To get into the Halloween spirit, pick up a decorative pot of Physalis alkekengi, a.k.a. liv’n lantern, Chinese lantern plant, strawberry ground cherry…
Fall
‘The Fairy’ rose keeps on blooming
The Fairy rose is one of three plants that keep blooming. Any plants that can keep showing a flower into November are well worth having in duplicates.
Gaura and goldenrod: An autumn marriage
Well-behaved goldenrod cultivars are useful plants to have in mid-autumn. Goldenrod combines well with gaura, a compact cultivar.
Best fertilizer for lawn in autumn
Autumn is the time to look in garden centres for bags of the best fertilizer for your lawn. October is the month to get it spread across the lawn.
Ornamental grasses in bloom
Roses and ornamental grasses in the front garden continue to bloom and prolong the seasonal display, much appreciated in autumn
Discovering hellebore seedlings in fall
At the end of the growing season, in late fall, I clear away the leaves to discover healthy hellebore seedlings under the skirts of several plants.
How to winterize roses
When it’s time to begin to winterize roses, give special attention to rose climbers such as ‘Clair Matin.’
Preparing containers for winter
Clay pots last a long time when the garden containers are prepared for winter by emptying the soil keeping them dry for when deep frost arrives.
Late bloomers in the garden
Plants that bloom in the fall and continue to bloom into the first weeks of November such as ‘Arendsii’ monkshood are definitely an asset.
Bargains to be found at garden centres
There are bargains to be found at garden centres! Shopping the late-season sales is one way to find good shrubs and perennials at discounted prices.
Making leaf mould
Leaves left in a pile and exposed to moisture will compost into a dark crumbly mass of leaf mould, which is an effective conditioning material.
Garlic festivals across Canada
Have a stinkin’ good time and attend a local garlic festival. Here’s a list of garlic festivals in Canada.
Small shrubs with autumn colour
Small shrubs will take on bright autumn hues. ‘Mount Airy’ fothergilla’s fall foliage is a lovely shade of orange-apricot.
Why we feed the soil
By feeding soil, we then let the soil feed the plants. The best way to feed soil is to add leaves (dug in or as mulch).
Moving and dividing perennials, again and again
As often happens when moving and dividing perennials, the plant has done so well that the root ball is far larger than expected.
How to move roses
If you’re wondering when and how to move roses, autumn is a good time to move a rose bush, should you be so inclined.
When and how to store dahlias and cannas
Dahlias need to experience a hard, killing frost before being dug. Taking them out of the ground too early, while still green, results in quick rotting.