Rotten squash?

We were about to fix up some nice butternut squash soup on this sunny, chilly day, but when we cut into the squash, found this:

Doesn’t look too appetizing, does it? Seems like the inside of the squash was damp or rotting. This is my first year doing winter squash, so I’m not familiar with winter squash issues. If anyone can tell me what the problem is here, and if there’s something I can do differently next time. My best guess is perhaps I overwatered when I should have cut back on watering. Anyway, leave a comment if you have an idea.

A blog for plant talk

For those of you, like me, who are “plant geeks” I have a second gardening blog devoted solely to talking trees, shrubs, perennials, conifers, all that good stuff.

http://plantipedia.tumblr.com/

It started out as simply putting together my own “wikipedia” of plants, but I’ve decided to make it less formal and rigid, and more like a garden journal. I’ll continue to keep this blog updated as well, to cover my more general garden happenings and thoughts. But if you enjoy the more technical/horticultural aspect, you’ll like Plantipedia.

Garden in transition

Not much going on in the garden right now...perennials are winding down, looking a little ragged and tired, shrubs are done blooming and are producing their seeds now. I had hoped to put in more plants that come alive in fall with reds, oranges, and bright yellows like witch hazel, witch alder, sweetspire, and others but long overdue chores took priority like putting in edging around the beds and laying down weed fabric in the paths so I can fill them with gravel.

While the ornamental garden takes a break, I'm keeping occupied with veggies. I recently picked the butternut squash and replanted the beds with several varieties of lettuce, collards, spinach, and arugula. This year, I decided to save some money and start everything from seed, and it's worked out quite well.

A few more things from around the garden, including a lucky shot I got of a downy woodpecker at the bird feeder, and caterpillars munching on my parsley: