Another frost struck Moncton last night. Many plants sought shelter against the house foundation under three foot eaves but to no avail. Among the casualties were 29 double impatiens and one each of Cherry, Early Girl and Scotian toms. They are survived by a purple mini-petunia, two fuscias, four begonias and two creeping snapdraggons who managed to find shelter in the garage. A graveside burial service will he held in fifteen minutes at the plot behind the garage presided over and attended by me.

I didn't bother to pick the last hundred Cherry Toms. I have a whack of the others sitting in front of the living room window. I am send the rest to that big compost heap in the ground.