garden checklist

SEPTEMBER 2005

Fall Flowers

Perennials, which come back every year, are an affordable way to add dependable color to your yard. Some of the best are late bloomers that steal the show, including such oldfashioned mums as 'Sheffield Pink,' 'Venus,' and 'Single Apricot' (shown at right); Korean asters such as 'Purple Dome,' 'September Ruby,' and 'Harrington's Pink'; Japanese anemones such as 'Honorine Jobert,' 'Queen Charlotte,' and 'September Charm'; and salvias such as Mexican bush sage (SaMa leucantha), forsythia sage (S. madrensis), autumn sage (S. greggii), anise-scented sage (S. guaranitica), and pineapple sage (S. elegans). When planting, place them at the same depth that they were in their containers, and water them well until established. For more "Can't-Miss Fall Flowers," see page 64.

* Orchids-For long-lasting blooms inside (six weeks or more), try moth orchids (Phalaenopsis sp.). Purchase them at garden centers, nurseries, and home-improvement stores. Tip: When selecting plants, choose those that have just one or two blooms open and lots of buds.

* Dividing-In the Upper and Middle South, share perennials now. Dig up and divide clumps of irises, daylilies, and daisies. When lifted, some will fall apart easily, while others may need to be coaxed. Set the divided plants back into the soil at their original growing depths, water well, and mulch. Give extras to friends.

* Houseplants-Many easy houseplants have low-to-medium light requirements. Upright types such as clivias, dracaenas, and sansevierias can help fill in bare spaces along walls. Trailing types such as pothos, arrowhead vine, and grape ivy can spill over and soften the edges of tables, windowsills, and mantels. All of them offer attractive foliage with minimal care.

* Bulbs-Did your tulips and hyacinths come up short last year? They needed more chill time. Purchase bulbs now, and place them in the vegetable bins of your refrigerator for at least six to eight weeks before planting. Mail-order sources include John Scheepers, (860) 567-0838 or www. johnscheepers.com; and Brent and Becky's Bulbs, toll-free 1-877-661-2852 or www.brentandbeckys bulbs.com.

* Greens-Sow the seeds of turnips, mustard greens, collards, beets, radishes, and spinach now in the Middle and Lower South.

* Autumnal equinox-September 22 marks the beginning of fall. This is the best time to plan your autumn flowerbeds. You can set out cool-weather annuals and vegetables, buy bulbs, and plant trees and shrubs. Most importantly, be sure to get outside to enjoy your garden and the pleasant days ahead.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Sep 2005
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