Article written by Ann Butler, Sampson County Master Gardeners
Planning:
Are you feeling as tired and bedraggled as I am? I never imagined that I would be eager to see a season come to an end but I’m truly itching to wish this summer goodbye. It’s been a real drain gardening-wise, however, I’m looking forward to getting renewed inspiration from fall-flowering perennials such as Autumn Joy Sedum, joe-pye weed, goldenrod, Japanese anemone, swamp sunflower, and salvia.
Ornamental grasses are an excellent choice for fall and winter gardens with their plumes of flowers and shimmering leaves. When you’re out scouting, consider some great choices like Red Baron blood grass, Morning Light maidenhair grass, and Heavy Metal switch grass. Look for these and many others in our local garden centers or mail-order catalogs.
Planting and Transplanting:
Now’s the time to establish new perineal flower beds by doing the following: dig, divide and replant overcrowded beds of Shasta daisies, daylilies, threadleaf coreopsis and beebalm. Spread organic matter over the intended garden area and mix it into the soil at least 6 to 8 inches deep. Space your divided plants at least 1 foot apart in all directions so root competition will not become a problem.
Cool-season ornamental grasses can be planted now to allow their root systems to become established before the arrival of spring.
Watering:
Fall is traditionally the driest season in the Carolinas. Do keep any newly set-out transplants well-watered.
Fertilizing:
Fertilizing isn’t needed this late in the season. You should allow perennials to go dormant so they can tolerate winter weather.
Weeds:
Don’t turn your back on them because they can quickly establish residence in your flower beds. Summer weeds such as crabgrass and goosegrass are going to mature and seed. Winter annual weeds such as Carolina geranium, chickweed and annual bluegrass are germinating. Get busy and hoe them out or handpull them now before you have a real mess on your hands!
Until next month, happy gardening!
