Fall is fast approaching and nowhere is it more apparent than in the garden. The question is what can one do to keep it tidy and looking good for the rest of the season.
Trees, shrubs and perennial plants are preparing for dormancy. They do not need extra water or fertilizer at this time.
Many of the perennials have grown, spread and flowered.
These plants should be deadheaded and cut back as soon as the blooms dies or start to look unattractive. Cut them back to a level where their foliage is pleasing to the eye.
Plants that are allowed to go to seed tend to be weaker as they put energy into seed production as opposed to growth. When the seeds germinate the new plants must either be pulled or moved. It is much simpler to remove spent blooms.
Perennials that are overcrowded should be marked or noted to insure that they are dealt with in a few weeks when the weather is cooler.
Excess plants can be transplanted to other locations or given away.
Cooler weather in September makes it an excellent time to plant and transplant. Plants still have time to develop new roots before the ground freezes.
Annuals have provided color all season. Some will continue to bloom looking great until a killer frost arrives. Others will not.
Fertilizing the plants at this time will encourage new growth but it is likely too late in the season to see results. Frost will likely arrive before the plants are revived.
Annuals that are in poor condition can be removed and replaced with cold tolerant annuals such as grasses, pansies and fall asters.
Use similar plants to revitalize planters and baskets.
Planters that are close to buildings receive more frost protection and can look attractive long after the garden has frozen.
There are very few gardens that do not contain weeds.
The question at this time of year is “if I climb in the flowerbed to weed will I trample plants and make it look worse”. It is up to individuals how they deal with this problem.
August is a good time to sit, relax, and enjoy the garden. It is also a time to plan for next year.
Make a list of plants and areas that did well and ones that didn’t. Take into consideration that the garden is always growing.
Plants that once grew well in an area might need moved as surrounding plants have grown and they are now in shade.
If there were times when the garden or a bed looked drab; plan to add flowering plants or attractive foliage. Research to see what plants would best fill the area. Planning reduces mistakes and lessens the need to dig and move plants.
Take time to purchase spring bulbs. Bulbs that are planted in the early fall will be what one sees when the snow melts in the spring. Sicilia, Tulips, Crocus, Daffodils and Grape Hynthins thrive in our climate. Bulbs that are planted early have time to put down roots before the ground freezes. Strong root systems produce larger healthier plants and flowers.
Remember that every garden is as unique as the person that designed it and or maintains it.
Linda Tomlinson is a horticulturalist that lives near Rocky Mountain House. She can be reached at www.igardencanada.com or your_garden@hotmail.com.