First frost

The first frost of the season is called a killing frost for a reason.

 

Delicate seasonal flowers and herbs and any remaining hot weather vegetables, 

such as peppers and tomatoes, just cannot bounce back from the freezing temperatures.

After the morning sun warms the plants and the soil, 

the thaw reveals the damage done to fragile leaves and petals. 

Flowers and leaves curl into themselves, as if to protect their vulnerable centers.

The thawed frost soaking the plants and washing out the colors.

 It is a swan song, beautiful in its own right.

See you in the garden,

Sue