Last week was about as perfect as it gets in early fall in Wisconsin and this week should be even better with sun and temps in the 70s forecast. Out to the garden as soon as I finish my second cup of coffee. And then I will spend my days repeating last week's activities:
MULCHING: Cutting back plants, getting ready to overwinter those geraniums and mulching everywhere with that gorgeous black gold from Olbrich.
SMELLING THE FLOWERS: We continue to enjoy asters and Japanese anemones and the first toad lily. Tricyrtis 'Tojen' is the only one of half a dozen varieities I grow that's currently in full flower.
LAST PLANTINGS OF THE SEASON: I ordered some exciting varieties of Epimediums from Garden Visions in Massachusetts and got them all planted. They don't really have a good Web site, so order the catalog to see all the available varieties and read about them. You can do it via email: [email protected]. I also got one of the few other plants they sell, an Iris gracilipes. I'm currently growing this grassy little woodland iris and ordered 'Cobblewood Charm,' the first new introduction in 60 years!
GARDEN RECORDS: This week I will continue to take photos of all the changes I've made to the beds so I can remember this winter what I've planted, what I've moved — and whether I really need to order any more plants!
FROST WATCH: We made it through last night's temperature dip with the toad lilies intact. So I am anticipating blooms any day — if I can keep the bunnies away. They love this plant and most years the blooms get munched before they open.
LEAF WATCH: From here on out it will be a pleasure to watch the leaves turn color — and an almost daily effort to keep up with them as they fall. They're filling up the pond, the gutters and every available spot of bare ground as well as the coming into the house every time we go in and out.
MORE MULCH: This week's scoop of Olbrich mulch is awaiting me as I write. I'm guessing I will still want one more load next Saturday to deal with all the bare areas.
NIGHT WATCH: When the sun goes down, it's time to sit in front of the fire and catch up on all the books we had no time for during the long summer days. Mark is deep into photo books, practicing with new lenses and ordering a big fancy printer. Stay tuned.
Doesn't it feel wonderful to get into the garden without sweating and swatting.?. Love this time of year!
Posted by: Lisa at Greenbow | Sunday, October 02, 2011 at 04:32 PM
You are just too organized! I always forget what is where and then find I dig it up because I don't know what it is. i am too old to learn new tricks. Your planting in the median still looks lovely and they still didn't get out there with the paint.
I long for a fire but the fire is still outside here! happy fall.
Posted by: Lancashire rose | Sunday, October 02, 2011 at 07:39 PM
Good for you to make an effort at recording where you plant things, vs. my way of wandering around the garden asking "where did I put that" or "I wonder who planted that". We had been in an extended storm pattern for several weeks until this weekend when a cold front came in with highs in the low 60's, very unusual for us. Unfortunately the rains still persist.
Posted by: Les | Monday, October 03, 2011 at 06:17 AM
Lisa — Have to agree that fall gardening is the best!
Jenny and Les — The truth is that I have only taken a couple of photos so far. But I am trying to finally have some sense of what I did this summer when winter comes. Believe me, I have dug up plenty of things accidentally. Last year I planted something on top of a late fern!
Posted by: LINDA from EACH LITTLE WORLD | Monday, October 03, 2011 at 10:21 AM
I love seeing your fall activity and blooms. I'm ready for longer "night watches" and less yard work; it's almost time to plant garlic and tulips.
Posted by: Altoon | Monday, October 03, 2011 at 02:34 PM