Re: Winterizing
Lynn
I believe you are right on the money, it's getting cooler here in
Mississippi also. Something I had thought we would never see again after
a very hot and humid summer and fall. I wonder if we will ever be wet
here again. of course in NC, I think ya'll have had more than enough
rain. Is that true in your location. The last rain we had was in the
early part of Sept. We had the worse drought here this year than I've
ever seen. I lost several plants, but all in all I think I survived
pretty well considering the conditions. "it could have been worse.
I have cut back every thing that should be. I have mulched, planted
my fall seed, and divided and replanted those things that needed it.
Planted 2 new hellebores and 2 new solomon's seal. these will be new
for me this year, also have 2 new ginger plants that I planted in the
late spring, that did very well considering. they put up new babies,
but are beginning to look ratty, but I have high hopes for springtime.
Another new plant for me is the crinums. I found these at the old home
place that belonged to my husbands, grandparents. I didn't know what
they were, but noticed a picture in a magazine and began to investagate
and found them to be the crinum, I dug 2 clumps and the results was 21
bulbs, which I shared with friends and relatives. I have one more
clump which I left in place, as a back up in case these don''t make
it.
As for leaves, we have approx. 11 large oak trees on our property
and we will be raking leaves, come Christmas. we usually rake them and
put them in the veggie garden, then my husband goes over them with the
lawn mower then tillers them in. we have been doing this for 2 or 3
years now and it's amazing the differance it makes. I leave some in my
beds, but I also have a layer of mulch. in the spring we either clean
the beds of leaves or just dig them into the soil. I never have a deep
layer of leaves, because when my husband starts with the blower, he
mostly get everything.
I guess each person has to decide what suits their area. I don't see
anything damaging with leaving the oak leaves. and I think sometimes it
can be benificial to your plants
I really like to go over mine with the lawn mower and shread them when I
plan to use them as a mulch.
Happying Gardening
Donna in NE Mississippi zone 7
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