The weather is changing, bringing with it cooler air temperatures, and steadier rainfall (despite Ian's arrival). Some of our gardens may be tired after summer's weather and our own vacations. We're all back- to school, home, and community. Now is a great time to get back to the garden.
Here is a checklist/to-do list for the autumn garden:
Plant mums, pansies, and other cool weather annuals and perennials for fall color. Rejuvenate pots, window boxes, and hanging baskets with vibrant, colorful celosia, calibrachoa, petunias, and ornamental cabbage and kale.
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| Mums available in many sizes and colors |
Renovate, fertilize and reseed the lawn. The cooler air coupled with still-warm soil temperatures makes fall the perfect time to overseed and feed the lawn. We recommend a soil test every 2 years to check on soil pH that will advise whether or not the lawn needs lime.
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| The lawn provides a foreground to plant borders |
Maintain the perennial garden. Cut back browning foliage. Leave green growth. Divide larger perennials as needed. Check for insects and diseases, removing affected plants. Plant now for fall color---Asters, Anemones, Solidago, and other plants that provide food and shelter for migratory birds and butterflies.
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| Anemones provide fall color and movement in the garden |
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| A mixed border provides autumn color |
Plant trees and shrubs. Again, warm soils and cool air temperatures allow roots to take off, providing a plant less stressed by next summer's droughts. Look for attractive fruit and foliage, including Iteas, Dogwoods, Winterberry Holly, Oakleaf Hydrangeas, and some of the beautiful maples we love.
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| Hydrangeas anchor this colorful mixed garden |
Plant spring flowering bulbs. Purchase them early to get the best selection; wait to plant until late October or November. Many bulbs, like daffodils, hyacinths, and alliums are deer resistant. Plant all bulbs to a depth of 3-4 times the diameter of the bulb for best results. Use Bobbex as a bulb dip for animal favorites like tulips.
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| Tulips planted en masse |
Dig up summer bulbs and tubers. Store them in a frost-free area until spring planting time. Dahlias, Cannas, and tuberous Begonias are among the bulbs that should be over-wintered inside.
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| Summer Dahlias blooming in late September |
Protect houseplants. Summer vacation has been wonderful for our tropical plants outside on our decks and patios. Clean them with a soft cloth and/or provide a shower to avoid bringing any pests inside. Treat with Horticultural Oil and/or Soap. Wait until spring to repot into larger containers as the plants are shutting down and probably won't grow much from November to March.
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| Houseplants return indoors after their summer 'vacation' |
Winterize your pond. Remove tropical lilies and plants to overwinter inside. Shut down pumps. Provide a heater to keep the pond from totally freezing over. Stop in our Water Garden Department for more information.
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| Nick and Ava get a frog's eye view of the pond |
Tidy up...but not too much. Our beneficial insects, birds, frogs, and other wildlife need places to shelter and hide from predators. Shred leaves to add to the garden. Shut off outdoor hoses and faucets. Clean, sharpen, and oil garden tools. Repair hoses.
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| Pat tidying up the butterfly garden |
Take some photos as a journaling tool to help plan next year's garden. Write down the challenges and successes of the past year.
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| Salvias, annual or perennial, attract hummingbirds |
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