Ah, the frost is almost on the pumpkin, a surer sign than the harvest moon that garden bargains are ripe for the picking. This fragrant little bush rose was snapped up at Home Depot last year for one dollar. She suffered a minor attack from Japanese beetles in June, but since then she has bloomed profusely: abundant fuschia-colored buds opening fully to a tye-dyed, white-streaked pink. Installed right outside the back door, this was my daily reminder to focus on what was truly important in life. I always tried to stop and smell the gorgeous perfumed flowers no matter how hurried I was, and offer a prayer for all who needed one.
Right about now the lawn and garden departments are unloading their straggly stock. There may not be a picture or tag specifying the variety, but in the risk vs. reward trade-off, you usually make out ahead. For a small investment, a mystery daylily or rosebush will grace your garden, providing a colorful surprise come spring. Don't forget to peruse the packaged seed display. As a seed saver, I can confirm that year old (sometimes even decade old) seed will sprout if stored properly. Don't be afraid to spend pennies on the dollar for bargain seed.
All this for a dollar, or two.
