Supporting Our Local Garden Clubs
September marks the start of getting the garden – and the gardener – ready for a long winters rest. I know it seems much too early to think of winter, but it is time to start planning for winter and the year to follow. To this end, consider how best to overwinter and to make room for your favorite non-hardy plants indoors. We still have several months remaining to plan, so there is no rush!
A Vine with an Explosion of Color
One dimension we often neglect when working with annuals is the vertical dimension or the use of annual vines. Vines are great for softening architecture or clambering up vertical structures in a garden, allowing their flowers to play off of the surrounding melody of plants. Unfortunately, most woody vines only bloom for a couple of weeks, compared to annual vines that bloom heavily for several months…
To me, August is the month that epitomizes summer. The days remain long, with the daytime chant of the Cicadas and the evening chorus of Crickets and Katydids. Rainfall in July varied by where you live but, on average was adequate. Coupled with the warm temperatures, most plants including vegetables flourished, providing they did not wash away in heavy rains!…
An Annual of Yesteryear Providing Airy New Dimensions
Annuals were traditionally described as plants that transition from seed in spring to summer bloom and back to seed come fall before dying with the frost. They were also called ‘Bedding Plants’ since they were to be planted in a garden ‘Bed’ where they rapidly covered the ground with low and dense floral displays…
Finally, the hazy, lazy days of summer have arrived – something many of us longed for during those chilly days last winter! The temperatures are warm, the days are long and hopefully the rain is ample! The heat and humidity have certainly returned too, so try to garden during the cooler temperatures of the early mornings and evenings. Keep records on daily temperatures and rainfall, since summers’ heat and night-time temperatures impact a plant as much as winters’ cold. Always remember to wear a big hat, apply ample sunscreen to exposed skin and drink plenty of water while you garden!…
