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!
Summer ends this weekend. Unofficially. With the end of school vacations and the beginning of the new academic year, at least the carefree vibes of the season draw to a close. Hopefully, we will carry the spirit of the season well beyond and continue living with a playful attitude. These last few days through the Labor Day weekend, must be enjoyed thoroughly in the garden. Apart from the 90+ degree temperature today, the weather is going to be quite pleasant all the way through next week. Sit back in the garden and savor it thoroughly. You have my full permission to do nothing but play. September starts next week and there’ll be plenty to do then!
Earlier this week, I had the privilege to visit a most wonderful garden of dahlias. Sculptor and potter Jacques Schickel grows over a 100 varieties of dahlias ( as well as a decent assembly of zinnias) and invites the public to an ‘open house’ of both flowers and his studio. He calls it an “extravaganza” which it certainly is. My daughter had gone to this event and knew I would absolutely love seeing the flowers. So she got Jacques permission to bring me over when I was to visit the following Sunday.
That was this past Sunday. Oh my! What an amazing sight awaited! A joyous profusion of dahlias jockeying for attention. The lesser collection of zinnias was not too shabby either! Everything was healthy and vibrant. Just gorgeous. My eyes feasted and heart overflowed with delight. What a treat.
Jacques himself couldn’t be present, but his generosity in sharing his garden is deeply, deeply appreciated. I look forward to meeting him, seeing his creations of clay and answering my questions about his garden.
You can follow him on Instagram @jacques_schickel_pottery
I offer you a myriad photos of Jacques dahlias. If you have dahlias, it’ll probably make you want to acquire more. And if you don’t already grow dahlias, you might well be inspired to start.
A special thank you to my daughter for arranging this wonderful experience. She knows her mother well.
We have been talking about Climate Change for many years now. From the days of hearing about the hole in the ozone layer (remember that?), global warming (old term) has been on the radar pretty much consistently. Those of us who work in/with Nature are the canaries of Climate Change. We notice any anomaly that occurs in the environment.
Over the last few years, I’ve observed a diminished number of butterflies in the garden. My organically maintained garden full of butterfly magnets for plants used to see a diverse range of butterflies but now hosts fewer and fewer of them and that is cause for concern. Grave concern. I’ve spent countless hours trying to understand what’s happening. Was it something I said to put off the beloved visitors? Frivolity aside, I really have agonized over the situation. I’ve questioned every action taken and have failed to find an explanation. But, there are distinct possibilities.
Two things seem plausible. They are not really separate but rather belong to a cause and effect scenario. The first, is that a few years ago, a neighbor began using a landscaping service to spray their property with an ‘organic’ chemical to kill whatever ticks might be around. Now, any spray of any kind, from simple vinegar solutions to aforementioned organic solutions to synthetic inorganic compounds is never specific. They kill any vulnerable bug – good and bad. They are not bug specific. And while a property is being treated, the wind carries the spray well beyond the property lines. I have no doubt that over the years my garden has received its fair share of that organic application every two months during the growth seasons. Hence, adults, larvae or eggs of good insects have possibly been killed. A crying shame of a terrible loss.
Additionally, these neighbors actually do not garden at all. It’s all mostly closely cropped grass lawns. Nothing would want to or could live there! The way to keep the tick population down is to have lots of plants attractive to birds and other pollinators which would control those darn ticks. This logic completely eludes the neighbors. I also have great concern for the long term health consequences for their young children and dogs who play on the sprayed grass. It’s all very frustrating.
The other factor is of course the climate that is indeed changing. We’re all contending with milder winters, too much rain, too little rain, unprecedented heat, frequent and more fierce storms – all wildly alarming. As a result, the native flora and fauna that have co-evolved are thrown out of sync. Spring arrives ahead of schedule because of the warmer winter preceding it. Flowers bloom but they are earlier than expected and their specific pollinator are not present. They either have yet to return from their winter retreats or are still to awaken from their seasonal sleep.
This year, the milkweeds and several other plants bloomed too early – no doubt because of the very hot temperatures in June and July. Well before many butterflies show up. I have, to date, this season, noted only a couple of swallowtails and exactly one Monarch. Really sad.
Other plants are late to bloom. So the eternal optimist in me is hoping the butterflies will show up when those tardy flowers decide to perform.
And then, there is the sad fact that because of the prolonged heat wave(s), lack of timely rain followed by too much rain, all the nicely developing fruits such as apples, pears and persimmons have dropped off. Nary a fruit remains. I’m trying to understand how, if at all, to handle the shifting climate which, in truth, is a moving target. Any thoughts?
