Now is the best time to easily see and remember which plants did well, and those that did not, and make a plan for changes come Spring.
There's no better time of year to take stock of our gardens than Fall.
Take yourself on a tour of your garden, notepad or journal in hand, and make notes as you stroll and observe your garden. This helps you to remember what plantings may need to be moved to a different spot, or divided, or removed and thrown away (especially if diseased or dead).
Some areas of your garden may have older plantings than others - how are they holding up? Perhaps it is time for some fresh new plants to replace under-performing old perennials?
If you divide, plan ahead by getting small plastic pots for free from your local garden nursery and fill partially with soil. Plant any divisions into the pots, and let friends and neighbors know you have extras to give away (or sell if perhaps your kids are looking to earn some money - they can help with this project)!
Take notes on where weeds tended to proliferate this past season, and try to get rid of them before winter. Vow to get a handle on weeds as soon as you see them sprout in Spring (a pre-emergent like Preen works wonders to prevent weeds in early Spring by the way).
As you walk slowly around your garden, remind yourself of all the successes you witnessed this year and express your gratitude for all that nature has given, and continues, to give you.
Take yourself on a tour of your garden, notepad or journal in hand, and make notes as you stroll and observe your garden. This helps you to remember what plantings may need to be moved to a different spot, or divided, or removed and thrown away (especially if diseased or dead).
Some areas of your garden may have older plantings than others - how are they holding up? Perhaps it is time for some fresh new plants to replace under-performing old perennials?
If you divide, plan ahead by getting small plastic pots for free from your local garden nursery and fill partially with soil. Plant any divisions into the pots, and let friends and neighbors know you have extras to give away (or sell if perhaps your kids are looking to earn some money - they can help with this project)!
Take notes on where weeds tended to proliferate this past season, and try to get rid of them before winter. Vow to get a handle on weeds as soon as you see them sprout in Spring (a pre-emergent like Preen works wonders to prevent weeds in early Spring by the way).
As you walk slowly around your garden, remind yourself of all the successes you witnessed this year and express your gratitude for all that nature has given, and continues, to give you.
The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul. – Alfred Austin