Autumn brings a host of gardening chores–most of them involve cleaning and clearing away of dead plant materials–not the most fun in my opinion. But, it’s worthwhile to get your garden all ready for winter. Of course, your fall garden chores will depend on your climate and your garden, but here’s a few tasks I took care of last weekend that helped me feel more ready for winter…
Planting Tulips & Glory of the Snow Bulbs
Though I can’t say that I actually enjoy the act of planting bulbs in the fall–digging around in cold wet soil is not my idea of a good time. But the rewards are so worth it, I can’t resist adding a few more bulbs in to my garden every fall. Seeing the green shoots coming up in early spring (usually February for me), makes my heart sing!
I planted around 40 bulbs total this year–a mixture of Blushing Beauty Apledoorn tulips and a variety of glory of the snow called Blue Giant. I planted them in little groups of 3-4 tulips randomly mixed with 6-7 glory of the snow bulbs. I was pretty haphazard with the placement because I like a more random look.
Because I was planting these bulbs in a mature flower bed filled with plants already, I had to be extra careful not to disturb the roots of surrounding perennials and shrubs.
Usually, I wait to clear back any dead or dying plant material of perennials, making it a little easier to scope out empty spots. Plus I don’t mind a little untidiness in the garden–it’s creates a wonderful habitat for all kinds of wildlife especially birds, frogs, and insects.
Blue Giant Glory of the Snow
Apeldoorn Blushing Beauty Tulips
Quick tip: You aren’t duty bound to follow the planting depth guide on the package. I found that every time I have planted tulips according to the depth on the package instructions, I end up with a poor show in the spring. Most wouldn’t come up at all, and those that did were stilted and small. I tried planting the bulbs less deep and it worked like a charm! I’m no expert, so I can’t tell you why exactly–only that it did the trick. Now, I rarely plant them deeper than 3 or so inches and have great results. As with most other aspects of gardening, try different things and see what works best for you.
Leaves, Mulch, & Compost
Leaf cleanup is an ongoing task throughout the months of October and November. Though our city lot is not very large, trees surround us on all sides dumping leaves in a continuous stream. Two large maples are the biggest culprits, but their leaves are pretty so I’m not mad at them.
Leaves make great compost and mulch for your vegetable and flowerbeds. Sometimes I use them whole and intact, especially when I am trying to protect tender plants that can’t quite cope with our winters.
I was too lazy to go get the rake, and I bet I looked pretty ridiculous scooping leaves with my hands from the grass! I tucked them in around my lemongrass, lemon verbena, and stevia plants in the hopes that they will survive another year. My favorite iced tea recipe uses these plants, so I am going to be crossing my fingers that they make it!
Other times, I like to chop them up with the lawn mower or the leaf blower and spread them over my raised beds like compost. They break down pretty quickly and by spring, they are usually worm poop.
Fall Cleanup is a Balancing Act
I know some people hate to see a messy garden. Dead, dying, drooping and sometimes dripping–doesn’t that just sound lovely? Uh–no. But, I have a much more laid back approach to my garden in general and especially in Autumn. I wish I could say it’s all about the wildlife, but really the habit of leaving untidy and sometimes unattractive plants up over winter stems mostly from my laziness. I am so dang unmotivated to do yard work in the fall.
But over the years, I have come to appreciate all the wildlife that do find sanctuary and food in my garden in fall and winter. All kinds of animals find food and shelter in what looks a bit like a hot mess. As I worked in the yard, I saw (and heard) countless birds flitting and chirping. It gave me such a sense of satisfaction that I was helping to provide for them.
A Little Color Makes Smile
It always amazes me how some plants keep pushing through and blooming despite the colder temperatures. My roses usually continue to bloom through Thanksgiving and pansies mostly survive our zone 8b winters. I feel like there’s a lesson in there somewhere for me too–keep blooming even when it’s cold and wet. Keep going–you never know when your colors will brighten someone else’s cold winter’s day. Take that 2020.
