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!