The cold reality of November usually hits me in the garden.

Most often, it’s late in the day and raining and I am struggling to find space in the already packed beds for that last bulb or plant or bush that I so blithely bought in the spring. There, with wet shoulders and numb hands, I realize it’s November and there was snow last night. The growing year is over.

Whatever plans I had for the garden will now have to wait until spring. And while I love the austere beauty of winter, the loss of light and colour is always keenly felt. It’s this time of year that I appreciate my potted plants most.

While outside is bare and black, the indoor garden is alive and growing. My collection of indoor plants has just come in from their summer outdoors and most are at their finest. None more so, than the begonias. This large and diverse family of plants, with colourful leaves and outlandish shapes, is an excellent way to dispel some of the gloom November can bring. Their care, a healthy distraction from the shortening days and worsening weather.

While I grow a paltry few begonia, there are thousands of varieties to be had. One could easily fall down the rabbit hole of collection. There are three main categories: 1) fibrous rooted, examples include angel wing and wax; 2) tuberous, container plants featuring prominent flowers; and, 3) rhizomatous, grown for fabulous foliage. Over the decades I have grown all three types and found outstanding examples of each.

For outdoor hanging baskets or mixed containers, tuberous begonias with their day-glo blossoms offer a wide selection of both colour and form. With blooms in white to fuchsia........

© Sarnia Observer