Gardening, Home and Nature Thread, Oct. 24

Above, a spooky pumpkin from Eris Enthroned. Don't you just love it?

And for daytime:

My encore azalea has again provided me with fall color.
Sharon(willow's apprentice)

A great choice.

Edible Gardening/Putting Things By

Our strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) is doing well here in the Pacific Northwest, a bit out of its native territory; the berries are in, and we already have the next round of blossoms.

PacNW Lurker

My aunt had one of these trees in Southern California. The small trees are very attractive and the blossoms and fruits are pretty. The fruits are the color of strawberries but don't really taste like strawberries. They are on the bland side and are covered with red bumps that probably protect the fruit from predators before the fruits ripen.

It is interesting to me that the fruits and flowers appear together.

Quilt Ladder and Halloween Quilts

From a friend:

I absolutely love my custom hinged quilt ladder made by Devan Jenkinson of Jenkcraft.
Red Oak frame, Black Walnut end capped, Black Walnut hinge plates, custom Black Walnut "cycle 100" to commemorate my century rides, and custom Purple Heart inlays because I put love into every stitch, and I put an appliqued heart on the back of each quilt as my signature.

Seeing Stars and bats

I could not resist piecing this cow abduction. It's called "Udderly Out of This World." The FPP pattern was designed by Adriana Jaffrani
Adrianna - Getting Jazzy with It
This is the 12" version. It was very challenging and I used Jack the Ripper more than I anticipated. Oh well, it's all done and I love how it turned out.
Sadly, this was the last of my sparkly sky fabric.

Did I make another Halloween quilt? Yes!
"In the quiet hollow, beneath an autumn moon, she prepares her most treasured potion. The darkening night holds its breath as her quiet magic unfolds."
Designer: Angela Angela Wall

Gardens of The Horde

From Don in Kansas, Six Cubic Feet of Yellow

Click the link for more important information.

Love the light in that photo.

What's going on in your yard or garden?

Hope everyone has a nice weekend.

If you would like to send photos, stories, links, etc. for the Saturday Gardening Thread, the address is:

ktinthegarden at g mail dot com

Remember to include the nic or name by which you wish to be known at AoSHQ, or let us know if you want to remain a lurker.

Week in Review

What has changed since last week's thread? Gardening, Home and Nature Thread, Oct. 17

I closed the comments on that post so you wouldn't get banned for commenting on a week-old post, but don't try it anyway.

Posted by: K.T. at 01:47 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Howdy, Green Thumbs!

Posted by: Emmie at October 24, 2026 01:50 PM (OlzlW)

2 I just picked the last of my peppers. the garden is kaput

Posted by: what the cat drug in at October 24, 2026 01:50 PM (jrgJz)

3 My potted trees are turning colors and losing leaves in fits and starts.

I also have an unexpected weekend at home, and I already got my extra sleeping done yesterday, so I now have to decide what to do with the time.

Options are: rebuild the patio outside my front step, excavate a path through the back yard and make a solid path, or clean up all the papers inside the house.

Posted by: FeatherBlade at October 24, 2026 01:52 PM (C0Nlv)

4 I just harvested the third through seventh honeynut squashes from the garden. This one vine attempted to take over the entire yard.

Posted by: Emmie at October 24, 2026 01:52 PM (OlzlW)

5 FeatherBlade, it sounds like any of those projects would have a pleasing result.

Posted by: Emmie at October 24, 2026 01:53 PM (OlzlW)

6 I could not resist piecing this cow abduction. It's called "Udderly Out of This World."

LOL, Love it!

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at October 24, 2026 01:55 PM (l3cgK)

7 We had our first hard frost last night, I suspect my bush beans are all done-for.

Posted by: Kindltot at October 24, 2026 01:55 PM (rbvCR)

8 I wonder how I got a friend who does cow abduction quilts?

Posted by: KT at October 24, 2026 01:56 PM (X8QDB)

9 Had my own Halloween follies recently...mentioned them in the ONT...Don't read if such things freak you out.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at October 24, 2026 01:57 PM (l3cgK)

10 The temps have finally abated (for certain values of that metric) and the squirrels are certainly more active. The pond is clear and the cannas are starting to slow down. Looks like the mexican heather is liking this weather and so are the herbs. Might have to do some seasonal planting soon.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at October 24, 2026 01:57 PM (3Ope8)

11 Good afternoon Greenthumbs
Haven't started collecting 1 leaf yet, but they are starting to fall

Posted by: Skip at October 24, 2026 01:59 PM (Ia/+0)

12 Did close up mini greenhouse but only thing growing in it is chives, which in a very mild winter will last until spring.

