

gardening in Oak Park, IL, in the clay mud of prehistoric Lake Chicago

Life after frost October 29, 2008

Filed under: Gardening — lakechicagoshores @ 3:44 pm

Autumn Brilliance

Even though we’ve had a frost here this week, the garden is still alive. The ‘Autumn Brilliance’ serviceberry is living up to its nickname, even as the parsley beneath it is vibrant green.

Calendula

Both the calendula (above) and snapdragon (below) are blooming as if it were midsummer.

Late October snapdragons

Great blue lobelia

Leaves are starting to turn on the great blue lobelia and other plants, but the only one to have shed all its leaves is the grape woodbine.  The only fall colors on the Swiss chard, however, are the brightly colored stems; the leaves are still green and new ones are appearing daily.

Chard

 

Bloom Day – October 2008 October 15, 2008

Filed under: Gardening, Pond — lakechicagoshores @ 11:02 am

Fall woodbine around the pond

The grape woodbine surrounding the pond is an early color-changer.

I’ve been away from this blog for a while due to work insanity and the autumnal blues.  I don’t have a lot of pics this time (of course it started raining today when I got a free moment), but I do have a report:

In bloom:

  • calendula
  • snapdragons
  • marsh marigold
  • water lily
  • cilantro

In fruit:
Fish peppers are ripe!

  • Fish peppers
  • Caroline raspberry