A Late Summer Walk in Your Garden
Walking down the garden this time of the year can be an inspiration for next season’s gardening.
To see flowers in full summer bloom is the ultimate reward for a gardener. Summer 2009 was not ideal for any garden,vegetable or ornamental, in Eastern Ontario, Canada. There was too much rain, not enough sunshine and somehow chilly for those sun-loving plants. But- Mother Nature waves her magic wand and somehow, plants manage to reach their potential- albeit slower and later.
Towards the end of summer is a good time to check the garden for what worked and what didn’t. Are you happy with the colors in your garden? Are you pleased with your garden design? Is it time to divide some of your perennials? What will you do differently next season? Are you successful with companion planting? One of the rewards of ornamental gardening is the abundant supply of cut flowers. Summer is a time for parties and a time for get togethers. A bouquet of flowers is a welcome gift for any hostess. Surround yourself with fresh flowers, this is energizing.
Questions and more questions. Sometimes just looking at something helps to get the creative juice flowing. Enjoy your walk in your garden. Take a good look. Listen to the comments of your family and friends. But be your own best critic. Then look again at your garden. There is always room to add more beauty to your garden. All it takes is moving plants around to achieve visual harmony. Look closely at any plant that seem to overwhelm the garden. Some perennials do tend to take over the scenery. Don’t hesitate to thin these out now.
Take the time to pull those weeds, they do rob the plants of nutrients. Try to avoid the use of chemicals to get rid of these. Be kind to Mother Earth. If you are not into composting, you better plan to do so now.
Consider the pesky four legged critters that love to feast on your plants. What can be done next season? Examine the plant disease that affected some of your plants. Do some research, there are ways to minimize disease without the use of too much chemicals. Herbs in between ornamental plants are a big help. Is there a deer problem in your area? I do. I am earnestly researching plants that are deer- resistant. Although, I agree a fence is the best way to deer-proof a garden.
Do you need to replace some of the garden ornaments? What other features can you think of that would look good in your garden? A bench is a welcome feature. The garden can be a good place to meditate.
Gardener’s tend to compare notes and ideas. Be open to plant swapping before you go and buy that exotic cultivar. A friend may have a plant close to it. This is an economical way to expand your garden.
This is a good time to buy some perennials; garden centers hold their end of season sale. Before you go on a buying spree, look at your garden again to see what would be an eye-catching addition for next season.
Enjoy your walk in your garden.
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