Iris reticulata
Suffering floral withdrawal
To fill that floral gap, I started amaryllis, hyacinths and paper whites in soil or pebbles a few weeks ago. I had hoped for a few blooms over the holidays, but at the rate some are progressing, I may have a floriferous January instead.
How to grow spring bulbs in containers
Gardening in the fall is as much about planning for spring as it is preparing for winter. And because I’d much rather think about spring than winter, I’m planning to follow Dugald Cameron’s detailed instructions on how to plant bulbs in containers now so I have them to use in spring containers on the porch next spring.
Overwintering perennials in containers
Decisions need to be made on how to overwinter herbaceous perennials that have been growing outdoors in containers. In addition to perennials, I also have a few clematis in pots to store.
Growing garlic
I always plant at least two dozen cloves of garlic in a corner of one of the raised beds every October from heads I harvested in midsummer. I save six or seven of the largest heads to replant and use the rest for cooking.
Garden tasks for fall
Now that temperatures are beginning to drop, it’s more pleasant to be out in the garden. It’s a good thing, too, because there’s lots to do. Tasks that can be accomplished in the fall mean fewer to do in the spring.
Sanguisorbas offer much to admire
If you’re looking for light, airy perennials with a naturalistic feel to mix in with echinaceas and ornamental grasses, consider sanguisorbas (a.k.a. burnets). Many varieties are hardy down to Zone 2.
Bulbs: spring, summer and fall
Bulbs are on my mind these days. I’m awaiting the arrival of an order of spring-blooming bulbs, hoping the weather and my energy will be in synch when they do arrive. Everyone has their least-favourite garden task; planting bulbs in the fall is one of mine.
Time to take stock
Before your vegetable beds and containers are emptied and perennials cut back (if you choose to do that), take a few moments to walk around your garden to see what worked and what didn’t.
Talking about trees
Several of the native trees and shrubs in our backyard came from plant sales held at the University of Guelph Arboretum in Ontario. The trees we purchased at the arboretum were no more than a couple of feet tall when they went in, but established quickly.
Cimicifugas for next year
In late summer, I start emptying any containers with annuals beyond resuscitation, note where spring-blooming bulbs can be squeezed in and make lists of perennials to seek out next year.