Sorry to hear about your misfortune with the vagaries of the weather, Desertsage. However, here is a tale to re-address the balance.

Up to about five or so years ago, I could guarantee a frost in mid-September to blacken off all my more tender salvias.

In more recent years the frosts have kept away until the latter part of October - adding much to the enjoyment of my later flowering salvias.

Last year was exceptional in that it was a heavy snowfall on 28th October that flattened my outdoor salvias.

Now this year is exceptional yet again in that I have not yet had anything to knock out the beauties. If only it would continue so in order that those plants which I grow outside solely for their wonderful foliage i.e.dorisiana, gravida and leucantha could flower in situ. Sadly, I think I ask too much - need a bit more global (i.e. Hertfordshire) warming for that.

Jim

Today I was in shorts and a tank top. It IS November, correct?...

I'm not missing the weather in northern Germany, that's for sure. I don't believe i ever saw a salvia there... mostly rhododendrons.

That puts you somewhere near Cave Creek on the east side of the mountains. What wonderful country.

Back to 75-80 this week. Yes wardda, Sulphur Canyon and Portal Peak.