Well, I"m happy to report that damage was minimal after Irene left! My dalhia's ended up face down, but I came in for the rescue. I actually ended up cutting the flowers and placing them in a vase, which looks lovely near my kitchen window. Other than that we survived!
I did lots of gardening yesterday. It felt so great to be out there. I finished the side bed, edging and mulching. Still not completely sure on the plantings-aside from the hydrangeas. Will have to see how it transforms next spring. I also started a bed around the shed, bought some coneflower, butterfly bush, zebra grass, and aster, photo's to follow. All in all it was a productive day and soaked in lot's of Vitamin D! I think I will head back to this bargain nursery I found and get me some mums, they had such a great selection - same place I bought the shed plantings from, will have to remember this place for next fall as well.
