Looking Back, Looking Forward

Fall is a very important time for gardeners.  It is rewarding to look back at the growing season and recognize what worked well in the flower or vegetable gardens.  It’s critical to assess what didn’t work so well and change it.  Fall is a good time to divide plants that have overgrown their place in the beds or move plants that have failed to thrive.  Because plants are going dormant they don’t require food or water for developing new growth.  And cooler temperatures mean that you don’t have to water your transplants everyday like you might need to during hot summer days. 

Remembering those spring days when every bit of plant growth was a reason to celebrate is important because inevitably there were some places in the landscaping that could have used a little extra pizazz.  Nothing provides that better than bulbs planted in the fall.  The variety of bulbs can be overwhelming.  I always consider flower color, height, and expected bloom time when choosing bulbs. With a little planning you can orchestrate a continuous display of blooms from early spring through summer. 

I’m not a proponent of fall “clean up” of my gardens.  There are enough other chores to do.  I let the year’s growth rot where it grew. It gives insulation to the early spring growth of perennials that might otherwise be damaged by a late spring frost or freeze.  Because I have to contend with rabbits, I have to wrap certain shrubs with burlap to prevent them from being eaten to the ground. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long to discover what plants rabbits find delicious. I make sure that all the beds have several inches of mulch to protect their roots throughout the winter. I empty my last batch of compost into my vegetable garden and work it into the existing soil. This leaves my vegetable garden prepped and ready for planting in early spring.

 

Gardeners know that gardening is an evolution.  No year produces the exact same result and no plant remains the same. With a little reflection over the year’s results, the gardener can make the necessary changes to help ensure even better results in the next growing season.