Life continues to stay busy for this old country gal! Grandchild No. 1 is a cheerleader at New Hope Middle School and No. 2 is a cheerleader at Gordo Middle School. Of course, I tried to make most of the games. No. 3 enjoys an afternoon snack and a few Roblox dollars when I pick him up on Tuesdays in Gordo. Poppy and NanO wouldn’t have it any other way!
You have heard the expression, “Growing like a weed.” Well, while I have been gallivanting around Lowndes and Pickens counties supporting the grandchildren, Trojans and Green Wave, weeds did grow in the late summer early fall drought.
For 50 plus years, a barbed wire fence marked the property line on the west side. To provide a bit of privacy, Mrs. Lorene started wisteria and a few hollies on one end of the fencerow, and I started a beautiful English ivy on the other end. I often heard her hoeing and snipping away to keep her side tidy and neat. That motivated me to work on my responsibilities. After her death several years ago, we were able to buy the adjoining property.
Think and research before you plant. I have worked weeks tidying up the area along the old property line. I have gotten about 8 to 10 yards cleared! It appears the combined growth of wisteria and ivy have killed one of the large oaks and damaged a pecan tree. I need to get busy, while the leaves are still on to help identify what I am pulling on! Poison ivy is not my friend!
While traveling we see the visible signs of the hot dry summer everywhere. Yards appear to be crispy brown, and trees are showing signs of distress. Keep a watchful eye on the trees in your landscape. The lack of water could cause decay in your trees. It is best not to fertilize during the drought as it will burn the root system.
Did you get those pansies planted? Don’t they bring a smile on your face as they greet you? Keep them watered so they can cheer you up on those cold dreary days of winter.
Wildflower seeds can be planted now! I think I shall try one more time to add that pop of color along the driveway at Camp David, our family farm/camp house in Pickens and Lamar County. Maybe David and Josh could plant wildflower seeds on their food plot areas! The deer seem to really enjoy nibbling on my attempts to soften the edges around the property.
Did you see fewer daylily blooms this past summer? They are speaking to you. They like to be messed with and should be divided every three to five years. You still have time to divide and move your iris bed, also. Daffodil bulbs need to be planted now. Tulips and hyacinths can be planted in December or January.
Your cool season vegetables, cabbage, collards, broccoli, mustard, Swiss chard, leaf lettuce, spinach and other greens should be well established before the first frost. When a frost or freeze warning (below 32 degrees) is given, protect with a light cloth. Do not use a plastic cover as the condensation could freeze and cause damage to your crop.
After cleaning off your garden spot or flower beds, don’t forget to mulch. Leaf litter or pine straw are organic and as they decompose, they add nutrients back into the soil. Non-organic, like plastic or rocks have no nutritional value. Pine straw does not seem to wash away.
Did you have a large pot of caladiums on your patio or along the edge of a flower bed or walkway? It is time to dig up your caladiums with the foliage intact. Allow the bulbs and foliage to dry. Remove the dried foliage and store the bulbs in peat moss in a cool dry place. Your bulb will be ready to replant next spring.
Keep the bird feeders filled and take time to enjoy their visits.
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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