Anyway, December has been pretty mild so far here in Northern Indiana. It's 43 degrees out and somewhat sunny. And there is no snow on the ground. We've had a few flakes, but nothing much the whole month. My violas are still hanging in there though.
I've never had any violas last much past the middle of summer, so these are record setting plants! I'm afraid if I try and bring them inside to over-winter they'll die right away.
The garden is still covered with plastic. I think the only thing I'm accomplishing is creating a greenhouse for the weeds!
I'm really amazed that the plastic has stayed down. We've had several windy days and I haven't added any additional weights to the edges. If it doesn't work, it no big deal. It's just something I had to try before I go totally nuclear on the weeds. :)
We use our maple leaves as mulch on the perennial beds. Plus I feel much more ambitious in the early Spring than I am in the Fall.
You can tell how washed out the sunshine is in these pictures. Not that I'm complaining, mind you. I'll take this weather on December 21st any time.
Here is my meager outside Christmas decorations this year. Both light strands that I wind through the rose bushes (yes, they are strong enough!) failed to light up. So I'll be hitting some after Christmas sales, if there is anything left.
They both look really cool lit up. The lights do a kind of slow twinkle on the bear and the lights on the train wheels make it look like it's moving. Definitely needs something else, another animal or figure.
Just want to take a minute to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Amid all the shopping frenzy (I'm done!) and the fancy lights, remember the true meaning of the holiday. Jesus Christ our Savior was born in Bethlehem in a manger. God Bless everyone!