Meanwhile, the dreaded Spotted Lantern fly has reached my part of world. Ugh. Unsurprisingly, they were first seen on the Concord grapevine and were ruthlessly crushed right away. The bugs not the grapes. If the grape harvest will happen at all remains to be seen. The pests have been seen elsewhere in the garden as well. Again, vinegar or soap sprays are recommended but I’m not sure they will actually work because they must come in direct contact with the bugs. In which case, if I can actually see them, I might as well crush them and thereby prevent spraying any beneficial critters hanging around.
On inquiring how a couple of public gardens in my area are dealing with this particular pest, I’m told they vacuum them when they’re seen. Beyond that, they’ve noticed some predation but are awaiting for some sort of natural balance to occur. In my garden, we’re counting on the birds to come feast on the pests! So, we are back to saying that we must plant to support the beneficial wildlife!
Tried and true old fashioned knowledge and practices are going to have to be revived and made de rigueur.
At last it’s feeling like a normal August. Warm but not insanely so. Humid but not soupy. After weeks and weeks of awful conditions, I spent this past weekend deliriously happy to be in the garden. Mosquitoes notwithstanding, it was sheer joy to be taking care of a myriad chores.
The weeds had gone to town – clearly they thoroughly appreciated the fact that they could thrived unfettered whilst the gardener took refuge from the high temperatures and/or heavy rains. A good number of hours were spent at this task. Many areas got divested of the opportunists and you could almost hear those spaces breathe with relief. Things are now looking cared for so the Horticultural Social Services will not find reason to take away my custody of this piece of paradise.
I cut back plants both in beds and in pots giving them the chance to rest a bit before putting out fresh growth. They should do well till the fall weather arrives. A few plants will even put out a second flush of flowers.
Some of the younger espaliers were in desperate need of pruning – in order to keep their assigned patterns, all wayward limbs were removed. The persimmon candelabra, quince cordon and magnolia fan look so much better now. Espalier is all about training plants to grow in a specific design and oversight is necessary to train and maintain them accordingly.
After cutting several branches of the magnolia, it seemed too much of a shame to simply toss them on the compost heap. They deserved to be made into a wreath or garland. But I knew the leaves needed a treatment of sorts to keep their fresh look. A quick search online gave me the method to use – Submerge the magnolia leaves in a solution of glycerin and hot water (1:2 ratio) for 4 days, then let them dry off fully before using them. Simple right? Certainly worth a shot.
Our local pharmacies do not carry glycerin so it was ordered online and by weeks end the treatment should be underway. If all goes well, a nice homegrown magnolia wreath will be adorning the front door this holiday season. Fingers crossed.
It wasn’t all work in the garden. Al fresco meals were enjoyed. I observed the hummingbirds jockey for first dibs at the feeder while they also made their rounds of the hibiscus, agapanthus and the charming red trumpets of the cardinal vine. The goldfinches seem to have made claim of the coneflowers growing madly at the base of the Concord grape arbor. In the meadow, the Monarchs have discovered a myriad of treats.
Does this gardener’s heart good to see the garden being graced by them all.
After too long I am at last thoroughly enjoying puttering around the garden. May August make up for the disappointment of June and July.
Sharing more photographs taken by @brosnahan_arts –
It’s certainly been a particularly hot summer so far but, this week, we expect to get a bit of a break. For at least a few days, temperatures will drop somewhat. However, there’s a chance of rain throughout. Having just returned from powerful monsoon rains in Mumbai, I’m less than pleased. Every cell in my body feels quite water-logged. I crave cool, dry weather.
That said, I’m immensely pleased to be back at home. Seeing that the garden was in good hands in my absence gives me time to simply appreciate what’s blooming while I shed the fatigue of a very long flight and the inevitable impact of jet lag. I have already noted that the mosquitoes missed me dearly. Between getting out of the car, unloading the luggage and making it to the front door, I was greeted very enthusiastically. Every exposed part of my limbs was savagely bitten. What a welcome!
So here we are in August and it is imperative that one makes the most of it. Whatever be the weather. In addition to the August To-Do list, I must prepare for the drainage project that is scheduled to start next Monday. Just when the summer phlox are blooming brightly and the Joe Pye are poised to join in, they, along with several other plants must be uprooted and kept happy and safe. Fingers crossed they will not be too upset.
August To-Do
1. Harvest the vegetable patch regularly. If you’re overwhelmed with the bounty, offer them to food kitchens, friends and neighbors. Also, consider canning vegetables and fruit. They are mighty handy to have on those days in winter when you crave summer fare. Not to mention the crazy times when cooking is simply not possible.
2. Keep weeding. Even though it is hot, hot, hot, weeds continue to thrive. Early hours of the morning are most enjoyable – cooler and fewer biting bugs.
3. Water as required.
4. Mow as usual. Again, do the right thing and keep blades 4 inches high.
5. Continue to deadhead and trim back. This keeps the garden tidy. Seeds that you wish to harvest can be left on the plants till they are ripe and ready.
