September marks the start of getting the garden – and the gardener – ready for a long winters rest. I know it seems too early to think of winter, but it is time to start planning for winter and the year to come. To this end, consider how best to overwinter and to make room for your favorite non-hardy plants indoors. Fortunately, we still have several months remaining for plants to grow, so there is no rush! Continue to take good notes and pictures on how you weaved together your annuals and tropicals this year, since after the first frost these pictures and memories will be all that remains of this year’s favorite combinations!
Bruce Crawford
Buttonbush – A Plant in Need of Respect
Finally, the hazy, lazy days of summer have arrived – something many of us longed for during the chilly days last winter! The temperatures are warm and the days are long, yet the rain has been shy to appear! 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!
Gladiolus murielae – Without Doubt a Beautiful Flower
Summer has arrived! The days are wonderfully long, rain has proven to be ample to date, and the temperatures promise to become more summer-like as the month progresses. June is filled with chores that linger from spring, as well as preparations necessary for the garden to continue to thrive well into late fall. As the temperatures rise, enjoy the coolness of the early morning and evenings for those tasks requiring the most exertion, with the heat of the day reserved for light duties.