Posted by: Skip at October 24, 2026 02:01 PM (Ia/+0)

13 I love those quilts, especially the cow abduction. Reminds me of when Homer Simpson was being sucked into a UFO and they had to use a second tractor beam on his bulk.

Thanks for featuring my pumpkin! Alas, it has already been dismantled by deer, squirrels, and rot. I only got three days out of it, but I did save seeds for next year's garden.

I salvaged five fingerling zucchinis. That may be the last thing from my veggie patch until the kale is ready for picking.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at October 24, 2026 02:03 PM (kpS4V)

14 10 The temps have finally abated (for certain values of that metric) .....

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at October 24, 2026 01:57 PM (3Ope

Autumn always comes in fits and starts here in So. California. Some years it seems summer won't quit. Kind of like getting snow in late May in northern climes. But...,,the air conditioner seems to have stopped it's frantic pace and it's starting to feel 'fall-like' at times....unless you're out in the sun....

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK's phone) at October 24, 2026 02:05 PM (QGaXH)

15 9 Had my own Halloween follies recently...mentioned them in the ONT...Don't read if such things freak you out.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at October 24, 2026 01:57 PM (l3cgK)

I went back and looked and don't see mention by you of Halloween...?

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK's phone) at October 24, 2026 02:08 PM (QGaXH)

16 I went back and looked and don't see mention by you of Halloween...?
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK's phone) at October 24, 2026 02:08 PM (QGaXH)

Same here

Posted by: Emmie at October 24, 2026 02:15 PM (OlzlW)

17 15 9 Had my own Halloween follies recently...mentioned them in the ONT...Don't read if such things freak you out.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at October 24, 2026 01:57 PM (l3cgK)

I went back and looked and don't see mention by you of Halloween...?

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK's phone) at October 24, 2026 02:08 PM (QGaXH)

Maybe was two nights ago...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at October 24, 2026 02:16 PM (l3cgK)

18 17 Maybe was two nights ago...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at October 24, 2026 02:16 PM (l3cgK)

The days do seem to blend together....

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK's phone) at October 24, 2026 02:18 PM (QGaXH)

19 Maybe was two nights ago...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at October 24, 2026 02:16 PM (l3cgK)

Post 107 on Thursday's ONT. #421889

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK's phone) at October 24, 2026 02:22 PM (QGaXH)

20 19 Maybe was two nights ago...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at October 24, 2026 02:16 PM (l3cgK)

Post 107 on Thursday's ONT. #421889
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK's phone) at October 24, 2026 02:22 PM (QGaXH)

Got it wrong! Thursday ONT was 421871

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK's phone) at October 24, 2026 02:24 PM (QGaXH)

21 18 17 Maybe was two nights ago...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at October 24, 2026 02:16 PM (l3cgK)

The days do seem to blend together....

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK's phone) at October 24, 2026 02:18 PM (QGaXH)

I'm trying to find it but keep getting timeout errors...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at October 24, 2026 02:24 PM (l3cgK)

22 20 19 Maybe was two nights ago...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at October 24, 2026 02:16 PM (l3cgK)

Post 107 on Thursday's ONT. #421889
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK's phone) at October 24, 2026 02:22 PM (QGaXH)

Got it wrong! Thursday ONT was 421871

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK's phone) at October 24, 2026 02:24 PM (QGaXH)

Thanks

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at October 24, 2026 02:25 PM (l3cgK)

23 I think we're the only ones here....

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK's phone) at October 24, 2026 02:26 PM (QGaXH)

24 Well, it's that time of year. Whenever we get a couple of nights around freezing, even if it warms up during the day, there are a few trees in our neighborhood that reliably turn fall colors. And the change is sudden. Sunlight brings out jewel-like reds and yellows that seem to glow. I look forward to it every year. Another month and the color is gone and the branches bare. But it is glorious for a while.

In the same vein but for spring, there are some cherry trees that start blossoming before anyone expects it. Again, it's sudden. One day the branches are bare, seems like the next they are loaded with pink and white blooms. That's when we know winter is pretty much over. Another thing to look forward to.

