First Snow and Season Wrap Up

Yesterday was our first snow of the season, mostly rain but enough to cover the ground. I felt bad for the chilly trick-or-treaters because we've had warm weather up to this point. The above photo shows strawberry leaves, and below is the fabulous fall color on the honeysuckle bush. The bees love it in summer, and I love it in fall. For this season's wrap up, here's what I've learned. I'll pay careful attention to the rabbits, which are voracious year round. I'll start most of my seeds in a tray on the deck or otherwise protect them. I suspect feasting slugs, but anything that likes tender young seedlings (rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, birds) may be eating them before they really get going. And I'll try to order early again so I can get the plants and seeds I want. When I browsed for a second order, I found my choices had already sold out. 

I'm hoping the lettuce (below) survives because it's tucked inside the cold frame. The rocks weigh down the frame, which had flipped over in earlier winds. This snow officially concludes the season. I'm going to put more mulch down and wrap the base of our new tree. I feel a little lost because I always seem to find something to do in the garden.