The fall color this season has been a little mixed – a few early, chilly nights coupled with a few days of strong winds have muted the display in our area. But 35 miles north of here, across the Delaware River in New York state, I came across this dramatic display last weekend on the way to the radio station. And this picture is almost entirely not-messed-around-with in Photoshop.

But with more frost threatened last night, the old bedsheets were out again protecting the cannas and coleus, caladiums and colocasias on the deck and in the borders. Not the most picturesque of approaches – but it works if the night temperatures don’t drop too low. In fact, last night took us down to only 35F – tonight is supposed to be colder.  But don’t just leave those bedsheets in place – it can be tempting, especially if you’re out all day and there’s no one around to be offended by the “display”. But the flowers underneath can rot in no time if the moisture is not allowed to dry out in the autumn sun.

Pots from the deck were brought on to the porch and for a little extra protection gathered under the umbrella and with a few more bedsheets enjoyed a very effective shelter. And the cats found it intriguing too…