The older I get, the more difficult it is to stay on task. When David left the house after the storm blew through, I was supposed to work on my article so next week would be clear to help him at the camp. We will host his 50th Class Reunion for the Millport Class of 1974.
So far, I have checked Facebook several times, written myself a note to check on an address update of a Sunday School friend, started soup for supper, made a list of little projects to complete at Camp David, folded a load of clothes, stirred the soup and got out the bowls (we probably won’t eat for at least three more hours), sorted through a pile of papers on the desk and it has taken about an hour and a half for the first paragraph!
Are you that way when you go to the yard or garden to work? I usually keep a notebook on the counter with a weekly list of what needs to be completed. Our kitchen remodel project has our home in a bit of a mess and my notebook needs to be located. The shorter days and cooler nighttime remind me that there is lots to do in the yard at home and the grounds at Camp David.
How is your fall vegetable garden? Daddy’s garden always provided fresh vegetables until the first hard freeze. Those last green tomatoes were often picked by flashlight when an early frost was predicted. Old newspapers were placed on the end of the dining room table, and we enjoyed fresh tomatoes for several more weeks. Keep a close watch on your cool season lettuce, radishes, and greens. Harvest often to avoid that bitter taste. Okra should continue to produce when picked/cut regularly. The afternoon report from the camp said the deer had gotten into the garden after a large tree limb had fallen on the fence. The deer had feasted on the okra.
Pansies, chrysanthemums, and ornamental cabbage can be planted and enjoyed all winter. Get them replanted into a grouping near your front door. They will add color to your fall décor. Often the container grown plants are root bound. As you remove the plants from the pot, gently work the roots loose, before replanting into a larger container.
The shorter days and cooler nighttime are a wonderful time to breathe and take a survey stroll around your yard. Are those perennials doing well in that location? Maybe the bed of annuals has long been past their peak, and you need to try something different next year. Write it down now so you will not forget next spring. A shrub with colorful or unique foliage can add interest.
Now is a suitable time to divide perennials. After flowering, dig up the plant. Divide the main plant into several smaller plants. Then plant in a larger area, move to a new bed or share with a friend. Master Gardeners will be replanting to share next spring at our plant sale.
Seeds are ready to harvest. Clip off a dried flower head from the plant you want to save. Place the flower head on newspaper or paper towels to be sure they are completely dry. Pull the flower apart and remove the seeds inside or simply put the whole dried blossom into an envelope. Seal and do not forget to label the envelope with the plant and color. Store in a cool dry place until time to plant next spring.
Keep a close watch on those houseplants that have enjoyed the summer outdoors. When the nighttime temperatures go below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and before the first frost they will need to come indoors. Spray them gently with the garden hose and inspect for insects before bringing them indoors for the winter. Watch for snakes!
Now is the time to find new and exciting spring flowering bulbs for your landscape.
Daffodils, hyacinths, and crocus can be planted now as the soil stays warm and roots can become established.
Do not forget to add all those leaves that blew off in the high winds to your compost pile. They will make great mulch and add nutrients back to your soil — free organic fertilizer!
Thank you to all who visited the Butterfly Garden for our Butterfly Bonanza! Know that you are welcome anytime to walk in the area, swing a bit and enjoy nature.
Former elementary teacher and avid gardener Olivia Sansing lives in the New Hope community and shares timely tips on behalf of the Lowndes County Master Gardeners.
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 28 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
