Re: Winterizing
I always have the best intentions when it comes to winterizing my gardens,
but in reality, I don't always get everything done that I would like to. I
tend to get rid of the leaves in the flower beds. I go over them with the
mower and then compost them for incorporation into the soil in the spring.
Makes a superb mulch and adds organic matter to boot. I like mulching all
my beds with either mushroom soil or compost in the fall, adding a couple of
inches if I have enough to do it. By doing this now, I find that self-sown
seedlings do better than if mulching is done in the spring.
Some perennials, like Sedum 'Autumn Joy' and echinacea and some rudbeckia, I
leave for the birds and for winter interest. Covered in snow, these heads
do their magic. I try to cut back things that look ratty by now since they
won't get any better looking. I leave all my grasses until they start to
fall over in mid-winter. Gives me a good reason to get outside on a nice,
warm winter day.
If I haven't done it by now, the hellebores get their old foliage cut out so
that I can see their flowers come spring. Epimediums need to be done too,
so that their dainty blooms don't get lost. I NEVER cut back the foliage of
anything with gray foliage. That waits until the spring after new growth
starts breaking. Artemisia and buddleia fall into this category.
All the spent annuals and vines get pulled out and off fences and trellises.
I like to edge now, too, so that my gardens look neat and tidy all winter.
This also leaves one less chore in the springtime when there are so many
other more demanding jobs to do.
I find that this is also a good time to take care of tools. Either send out
your tools for sharpening or do it yourself. Sanding and painting handles
repairs the damage done from the summertime work and weather. Try a bright
color, they are easier to find after answering that phone call--hmm, now
where did I leave that tool? I know it was right here!?
Clean out window boxes and pots and give a quick swish with a solution of 1
part bleach to 10 parts water. Takes care of most diseases that are
lingering about. I try to straighten up my garden shed, too. If it's too
cold outside to work, I just go in, shut the door and putz. Reorganizing
this space helps me reorganize my brain. Makes me feel like I'm still in
the garden, at least in spirit.
This time of year makes me kind of sad. I think about all the days ahead
where I won't be able to go out without a coat and hat and gloves (I'm a
fair weather gardener). When all the leaves fall and swirl around and I
smell the smoke of wood burning in fireplaces and stoves, I think about the
long winter and cozy fires and pots of soup and the catalogs that are
already starting to arrive. But I still will really miss going out into my
garden each day and exploring. I'll watch from inside and observe the birds
and other creatures that also call my bit of paradise home. It will
continue to be magical, especially if and when the snow begins to fall.
I guess that Thanksgiving is perfectly timed so that we can reflect on what
we are fortunate enough to have. Hope you all have a wonderful holiday.
Ginny (zone 6 in PA)
p.s. I miss all the mail I used to get--truly a sign of the season.
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