Years ago an authority recommended that peonies be planted at 9:00 A.m. on September 15. Although the timing need not be that exact, the sooner this job can be completed in September the better. One caution: don’t pile organic matter over the newly set plants to “protect” them. They don’t need it and botrytis blight … Read more
Frost can be expected at almost any time now in the northernmost part of our area. This means, among other things, that preparations should be made to bring house plants under cover if they spent the summer outdoors. It is most desirable to get them into their winter living quarters before it is necessary to … Read more
For several years I have made it a point to do all the traveling possible during the hemerocallis or day-lily season. In addition to enjoying the enchanting blooms, these trips enable me to keep in touch with new developments and to evaluate new introductions which I see growing under varying soil and climate conditions. On … Read more
With cooler weather this month, the garden takes on a lively look. Annuals are blooming hysterically, lawns are a glistening green, and chrysanthemums, the flower of the season, have burst into glorious reds, goldens, purples, oranges, and whites. As the garden at the end of the day becomes rejuvenated by the cool of the evening, … Read more
Colorful bulb displays will appear at garden centers by the middle of the month. Even though you may not be planting for a few more weeks it’s a good idea to order early, right now! By so doing you avoid picked-over bulbs and can plant them on time. In Southern California and Arizona, it is … Read more
The September garden, it is true, cannot match the great burst of bloom that comes with the spring, from the first crocus, scillas, and chionodoxa, on through the narcissus and tulips to the glorious splash of color the roses bring in June. Nevertheless, there is much beauty around us – in some gardens more than … Read more
Autumn in the North comes much earlier than in other regions of the country. September ushers in our fall planting season, the time to put in lawns, trees and shrubs, hardy bulbs, and perennials. Plant Evergreens in Early Fall It is wise to plant evergreens in early fall, when free from their spring task of … Read more
September is a busy and important month in our gardens. Complete lawn programs, especially seeding, by mid-month to allow for 6 weeks of growing weather before frost. Light Top Dressing of Good Soil A light top dressing of good soil will correct uneven slopes or surface variations in the lawn. Work this soil into the … Read more
The latter part of September is a good time to plant seeds. Cool nights and warm, humid days allow quick germination. Hardy Seeds Seeds to be sown now, either with or above the bulbs, are poppy (both California and Shirley), candytuft, larkspur, Texas bluebonnet, calendula, and Phlox drummondi, cornflower, viola, stock, and sweet alyssum. All … Read more
Sow seeds of hardy annuals such as Shirley poppies, cornflower and larkspur so they can come up before winter arrives. The seedlings will live throughout the winter for an earlier bloom next summer. Gardening Sow Seeds of Hardy Annuals Scatter a mixture of equal parts iron sulfate and powdered sulfur around azaleas and rhododendrons to … Read more