October is filled with both joy and a bit of sadness for us gardeners. I’m always sad to see my summer annuals such as my Zinnias, Marigolds and Impatiens decide it’s time to call it good. The joy of planting my fall vegetables and annuals helps get me through this time of year. I plant loads of bright happy Violas and Pansies in my containers and tuck them into the empty spots in my perennial beds. I also love creating a fall aesthetic on my front porch with our beautiful “Copper Prince” Millet, Mums, and more Pansies in fall colors such as our “Solar Flare” with some “Black Delight” Violas. Pansies and Violas are perfect fall annuals, they stay bright and cheerful through the cold winter months and carry me into mid-spring. We are also carrying Marigolds.
October is also when I really start cleaning up my garden and start my prepping for spring. I harvest the last of my summer veggies, collect and record seeds I’ve saved, plant and mark any new perennials and continue to prune and clean out any spent plant matter. Keeping up with certain garden chores may feel redundant from month to month, but they are important to the garden’s success. Keeping up with your mulching, weeding, watering, and pruning will keep your garden looking great and your plants happy and productive. Keeping your gardens tidy will also help with pests and diseases. Pull up and discard any diseased or mottled plant foliage entirely away from your gardens or compost pile. Adding a layer of compost to gardens this time of year is a great way to boost its nutrient levels. Don’t forget to fertilize your fall planters as well.
As the days grow milder and the nights cooler, I start to look forward to the Holiday Season here at the Greenhouses. We carry Christmas Cactus, Ornamental Peppers (that look like a plant covered in Christmas lights), Cyclamen, fun whimsical garden art, and of course our beautiful Poinsettias. Our Poinsettia Festival will be held on November 30th here at the Greenhouses, but you can come and see the magic anytime. And as always, please feel free to call us @ 541-482-2866 or drop me an email at grow@ashlandgreenhouses.com. Beginning Oct. 21st our store hours change to Monday-Friday 10am to 4pm and closed Sat & Sun. Come see me for your weekend shopping before then!
