This post is dedicated to my good friend Judy to honor her wishes for more photos of my Mandevilla plant. Judy is one of those friends everyone needs in life — an encouraging sister in Christ who is also my enthusiastic cheerleader to all of my gardening endeavors, and a friend who can see the beauty in my garden no matter what its state of weediness.
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice. Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.” ~Proverbs 27:9
Wisconsin is gorgeous this time of year as trees put on their colorful robes of autumnal splendor. Sooner than we care to imagine, those beautiful leaves will be exchanged for a gorgeous dusting of snow. In fact, just today on this 14th day of October, we had a flurry of snowflakes and a brief but insistent windborne hailstorm–a wintry tease.
Houseplants that have spent the summer on my front porch are being transitioned indoors to my enclosed 3-season porch. Here they will slowly acclimate to being indoors while I inspect them for tagalong bugs and trim them up a bit. Each plant will get a shower before taking its place in the house proper.
This summer I grew a Pink Mandevilla Vine in a pot. I set it at the base of an arbor hoping that it would clamor up and create a lavish pink arched entrance to my backyard deck. It didn’t grow very tall, as you can see in the photo above, but it’s still beautiful. In hindsight, it probably needed a sunnier location. It’s perennial in warmer growing zones, but here in Wisconsin, it needs to come inside for the winter and be kept as a houseplant through the winter months if I want to keep it.
My hubby helped me lug a few pots into the enclosed 3-season porch when we first began experiencing overnight frost warnings a few weeks ago, including the Mandevilla. As pretty as it looks on that porch, it’ll need to make the transition into the house for the winter because the 3-season porch gets cold enough to serve as a second fridge.
I decided to go ahead and make the effort to overwinter this lovely plant (plus a few others). Hubby took me shopping to find a few new pots for my “bringing the outside in” endeavor. We purchased a roomier ceramic pot in a neutral color for the Mandevilla. I dug the plant out of its summer pot and inspected the roots for signs of disease and pests before replanting it in fresh potting soil in its new pottery abode. I gave the plant a thorough shower in the kitchen sink and then placed it in a bright spot on my family room window seat. According to one of my internet resources, I’m supposed to cut it back a bit, but want to enjoy the blossoms a little bit longer before giving it a haircut.
Barefoot Lily Lady 
What a delightful read. Your plant is so beautiful and they are very lucky to be so well cared for. I look at mine outdoors and apologize! I also love that Proverb – indeed – the scent of blooms and friendship. A heady blessing.
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Thank you, Dawn, for reading this post, and taking a moment to encourage me with a comment. Friendships truly are a blessing. Like lovely plants in our gardens, very much worth our time in nurturing. Have a blessed and beautiful day! ~ Cindie
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Cindie, it is really nice here with highs in the upper 70’s. Next week we are supposed to get our first frost, which is early for us. It is always a little sad when I have to put the garden to bed. I love mandevilla and your pot looks really pretty. Have a wonderful autumn week, sweet friend!
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I do so love reading your comments, Pam, and would LOVE to be enjoying your weather and your garden. We’ve had the gamut of weather here in Wisconsin–one day its sunshiny and perfect, the very next day it’s hang-on-to-your-hats windy with rain, a quick hailstorm, and even a few flakes of snow. Today is breezy, but the sun is shining and autumns colorful show hasn’t left us yet. I hope to tick off a few more items on my garden to-do list today. It’s always a better day when at least a few minutes are spent enjoying what God has created. Have a wonderful day, Pam — looking forward to your Sunday post.
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Such a beautiful pink! And I love that bright pink chair.
Was thinking of you just today, wondering why you hadn’t posted.
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How lovely to be missed. Yes, I’ve been a bit distracted from writing by my work and ministry opportunities these days. God knew I needed the challenge to grow in my own faith, so He placed within my hands several opportunities to teach. My time has been much devoted to preparation for those endeavors. I just readjusted my work schedule so that I’m working 2 days per week, rather than 3, in the hopes that I will be able to pursue some of my other enjoyments in life a bit more fully. Thank you for encouraging me with your comment, Jaya!
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I LOVE THIS! GORGEOUS BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS! How precious to dedicate this marvelous essay to me, who loves everything you do and say. I would have loved to have heard you speak at Camp Fairwood, but I work all day Saturdays. God has so generously gifted you in gardening, and writing, and discipling His family. I have been so blessed by your talents and love♥️💖❤️💝🥰🙏🏻 Judy🐞
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I am so happy that this post pleased you, dear Judy. I know that you would have been at Camp Fairwood encouraging this newbie speaker with your very presence, but God has you busy about teaching your music students…not only music, but discipling and mentoring them in the process. God bless you as you continue touching lives with music and your sweet testimony of faith.
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