Time to Winterize the Plants

I really hate this time of year.

It's the time of year when I have to bring
all the cold-sensitive plants inside for the season.

At this point, I've already brought in the houseplants.
But I've resisted bringing in the bay tree and the
rosemary plant as long as I can.

These herbs are among the more expensive herbs
and they are also rather cold-sensitive.

Bay laurel trees are native to the Mediterranean region
and cannot survive temperatures below 20 degrees.

In optimum conditions these trees could grow
to be 60 feet tall.

However, in Southern Indiana, they must be grown in pots
and brought inside in the winter.

The only major pest
which I have witnessed, is scale.
Treat with insecticidal oil, or simple remove by hand.

The bay tree has been very happy this year

and has grown to be almost five feet this season.

That is an increase of about 100% in one season.

I am happy to report that the scale infestation has

been eliminated as well.

Petunias have taken up residence in the pot.
Free loaders.

The great room has turned into a nursery.

The Foodie Boyfriend says that it looks like

"a jungle threw up in here."

Considering that I have to keep vacuuming

up the fallen leaves and the flower petals off the floor,

I'd have to agree with him.

Now I just have to keep the bay tree and the 

rosemary alive until spring.

Rosemary is always the problem 

as it doesn't like the dry climate of the house

no matter how often or how little I water it.

Rosemary is also a native to 

the Mediterranean basin.

While it thrives outside with relative ease,

rosemary struggles in an indoor environment.

And since rosemary cannot usually 

survive temperatures dipping below 30 degrees,

one must bring the plant indoors 

in order to keep it alive.

Let the plant dry out before watering

and keep an eye out for aphids, spider mites 

and powdery mildew.

In other words,

good luck.