CAN YOU BELIEVE the weather — the warmest start to October in 30 years!
So please, take some time to drive around and see the autumn foliage because I know that in the previous weeks, I have loaded you up with garden chores. I even missed my deadline last week because I, too, have been busy.
And boy, if I thought things were hectic before, now it is frantic.
I am as busy as I was in May, but that just makes sense.
Autumn is a time of arduous chores, as many outside items demands your attention.
Your ornamentals are crashing all around you, so dead-heading along with leaf stripping is a major task. Do this weekly, as the No. 1 killer (or severe torturer) of your perennial garden is premature winterizing.
Our weather is so mild here on the Olympic Peninsula that many plants take several months to die and go dormant as opposed to several weeks.
Perennials need to die and go dormant naturally, not by your pruners.
Take your time. It is much better for the plant.
As it dies back, only take those leaves that are dead or visibly dying.
Then come back a week or two late and remove more.
This also is a busy time because we are in the last days of great weather.
Soon, the monsoon drizzle begins, so this is the time to give the last big push for finishing jobs.
I am booked to do many garden jobs, and I do not want to walk around in the mud.
The weather and temperatures are both perfect to carry rocks and gravel around, as well as finish up the plantings. Planting right now is perfect for many leafy things.
Almost all perennial plants, those living three or four more years, go through tremendous root development in the next few months.
Our mild weather and natural rainfall combined to create ideal conditions.
Plants placed in the ground now root extremely well, which in turn causes that plant to grow very nicely next spring.
Don’t forget that we have the best weather in all of America to garden in. And if this is the best spot to pursue horticulture, then spring bulbs are the best plant to dabble in.
They adore our conditions, and October and November are the months to slave away.
Planting bulbs is a laborious endeavor, but getting the soil worked correctly, and planting them deep enough is crucial.
It is also crucial that you apply bone meal and water in well.
It just keeps getting busier, so please remember that I am eagerly awaiting your questions on bulbs or anything else plant-related, so send questions to me at the address below.
And do stay well all!
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Andrew May is a freelance writer and ornamental horticulturist who dreams of having Clallam and Jefferson counties nationally recognized as “Flower Peninsula USA.” Send him questions c/o Peninsula Daily News, P.O. Box 1330, Port Angeles, WA 98362, or email news@peninsuladailynews.com (subject line: Andrew May).