Posted by: JTB at October 24, 2026 02:29 PM (yTvNw)

25 Here but not for long, going to comedy club again, can't say why

Posted by: Skip at October 24, 2026 02:31 PM (Ia/+0)

26 At the farmers market this morning one of the vendors we buy from had bunches of herbs, including thyme, one of my favorites. They smelled like heaven. I'm going to try to root a couple of the stems. Wish me luck. I haven't tried that with growing herbs.

Posted by: JTB at October 24, 2026 02:34 PM (yTvNw)

27 Chilly day here. Yesterday's wet snow, the part that didn't melt away, is all crunchy underfoot. Bright sunshine, breezy, and maybe 30 degrees out. Trash burning in the burn barrel, and I am about to drive to town to take my garbage to the dump.

I think I will buy a pork roast, and do it in the slow cooker, with some baby potatoes. Maybe some apple pieces, too?

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 24, 2026 02:34 PM (n7Dzq)

28 I think I will buy a pork roast, and do it in the slow cooker, with some baby potatoes. Maybe some apple pieces, too?
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at October 24, 2026 02:34 PM (n7Dzq)

I have a pork shoulder that I am thawing out. I am planning to make can can pork stew, but it is far more than what I want to work with in a single go. Your idea of slow-cooked pork roast sounds wonderful

I tend to use rosemary and bay since I have both in the yard.

Posted by: Kindltot at October 24, 2026 02:38 PM (rbvCR)

29 Sharon's azalea reminded me There's a place nearby with a south facing brick wall. The azalea bush against it is in almost full bloom despite the cool nights. The sun warming that wall apparently makes the difference. It's also the first azalea in the area to blossom in spring. If I had a brick wall or similar at home I would use it if only for shrubs.

Posted by: JTB at October 24, 2026 02:41 PM (yTvNw)

30 Are there any natural black flowers?

Posted by: Eromero at October 24, 2026 02:47 PM (wpC12)

31 Sharon's azalea reminded me There's a place nearby with a south facing brick wall. The azalea bush against it is in almost full bloom despite the cool nights. The sun warming that wall apparently makes the difference. It's also the first azalea in the area to blossom in spring. If I had a brick wall or similar at home I would use it if only for shrubs.
Posted by: JTB at October 24, 2026 02:41 PM (yTvNw)

Around Paris, and other places in France, the orchardists would build complexes of walls to grow both early apples, peaches and apricots, for the Paris markets. The walls would both keep the wind off, and also reflect the sunlight as well as preserve heat for the trees as it got colder at night. I am told that having an overhang also works with tender fruits, since that can help make a microclimate.

Posted by: Kindltot at October 24, 2026 02:47 PM (rbvCR)

32 Apples are real good with a pork roast.

Grandma Aspirin Factory was a great knitter and quilter. She would have appreciated the witch quilt.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at October 24, 2026 02:48 PM (8B4gm)

33 Those quilts are great!

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at October 24, 2026 02:52 PM (w6EFb)

34 Nice Strawberry Tree. Not too long ago, there was huge sales gimmick to convince people to but "climbing strawberry plants". Having grown strawberries for decades, I was a bit mystified by this thinking someone must have done a rather unique hybrid. BUT, the truth, I found out, was a bit deceitful.

Sure, you can have a climbing strawberry plant that produces berries. But, you are going to do all the work. Strawberry plants are not equipped to hold onto anything. You have to tie them off. Also, you have to use "everbearing" plants, because they have the longer tendrils. It's a pain in the posterior, and the fruit production is less due to nutrients traveling against gravity, as well as the most of those nutrients being focused on the plant and not the fruit. Don't fall for it.

The Strawberry Tree, however is very cool, and unique in that it is closer to blueberries in production and family. I wish I could grow them here, but it wouldn't survive the winter. Strawberries, believe it or not fall within the Rose Family of plants.

Posted by: Orson at October 24, 2026 02:54 PM (dIske)

35 If I had a brick wall or similar at home I would use it if only for shrubs.
Posted by: JTB at October 24, 2026 02:41 PM (yTvNw)

The eastern wall of our house is incredibly boring and is a solid mass of brick, with a propane tank at the back corner. Very unattractive. It needs help.

Which flowering shrubs would be happiest there? Our house is perfectly oriented and south-facing, so the shrubs will only get light until noon. Zone 7a/b.

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at October 24, 2026 02:56 PM (w6EFb)

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