Garden Journal: Gifts of the New Season

The growing season here in California lasts well into the fall. In fact October is one of the most beautiful and fruitful times in the garden because the stifling high temperatures of summer are gone and the growth cycle begins again. We often find a surge of warm season edibles and flowers just as the first cool season vegetables start to sprout.

October Harvest of Zinnnias and Cherry Tomatoes

This is also the natural time for dahlias to bloom and create a gorgeous display of colorful flowers to paint throughout the fall.

Cafe au Lait Dahlia and Zinnias

We are currently pulling the last tomatoes from the vines and harvesting dahlias and zinnias daily while awaiting the ripening of pomegranates.

Greek Oregano and Dahlia

The Starfire marigolds fill in the garden beds protecting the vegetable harvest from insects and add a touch of orange.

Starfire Marigolds

Now the late season heirloom tomatoes are ripe and ready to harvest. It truly is a beautiful month in the garden!

Heirloom Tomato