As we slide into late summer the garden continues to impress and inspire.
This summer's warm weather has been hard on some plants but a great growth booster for others. My hardy fuchsia is flowering more profusely than ever and Clematis tanguitica is looking lovely with her dangling yellow flowers. With so much happening in the garden, busy lives and fall's approach around the corner, it's important to work with the rhythm of the seasonal change. To help get you through the change here's my September garden primer.
Take advantage of the warm fall soil: During September through October and in warm seasons into November, the soil in our region is the warmest it will be all year. Planting now takes advantage of the warm soil and cooler days to promote plant establishment. Any plant from a pot can be planted in this period. Plants can also be transplanted now but will require watering aftercare until fall rains take hold.
To prune or not to prune: Plants that should not be pruned now include any plant that will flower next spring, including rhododendrons, azalea, pieris forsythia, some viburnum and so forth. Pruning of those plants will remove next year's flower buds. Crown raising or crown thinning of trees can occur now depending on the species. Coniferous trees, like cedar and pine, can be done. Broadleaved shrubs, like Portuguese laurel and so on, can also be pruned if required. Hedging can be pruned now but should not be pruned hard to avoid possible winter damage to the resulting growth flush that occurs in early October.
Chemical fertilization of residential gardens in fall: This is a controversial subject to many people, including me. Proponents believe fall fertilization benefits root growth, hardiness and bud formation in many plants, particularly spring blooming plants, not to mention lawn grass. There is research to substantiate those claims, however, there's a difference between the science and the ethical and rational use of such knowledge. Residential gardens across North America are victims of unnecessary fertilization since the chemical revolution of the 1950s. We are to blame in part due to our insatiable appetite for more and greener and bigger. If your plants are reasonably healthy, flower regularly and have uniform green leaves, then chemical fertilization is a financial waste and an environmental cost.
Enjoy the seasonal peak of container displays: For plants grown in containers, September displays the culmination of a season's growth. We generally enjoy gradual change from summer into fall allowing containerized plants to bloom well into October. Take notes on success and failure but always take time to enjoy your creations at their peak. For containers that look a little tired, give them a quick prink and preen and half-strength feed of fertilizer to perk them up. For containerized plants that are exhausted, replant now with fall asters or mums, and perhaps an ornamental grass or winter foliage plant. Don't forget to amend the soil when replanting if needed and clear the drain holes.
The lawn looks a little tired: Lawns always look a little tired and tattered after the summer drought. It is important to remember that lawn grass naturally goes dormant during summer, so if your grass is brown you get a gold star for being environmentally conscious. As the fall rains set in the lawn will begin to grow and green up. To help the lawn revitalize itself now is the time to topdress. To be environmentally friendly, topdress with animal manure or topsoil to help provide nutrients instead of applying chemical fertilizer. Apply the topdress one to two inches thick over the lawn and rake it in evenly until the grass blades poke through the topdress. Aeration is not needed in the fall if you aerated in the spring. Lime is not needed unless a pH test indicated need.
Seeds, stems and stalks: Not all perennials should be deadheaded at this time of year. Leave standing for seasonal display all flower stalks that have interesting or colourful seed heads. Not only are seed heads and fruits beautiful to look at, many of them provide food for birds. Always cut off any seed heads from plants that may be prolific self-seeders like fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), masterwort (Astrantia major) and lady's mantle (Alchemilla mollis).
Among the most important chores of the seasonal change is taking time to slow down and enjoy the fruits of your garden labour. This is one of most beautiful seasons to enjoy the garden and other gardens in the neighbourhood. This is also a great time to visit local botanical gardens and parks to enjoy their fall display. Spend time with friends, family and especially children, and enjoy the beautiful bounty that nature bestows upon us at this time of year.
Todd Major is a journeyman horticulturist, garden designer and builder, teacher and organic advocate. [email protected]