6. Take cuttings of plants for rooting. Doing it now will provide enough time for growth before planting in the fall or bringing indoors in winter.
7. If you’re going away, arrange to have someone water the garden and keep an eye on things.
8. Prune wisteria and anything that is overgrown.
9. Watch for pests and/or disease. Use organic treatments.
10. Keep birdbaths filled with fresh water.
11. Spend as much time as possible in the garden – autumn approaches! Eat, read, snooze, throw parties, paint, write, meditate, pay bills, enjoy the garden.
Note: I’m sharing some beautiful images taken by my nephew and artist @Brosnahan_arts I love his keen eye and artistry. I will share more of his photos next week.
Just when the summer garden is hitting its peak and one is tempted to sit back a bit for extended hours of basking in the glow of job well done, comes along a project that can no longer be ignored or put off. In a couple of weeks the two perennials beds in the front garden and most of the length of the side path are going to be dug up to get some drainage problems resolved.
For years now, every time we experienced a really ferocious bout of rain, where the rate of falling water outpaced the rate of drainage, water seeped into the basement through those aforementioned foundation walls. A French drain in the unfinished basement could not cope with the water at such times so there’d be pools of water in various parts of the basement floor. Things would dry eventually and because the floor was built at a slight slope and opens out to the terrace, there is never a possibility of flooding. However, as we all know, letting damp linger around is not a good thing. For a good while I put off getting the situation remedied. Creating chaos in the garden made me procrastinate. However, with climate change, thunderstorms are happening more fiercely and frequently. The drainage problem simply had to be solved.
Out will come a large portion of perennials to make room for digging trenches 6 feet deep. Corrugated irrigation pipes placed at the bottom of the trenches after waterproofing the foundation walls that meets the garden, will allow rain water to be diverted to a dry well in the herb garden. A part of the herb garden will be temporarily dismantled to create that dry well. After all that work has been accomplished, the trenches will be filled back in and herb garden reestablished. Path and front beds replanted and order restored.
I chose August for this project because that meant the project would be completed well before bulb planting season. As much as I’m loathe to have my garden dug up, I’m using this opportunity to seriously and ruthlessly review the plantings. For some time now I’ve been thinking about redoing the front beds but its daunting to deal with established areas. Now however, with plants dug up anyway, one might as well execute the ideas and plant the plants that were just items on a wish list till now.
My initial resistance to starting this project is making way for creativity and the joy of new experiments with design and plants. I’d like to keep it simple but exciting. Not everything will be new. Some beloved longtime residents such as Baptisia, Joe Pye, phlox paniculata and such will be grandfathered in. I must find my wish-list of plants-to-try and make my selections. Source those plants preferably at my local nursery. No horticultural divas allowed of course. The human ones are bad enough.
My immediate challenge will be keeping the plants set aside for replanting safe and healthy till the whole project is completed. Fingers crossed no heat wave will occur. Plants evicted from the beds will be given new residences elsewhere in the garden. Some will be re homed in a friend’s new garden. No one will be cast away. The tenets of humanism will prevail. Always.
Note: In keeping with the theme of creating some disorder, here are some images of (mostly) the front beds in random order –
The feeling of anticipation is powerful. Be it for an exam, job interview, party, vacation, message or anything even seemingly important, it is one of a mix of excitement, uncertainty, hope and yearning. We want so badly for the outcome to be as best as it can be that one can hardly stand it.
(Note: I’m not talking about matters like waiting for medical test results or other difficult situations. Those are entirely different as they come with a sense of dread.)
I, and I suspect all gardeners, know the giddy anticipation of the fruits of our labor. Pun intended!
From sprouting seeds, elements of design, color combinations, textural pairings and finally the flowering and/or fruiting of the plants, gardening is fraught with the thrill of waiting. The realization of plans, vision and dreams is wonderful in itself but, anticipating it is a whole other joy. Because, in that period of expectancy everything is possible. Defying all odds, things are poised to come true. And that is precisely why it feels so wonderful. Life is full of uncertainties but for this period of awaiting, one can hope for nothing short of perfect. Pests, weather, mistakes, miscalculations, mix-ups be damned. Right?!
This past week, while we’ve been sweltering in the high heat and humidity, the delicious sense of anticipation has held me in good spirits. The promise of good things to come is reassuring at a time when it feels impossible to gather the energy to get tasks done. Apart from weeding a little bit each day and watering ( only the pots) as required, little else is accomplished. Even sitting the shade has been a challenge – it’s too muggy and armies of mosquitoes attack at all times of day and night. This week, when the heat is expected to break, I’m really hoping to get certain espaliered trees pruned and a spot of editing in the meadow where the jewelweed is getting too rambunctious.
