AUGUST  IN  THE  GARDEN

Although today is probably one of the hottest days of the season, I am starting to think  about fall  and even my garden plans for 2012. 

I recently came across an article about fall planters, and thought it to be a little early but when I started to think about it, I thought planning ahead is a good thing.    So here are some ideas about creating a planter for fall  / halloween / thanksgiving.

Some other terms that are somewhat new to me in the last couple of years are  SPILLERS,  THRILLERS  AND FILLERS.    And these  are used for planters, hanging baskets and even in flower beds.   I like to use some perennials in planters as they are more interesting, but some tough annuals will also fill the bill.  So here are some examples.

PERENNIAL THRILLERS - Ornamental grasses as  Juncus, Green Pennisetum,  Blue fescue, small shrubs either evergreen or deciduous

PERENNIAL  FILLERS -  JAPANESE painted ferns.  Lambs ears (silver foliage) , Hens and chicks,  fall pansies, mini roses, mums, asters

                                      HEUCHERAS (available from reds to golds)

PERENNIAL SPILLERS    -  CREEPING JENNY,  English ivy, Lamium

ANNUAL THRILLERS  - KALE  DINOSAUR,  KALE  REDBOR , these two kales are tall  and can withstand frost,  FLOWERING KALE- USUALLY has a colourful centre of red / pink / or white, mums, asters, gerberas, red pennisetum

ANNUAL  FILLERS  -snapdragons, dusty miller, helichrysum, gaillardia, crotons, polka dot plants

ANNUAL  SPILLERS - ENGLISH IVY,  Plectranthus,  vinca major, ivy geranium, 

Because you are doing a fall planting, the plants need to be packed in or tightly planted because they are not going to grow too much.  And whatever you decide or like in the way of plants is alright, because it expresses the likes of the planter(gardener).

And the reason that I am suggesting this now, is because you may have many of these plants in your garden, that could be lifted and planted into your fall planter or basket.  If you choose to use perennials in your planter, After  Halloween, I would dismantle the planter and plant those perennials in the garden so that you can enjoy them next year.

And to add some whimsy to the planter , you can purchase some gourds or small pumpkins, and add them to the planters.  I would use  long wooden skewers, like the ones you use for bar-b-que, shish-ca- bob.  Pierce the gourd or small pumpkin with the skewer, and then place it into the planter in a space that needs to be filled.  Odd numbers work best, like 1, 3 or 5. And if you need more height or interest in your planter, you can add some twisted branches into the middle , or off to the side.

And depending where  you place this planter, you could surround it with some various sized pumpkins  in different colours, to create  your own individual look.    Your imagination and combinations will create  a work of art.

Also if you have an annual planter that is half dead, you can remove the dead or plants that do not perform and pump it up with some of the fall plants, rather than discard it.

Also in August,

Late August is a great time to rejuvinate your lawn.  Temperatures are cooler at night, and we should start to get some  rain.  When I spot seed, I mix a handful of seed to 3 handfuls of  potting mix(which is mostly peat moss).  Throw this down on those bare or thin spots, and keep it watered for 10 days.  Or you could use a spreader to broadcast seed over the entire lawn, and then  spread a potting mix or peat moss over the lawn, rake it in, and then keep it watered for 10 days.

Also if you want to expand  your garden, planting trees , shrubs and perennials now is an opportune time.  Prices may be better and there is still time for them to root in before winter.  Just keep everything you plant , well watered until freeze up.

You may also start to see spring bulbs in the garden centres .  By adding spring bulbs to your garden, you can be adding a lot of early spring colour to your  garden that comes back every year.  Tulips, Daffodils, Crocus,  Scilla and Hyacinths  will add early colour and scent to your garden.

But right now, you have to keep watering, dead heading, pruning and weeding those gardens, to keep them going and looking good.

Also Late August is a good time to CRITIQUE YOUR GARDENS.  WHAT  do you like about your garden; what do you dislike about your garden; what would you change; what could you add or what could you remove?  Walk around your garden with a cocktail or a glass of wine and ponder ..

Happy gardening!!

Till next time in the garden,

Charlie

Plant Expert & Newsletter Columnist

charlie.samms@gmail.com