It was predicted to get down to the high 30f last night and I'm not sure what temp the coleus will withstand, So I brought them inside for the night. Those shower curtain hooks make them a lot easier to grab and take off the hangers. All next week is going to be warmer, so I'll put them back out later today.
I moved the deck pots close to the house. Residual house-warmth should keep them going. I cut the balsams at ground level, They aren't blooming any more. But I saved the seed pods in a jar. I don't know if the seeds will bloom but I'll toss them around in early Spring in case they do.
Saved some dried Tithonia seedheads too. They are supposed to be annual repeat self-seeders, so they should. Both are in labeled jars in the basement fridge. It all multiple flowers all Summer and Fall. I could enjoy more of them.
The deckpot marigolds are showing off well. After I saved the Balsam seedpods, I cut them off and soil level, so the pots are all marigold. When they die back, I will add the pansies. Ans I have enough pansies for several places.
This is before I cut off the dying Balsam, but you can see the marigolds in there.
Most of the Pansies will go where the tomatoes are now. They will be dying soon. A whole bed of 60 is nice all Winter.. Other pansies will go in the deck pots after the marigolds succumb to the cold. And some will surround the mailbox. Flowers in Winter are amazing!
I think I will try to keep the Coleus thriving inside. I will add some ceiling hooks near the deck doors and see if they will last a bit longer. The deck faces South, so they will get some sun. I might even add a grow light above them.
