Garden checklist

OCTOBER 2003

Japanese Maples

These beautiful trees will add color and texture to your garden with minimal care. Now is an excellent time to plant them, 33 the cooler weather allows their roots to become established. In the Upper and Middle South, plant in full sun. Partial shade is better in the Lower and Coastal South. The species Acer palmatum has green leaves during the year and brilliant fall color. Selections include 'Bloodgood,' with burgundy leaves; 'Sango-Kaku,' with coral-colored stems; and 'Crimson Queen,' with fine, red leaves. These selections are in the Southern Living Plant Collection from Monrovia. To find a nursery near you that carries these plants call 1-888-752-6848, or visit www.monrovia.com.

* Seasonal decorations-Either harvested or purchased, these will brighten your spirits for the fall holidays. Pumpkins, gourds, and Indian corn are available in multiple colors at grocery stores and roadside stands. Mix with dried flowers such as celosia, sunflowers, and gomphrenas to make simple arrangements for your table.

* Mulch-As leaves begin to fall, they create an ample supply of organic mulch for the garden. Decomposing leaves enrich the soil, nourishing your plants. Rake them up, and add them to flowerbeds. The extra layer of leaves keeps roots cool, retains moisture, and slows weed growth.

* Sasanqua camellias-These graceful evergreens are blooming now, so choose the flower colors you prefer for your landscape. Excellent selections include 'Mine-No-Yuki ' (white), 'Cleopatra' (pink), and 'Bonanza' (red). They can take full sun to light shade.

* SeedsSow poppies, bachelor's buttons, and larkspur now for flowers next spring. Select a sunny location, and scatter seeds on a prepared bed. Rake and water gently.

* Dahlias-In the Upper and Middle South, lift and divide dahlia tubers before the first frost. Cut stalks about 1 inch above the tuber, shake off any loose soil, and let the clump dry. Store in a cool, dry place that does not freeze. In the Lower and Coastal South, tubers can stay in the ground. Provide a little extra mulch, such as pine straw, to help them overwinter.

* Shrubs for fall color-Add deciduous shrubs beneath trees to brighten your autumn. Good choices include witch hazel, oakleaf hydrangea, fothergilla, sumac, and Virginia sweetspire.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Oct 2003
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