FROST WARNING AGAIN!

My little weather bug on the computer keeps chirping. When I call it up, it tells me (again) we're due for a hard frost. I don't know about you, but this is probably the 5th or 6th warning I've had in my gardening area. My hosta still look great. I haven't had frost enough to knock ANYTHING down yet. How is your area doing?
I have a thistle bird feeder that I've been filling all summer to draw the American Gold Finches. It is getting more and more traffic, mostly from Chickadees at this point. I'm tempted to put the rest of the feeders up. My problem with doing this too early is that we are frequently visited by bears. SO... I usually try to hold off as long as I can.
The other morning I had a lone deer in the garden. I keep a pretty close eye on them when they come. She was gobbling up mushrooms on a dead tree stump. That's OK with me. If she ventured closer to any of my perennials, I would have chased her away. Usually I just sprinkle Milorganite on my plants and it discourages the deer. It also feeds the plants, so it's good for all concerned!

IT'S RAINING!

Hello! It's raining! That's VERY wonderful for your garden.
At this time of year your plants need to soak up enough water to get them through the winter. This is especially true of your broad-leaf, evergreen shrubs. All winter long they will be stressed by sun, wind, snow and extreme temperataures. During this time of stress they will be losing moisture through their leaves. In order to keep them healthy and have the ability to stand up to this desiccating horror, they need to have a lot of water fed to them while the ground is able to absorb it. Autumn rains are nature's way of helping the world's shrubs and trees make it through the winter.
Remember that if it's not raining where you are, or if the amount you get is not too significant, do your shrubs and trees a favor and water them, deeply! Allow the hose to dribble down to the roots for at least half and hour at a time. Do this during any dry spell in the autumn. Your plants will be very appreciative.
You can also buy an "Anti-Desiccant"spray at your local garden center that can be sprayed on the evergreen leaves which will help slow down this drying out process. I always spray my Rhodies, Azaleas, and other broad-leafed, evergreen shrubs. It's very helpful.
This is where a burlap tee-pee can be very helpful as well. The tee-pee will also help keep the snow load from breaking branches. Just remember NEVER use plastic. Plastic doesn't breathe and just like you, a plant needs to breathe!

WILD ASTERS

They are everywhere by the sides of our roads. They are so pretty. They are the "Wild Asters!"
At this time of year, all that seem to bloom are the asters and some goldenrod.
All summer long starting in late spring and continuing until the snow flies, we in Northern New England are blessed with wild flowers. They grow by the roadsides and sometimes in the garden. I make conscious decisions every year about which ones (in my perennial bed) I'll allow to stay, and which I'll tear out. I almost ALWAYS leave the wild asters and some goldenrod. They just make the garden "fit" better into that place we know as our garden.
What are some of YOUR favorite and hardy wild flowers that you allow in your garden? Or ones that you particularly admire while walking or driving?

Pay? Money? That's a joke!

Well, I just read an article about how Bloggers make so much money. My goodness. wouldn't THAT be a kick?
I write this BLOG, answer questions, chat with people, spend time on-line, pay my internet fees, and somehow the money part excapes me! If anyone can figure out how that happens, let me know, OK? Supposedly those little ad's by the side of my page are supposed to generate some income...not so far!!!
Oh, well. I'll still answer your questions! Punch it in right here!

Here are September AND October Chores!

I don't believe it's been so long since I've added to this BLOG. I've been on vacation, but I've also started doing some Katrina related work on-line. My time has been pretty devoted to that. However, that's no excuse for neglecting my "garden"! So, here are two months worth of chores for you. Have fun!

SEPTEMBER

Seed or overseed new lawns before the leaves begin to fall.

Fertilize your perennials and shrubs... it will help them make
it through the winter.

Water your peonies and shrubs very heavily. It will have to last
until spring.

Put all your non-diseased plant debris in the compost bin,
adding a bit of soil as well, to help get the chemistry moving!

If you haven't done a soil test... now is the time. Call your
local Extension Office for information.

BULBS! PLANT THEM!

Any questions about September?

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OCTOBER

You can still plant spring bulbs

If you have gladiolus, this is the time to dig the corms up.

This is a wonderful time to fertilize both lawn and garden

Plant cool and warm-season lawns

Move worm bins to basement or garage to maintain at least 40* through the winter months

Divide a clump of chives and bring indoors

If you haven't lifted your dahlias yet, this would be the time!

Bring any plants that are growing in containers inside for the
winter

Reduce feeding houseplants(do not feed dormant houseplants)

Give your compost pile a final turning.

Try to keep the fallen leaves raked off the lawn. Put them in
the compost, shredding them first if possible, or mix them really well as they tend to compact.

You can plant garlic now for next years harvest.

Mark any perennials you want to separate so you can find them
next spring.

Clean and oil your tools so they won't rust over the winter.

Plant container and balled-and-burlapped trees, fruit trees, shrubs and vines

Keep watering the shrubs and evergreens.

Plant container roses

Cut back your perennials

Sow seeds for frost-tolerant perennials

Try using evergreen boughs over your shrubs to provide winter
protection. They can be forced into the ground before the ground freezes, draping their branches over the shrubs.

Pull out your annuals and put them in the compost

It's time to store your hoses inside. Remember to drain them first
so they don't freeze and split!

Get those bird feeders up!

Any questions about October?