september | Seeds of Design

Back To Work!

Okay, hopefully a good Labor Day weekend was enjoyed by all. And now, one must get back to tending September’s list of garden chores. Happily, this month helps one ease into the work. Come October, we’ll be mighty busy!

September Chores –

1. Continue weeding.

2. Deadhead. Cut back anything that looks ragged or done for.

3. Mow the lawn less frequently.

4. Water judiciously.

5. Get leaf rakes, leaf bags and keep ready. Fall cometh!

6. Similarly, keep bulb planting stuff like dibbler, bulb food, trowel, spade, etc., handy.

7. Continue harvesting vegetables. Remove plants that have given their all and toss on the compost heap.

8. Stir compost thoroughly.

9. Plant in cool weather vegetables.

10. Check if fall blooming plants such as asters and chrysanthemums need staking.

11. Inspect garden for pests or disease. Take prompt action if detected.

12. As days get shorter, make it a point to enjoy the garden as much as possible.

Note: I’m traveling for a fair part of this month so I will not be posting any articles for the rest of September. See you in October!

Some seasonal images from my recent wanderings in my beautiful State of New York –

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September

September slips in

quiet, unnoticed

Whispers softly

“I’m here to take Summer down!”

Bit by bit the garden succumbs.

– Shobha Vanchiswar

September II

September curls cool tendrils

soothing sun bright flowers

weary and worn

from a wild summer.

– Shobha Vanchiswar

I’m taking it slow this month. Just the essential chores. Nothing else. After a summer that was less than stellar, I’ve decided to give myself September to be in the garden simply to enjoy everything. I want to listen to the birds and distinguish their songs, let the hum of the bees lull me into a pleasant nap, follow the butterflies as they flit from flower to flower. I’m going to use this time to examine the flowers closely as though I’ve never done it before. Observe the daily changes in the ripening seedpods and be present when they burst open to release the next generation primed for continuity. As the light grows soft and low, I will soak in as much the sunshine as the hours allow. During the day, I will paint and read and stare in the garden and, when darkness descends, I’ll remain to dance with the last of the fireflies. This is my idea of self-care. Self-Care September.

Note : Click here for garden chores in September.