FROM THE COTTAGE-September 20,2007
We find ourselves on the threshold of another Autumn and we’ve heard many customers asking “Where did the summer go?” We know for certain that it was unusual – heat, humidity and drought conditions. Our friend Dick, the Rosarian, said he lost over 100 rose bushes, because of the weather conditions. Some plants thrived in the conditions and others gave up adopting the attitude that enough is enough.
It is time to ready our gardens for winter. We need to decide which plants will be welcomed back and those that need to go. The garden can be cut back after the first hard frost or sooner, cutting and removing all dead stalks. Stems should be trimmed to within four inches of the ground. Mulching after the first frost is certainly beneficial.
We suggest making a chart or map of the garden, identifying the location of all the plants. Hopefully this will prevent the removal of valued plants that might be confused with weeds next spring. The use of simple garden markers can be helpful as well, and photographs can help you plan your changes and new additions for next spring.
Remember:
1. Butterfly bushes (Buddlea) get cut back to 6” in the early spring. It grows and blooms on new wood.
2. Perennial Hibiscus get cut back in Autumn. It also blooms on new wood, and will be the last to sprout next spring.
3. Dig up and store tender perennials or annuals that will not survive winter conditions such as gladiolas, dahlias and cannas.
I wish you all a pleasant experience as you garden. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to stop in and see us.
All the best, Wayne