“A Red Letter Day”, a copyrighted post, was written for my WordPress blog called Always Growing by Jan in Covington, Louisiana
As we all know, a “red letter day” is pretty important. Today, we celebrate Columbus Day, also know as Discoverer’s Day”. Carol, of May Dreams Gardens has a great post about plant discoverers.
Columbus Day for many gardeners marks the last day to plant shrubs before winter really sets in. For me, it marks the time to plant seeds for our annuals that can’t take our heat. So, if we are to enjoy them, they must be planted now. Larkspur, bluebonnets, and sweet peas are examples that have to be planted in the fall for spring blooms because by May they are toast.
Here is a red ruellea for a red letter day.
Columbus Day for other gardeners is a time for leaf peeping, esp. in the Northeast. My friend in northern Virginia has commented how Columbus Day is a very good time to enjoy the fall color.
Here is another red flower for today.
Now, if I had my way, I would celebrate Columbus Day by visiting a park or garden and enjoying nature.
Always Growing 
mothernaturesgarden said,
October 13, 2008 at 7:22 pm
That reminds me. I want to plant some larkspurs.
nancybond said,
October 13, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Happy Columbus Day! Those red flowers are very striking — I especially like the ruellia. Today was certainly a great day for fall color here in eastern Canada.
Racquel said,
October 14, 2008 at 5:13 am
What a lovely post for Columbus Day. Those red blooms are gorgeous! I love red in the fall garden.
Jean said,
October 14, 2008 at 10:56 am
Jan,
I planted some red ruellia this spring – ‘Ragin’ Cajun’ Ruellia. I really liked it but then the rest of the plants around it (mostly Salvia and Rudbeckia) grew up around it and kind of smothered them. But they’re still there only not blooming. Do you know if these will make it through the winter in LA?
Jean
Jan said,
October 14, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Racquel, I love red in the garden at anytime.
Jean, my “Ragin’ Cajun” Ruellia made it through last winter just fine. In fact, it is bigger than ever.