In the interim, I’m indulging in the positive signs in the garden and for that, I’m immensely grateful. One just needs to stay calm, stay hydrated and observe ones’ surroundings. And to have faith,
A few things I’m anticipating –
Persimmon – first year it is bearing fruit!Okra – my 2024 experimentAllium Summer Drummer about to bloom
Ah! The month of pure Summer. Fireworks, fireflies and freedom from routine. Heat, humidity and bad hair days too. It is a time to slow down and savor the season. Simplify the days. I think, if we do summer correctly, we can then keep that sensibility through the other seasons. An ideal recipe for living mindfully. This year, I’m going to give Summer my best shot. Really.
In order to do that, July’s garden chores are whittled down to the essential minimum.
Things To Do In July –
1. Weed, weed, weed! Do a half hour each day and stop. It’ll all add up. Remember, pouring boiling water over bricks and other stonework will kill weeds growing in-between. Hot water from cooking pasta, boiling eggs and such can be used.
2. Deadhead often ( unless you’re going to collect seeds from certain plants). Neatness matters and keeps the garden looking cared for. Deadheading encourages several plants to put out a second round of blooms.
3. Mulch all beds once, fertilize plants in pots weekly, water as necessary ( collect rain water and use that).
4. Mow regularly but keep the mower blade high. Leave grass clippings in place to act as mulch first and then enrich the soil as it breaks down.
5. Watch out for pests and/or disease. Use organic treatments.
6. Plant out vegetable seedlings for fall harvest. Harvest summer vegetables regularly.
7. Keep birdbaths filled with fresh, clean water.
8. Order fall bulbs
9. Take time to watch dragonflies by day and fireflies by night.
September feels like a fresh start. A new year at school, a return to work after a break/vacation. One naturally looks at the garden anew. There’s still so much growing that it’s easy to think Fall is a long ways away. I think of September as a ‘tween month. It can feel like summer and autumn at the same time! I’ve learned to live like it’s summer but start thinking like its fall. Best to get ready for the upcoming season while one still has time on ones side. In that spirit, here’s my list of garden chores for September.
Things To Do This Month –
1. Continue weeding.
2. Deadhead. Cut back anything that looks ragged or done for.
3. Mow the lawn less frequently. Keep the blade at a height of at least 4 inches.
4. Water judiciously.
5. Get leaf rakes, leaf bags and keep ready. Fall cometh! Remember, leaving fallen leaves in place is an eco-friendly practice except if there is too much and the thick layer is likely to smother what’s beneath or can be a place to harbor plant pathogens. I let the leaves be in the meadow and beds but clear them from paths and my tiny lawn. All gathered leaves are composted.
7. Continue harvesting vegetables, fruit and flowers. 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 , dahlias and chrysanthemums need staking.
11. Inspect garden for pests or disease. Take prompt action if detected.
12. Start assessing the garden – look at the plants, the design, the hardscaping.. What worked, what did not and why. What needs repair or replacement. Make notes and schedule actionable items.
13. As days get shorter, make it a point to enjoy the garden as much as possible.
Between all the heatwaves and thunderstorms, it’s been hard to take care of the garden chores I’m sure. I return home in a couple of days but as the assistant gardener has kept me in the domestic loop, I realize it has been somewhat of a challenge to get things done. As in all matters, one simply does ones best. No point in fretting and fuming over things not in ones control. From a quick glance at this week’s weather forecast, it looks favorable so, lets get a start on the August chores shall we?
What To Do In August –
1. Harvest the vegetable patch regularly. If you’re overwhelmed with the bounty, offer them to food kitchens, friends and neighbors. Also, consider canning vegetables and fruit. They are mighty handy to have on those days in winter when you crave summer fare. Not to mention the crazy times when cooking is simply not possible.
2. Keep weeding. Even though it is hot, hot, hot, weeds continue to thrive. Early hours of the morning are most enjoyable – cooler and fewer biting bugs.
3. Water as required.
4. Mow as usual. Again, do the right thing and keep blades at 3 1/2 to 4 inches high.
5. Continue to deadhead and trim back. This keeps the garden tidy. Seeds that you wish to harvest can be left on the plants till they are ripe and ready.
6. Take cuttings of plants for rooting. Doing it now will provide enough time for growth before planting in the fall or bringing indoors in winter.
7. If you’re going away, arrange to have someone water the garden and keep an eye on things.
8. Prune wisteria and anything that is overgrown.
9. Watch for pests and/or disease. Use organic treatments.
10. Keep birdbaths filled with fresh water.
11. Spend as much time as possible in the garden – autumn approaches! Eat, read, snooze, throw parties, paint, write, meditate, pay bills, enjoy the garden.
Note: More images sent to me on what’s happening in my garden –
A blessing!Last week’s Dahlia harvest lThe bee houses are slowly being occupied!Can you distinguish between the leaves and the hummingbird at the feeder?!An uncommon visitorMore lotus buds rising!
