Fall Gardening

One of the things I best like about Fall is planning next years garden. I’ve been wandering around my garden and accessing my plants. I’ve noted, in my gardening journal, which plants did well and which ones didn’t. I’m deciding which plants need thinning and which ones need to be moved. I’m thinking about options for the plants that struggled. I’m imagining what seeds I can use in borders and where to place my pots. In the next few weeks, I’m going to trim the perennials and transplant the ones that are going to a new location.  I’m going to dig up the bulbs; clean them off; and replant some of them.  I’ll draw diagrams in my journal – so that I’ll know what’s where come Spring and Summer.  Ladies, plan now for next year’s garden. You’ll be really pleased with the results. Have a wonderful Fall. Linda

Read Full Post »

Mulch Your Perennials Before Winter

Yesterday I sat out on my swing with a cup of tea to enjoy the beautiful fall afternoon. Before I knew it, I was putting mulch around my recently trimmed perennials. Its best to add mulch after the ground freezes or the first frost.   Sometimes I do it when it’s most convenient for me though. This fall I am using shredded dry leaves and cut grass to keep the soil a consistent temperature over the winter and prevent my plants from dying. I usually use compost, but I’ve used all the compost in a new flower bed. To mulch the plants, I applied about a 2” layer of shredded leaves and grass around the base of each plant. I then used my gardening tool and worked it into the soil a little – mostly to prevent it from blowing away.   By spring, the combination will have decomposed and my plants will look great. If theres any mulch left, I’ll simply rake it off. If you like to flower garden and live in a colder climate, you’ll find winter mulching really beneficial. Have a nice day. Linda

Read Full Post »

Beautify Your Yard and Your Neighborhood

As I was cleaning out my garden the other day, I was reminded of a perennial exchange I had with girlfriends last fall. After we divided our plants and bulbs, we got together and exchanged the extras. This is a great way to beautify your yard and your neighborhood – for free. Maybe this is something you’d like to do, it’s alot of fun.

This year I’ve collected a few seeds from plants like this Painted Daisy. I’m going to enclose the seeds in cards I send to friends – as a little surprise.  Have a wonderful day,  Linda

Read Full Post »