PLANTING IN THE FALL

This is from Nettie van Wingerden, owner of Neater Plants and Homes.  She comes to the Duncan Farmers Market and to several garden centers in the Valley.  I picked up a flyer on pointers for the Cowichan Valley at the Duncan Farmers Market last week and thought I'd share her thoughts on Fall Gardening.

PLANT  PERENNIALS  NOW

 Most our garden planning and planting is usually done in the Spring. But did you know that the autumn is the best time to plant perennials?

Here are seven reasons why you should plant your perennials, shrubs and trees in the Fall.

1.  The ground is still quite warm, which gives the roots a good chance to grow before the winter.  In Spring they benefit from a strong root system and you'll immediately see a good result.
2.   The Cowichan Valley always has enough rain in the Fall so it isn't necessary to water the plants.  In the spring, you are forced to baby the plants much more, since they dry out more quickly, especially if we have another year like this one.
3.  Perennials are often combined with spring bulbs.  Save time to plant them all at the same time.
4.   The best time to install shrubs, roses and trees is when the leaves fall naturally from the plants.  Ask your nursery about very vulnerable plants.
5.  The biggest advantage of planting in the autumn is that you can immediately enjoy the results in the spring.  From March to May, there is already enough work to do.
6.  The weather is still very nice to work in the garden.  Additionally, you can carry out the new ideas you picked up this summer.  It feels like you have a whole new season to enjoy your garden!
7.   Many hedges and trees can be dug up and moved in the fall.  These plants, when the leaves are fallen, are dormant and can be replanted.

Fall planting can start when the summer heat is over and it starts raining.  You can plant throughout the whole winter as long as the soil is not frozen.

In the past 4 years all of the above I have tested and it's totally correct.  I have planted or moved plants from October to December and again from January till March.  Many of my shrubs that hated their first location loved the second or even third one!

 I have many perennials that I'd be happy to share with anyone wanting them.  Just ask!

  I also wanted to plug for Gerry MacLeod's glass numbers for out in front of our homes. Gerry can make them different colors, according to what you'd like.  I find they are big enough to read from the street and meet the "easy to read" criteria! If you are interested, please contact Gerry. He will give you a quote on price. Or leave a message for him at the Office with Kolleen.

All for now....

Cheers!

OCTOBER ALREADY

 Have you ever spent a pleasant afternoon on the Bistro deck?  Reading the paper or just relaxing and taking in the scent of the season..when it's too hot outside, it is a refreshing thing to go up and see something different or just gaze about at the beauty of the place.      Hearing the different birds, the faint bark of a dog or the sudden appearance of a rabbit, squirrel or snake...all are part of  the opportunity we have living  here at Chemainus Gardens. Every day I am thankful for where I live and who I live around!  

On October 3 we had a great time together at Honeymoon Point at our annual October get together.  It's been a tradition begun 3 seasons ago when we felt the touch of frost and hadn't had a good wiener roast for awhile!
  Those who couldn't make it, I am sad not to have seen you, but...maybe next year?! I realize that some are away at work and all, but it is a lot of fun to meet your new neighbors and do things together when you can.

Collin and Doreen Wynne

We had newcomers that were very welcome, some from the RV site Woodlands and some from the new Park Model homes.  

Alayne

Con watching the legs of Lens desk burning....

Using the same to roast with!

Agnes and Liz greet Fran..

Dorothy and Laurie chat 

The most wonderful zucchini relish was served by Dorothy and I just loved it with Triskets and cream cheese..mmmmm Just have to get that recipe.  Dorothy got a lot from her deck garden in the way of tomatoes, zucchini and I think potatoes too.  She's a real green thumb....

Jane brought around Kolleen's specialty, smokies with a great dip..Here Pat tries it out.  It's hard to go from that to wieners....

Gerry and Linda

Barry and Karen

Charles, Lynn and Norm

Con, Trevor, Corina and Brian

 A great time was had by all!  Thanks to our Social Committee for their hard work!

Around MY house one big tree came down...Many hours of labor were put in, as the fir was a big one.  In August a huge branch came straight down, burying itself in the lawn, and I admit I was scared. I work under that tree a LOT and a branch like that would have at LEAST knocked me out, if not worse.  I was thankful that the management agreed to take it out.  The guys that did the work said it was a bigger job than they had imagined.. and they did a good job, too. I am very grateful, though usually I'd never cut down a tree, I could see it had to be done to live here.

So now it's the job of mine to clean up the front...first cleaning out the eves-troughs and getting up stuff in front of the door. 

Phase 3 is beginning!  clearing and bulldozer work has begun.  The removal of Alder that had sprung up opened it all up.  

 

The front of Sharon and Carlo's place is getting quickly landscaped by them. Of course they have previous experience and are working with neighbors Karen and John in making it at least one of the prettiest corners in the Park! Both couples have a real commitment to making their homes  lovely for all.

 We are certainly lucky to have them working for the benefit of everyone and the beauty of the Gardens.
I just hope the trail maintained by the Gardens beneath their place on the pond will be replanted with suitable trees and flowers too. Especially on the other side of the pond across from their homes.It has become rampant with blackberry vines and canes and needs a good cleanup.

 May everyone have a wonderful Thanksgiving!




I'll close with this thought:

I have this on my desktop.....

Cheers!