Note from the Editor   

Fall is upon us, or nearly so. What a wonderful time of year! Fall, like all seasons, is really three-in-one. There are still hints of summer in early fall and hints of winter in late fall but I always hope for a long, gentle fall. For me, the ideal is four average seasons. Overall I don't like to settle for average but the seasons are different. The seasons are one of the reasons I like Michigan. I've said it before; I don't like the extremes of a harsh, cold, snowy winter and I don't care for a harsh, hot, humid summer. Generally the transitional seasons, spring and fall, aren't often extreme. For me, moderate weather isn't average; it's perfect.

This is the time of year we begin to slow down a little, or at least think about slowing down, but there's still plenty to do for gardening enthusiasts. Vegetable gardens can be prepared now which will save some time in the spring and often fall offers more pleasant working conditions than spring does. There is some pruning and dead-heading to be done, general clean up chores to be tended to. Soon leaves will be raked - more than once, most likely. Tools can be cleaned, sharpened and oiled before storing. There is still time to deal with perennial weeds too.

Don't be too quick to store your gardening tools though. We are approaching the perfect time of year to do a lot of planting. This is your opportunity to get trees, shrubs and perennials planted so they can get a good start rooting in their new home. Late fall is a good time to sow wildflower seeds. Some seeds need the effects of cold weather to germinate so keep that in mind if you want to establish a wildflower garden or add to the one you already have.

Speaking of fall planting, bulbs! Wonderful bulbs! Spring flowering bulbs are here at Wedel's and the reason they're here now is that they, too, need the conditioning provided by the cold Michigan months to blossom in the spring. Plan on at least 16 weeks to chill spring flowering bulbs. But do wait to plant your bulbs. They can begin to sprout if you plant too early. We've planted bulbs when we had to shovel snow out of the flower bed. You don't have to wait that long but, if you get your bulbs now and find you haven't gotten them planted before snowy days arrive, all is not lost. Go ahead and get them in the ground and you'll have beautiful blooms next spring.

I hope you do decide to give bulb planting a try this year especially if it has been a while since you've planted any or if you've never planted any. The work is pretty easy in the fall when the cooler weather is here and it is really hard to make a mistake if you know just a few basic rules. The reward and excitement you'll feel next spring vastly outweighs any effort you expend this fall. Come in soon to see the best selection of the best bulbs you'll find in this area.

Begin making plans to come to the garden center for the Autumn Festival, Kids Days and Petting Zoo coming up soon. It has become a family tradition for many of our green-thumb friends and if you attend for the first time this year you'll see why. Ladies! Ladies Night will be here before you know it. Plans are in the works to make this Ladies Night the best one yet. The planners have out done themselves each year so far and, from what I've seen already, this year will be no exception. We'll let you know as more details are finalized. Mark it on your calendar now so you're sure to not forget.

Ready for another trivia question? Here we go! What was the first cartoon character to be made into a parade balloon? The first reader to respond with the correct answer will win a $15.00 Wedel's gift certificate. The gift certificate must be picked up here at the garden center and remember, you are eligible to win once every 90 days. Good luck and have fun!  

'Til next time,

Jim