Lawrie Barton, Contributor
BEACHBURG – This name is the new alternate name of the Beachburg Horticultural Society as we wish to reach out to all in our region. Meetings have been put on hold, but gardens are not, so here are some guidelines for you as you scurry to get your gardens ready for winter. We would like to have more gardeners from this region to share and learn together how to make our properties beautiful and productive in all seasons. We are better when we share. Let’s keep our towns and villages beautiful.
Gardening is not as much fun as it was a couple of months ago, but don’t stop yet!
Take care of those fall garden chores before it gets too cold. Keep in mind, time flies and spring will be here again.
Now is the time to get tulips, daffodils, allium, and other spring bulbs in the ground.
Mow the lawn once more this season. Lower the blade a notch or two so sunlight and air can reach the roots.
Protect tender shrubs and perennials with a generous layer of straw, wood chips or pine needles.
Clean and sharpen pruners and other garden tools. Replace cracked or broken handles.
Empty hoses and store them for the winter. Repair or replace old, damaged hoses.
Rake leaves and other plant debris from under roses to eliminate breeding spots for insects and fungal diseases.
Water roses deeply after the first frost to ensure plants are hydrated during the winter.
Dig gladiola, cannas lilies, dahlias, and other tender bulbs. Let the bulbs dry for a few days, then store them in vermiculite or peat moss for replanting next spring.
Pull dead or dying annuals. Dispose of them safely and do not allow them to remain over the winter.
Clean up overgrown areas and brush piles to discourage weeds and insect pests.
Empty hanging baskets and other containers. Give the pots a thorough scrubbing and spray them with a bleach solution before you store them for the winter.
Plant a cover crop of rye grass, clover, or vetch in your garden after vegetable harvest is complete.
Spread mulch around shrubs and trees, but be sure mulch doesn’t pile up against the trunk.
Put outdoor furniture away for the year.
Take stock of your garden. What worked and what failed? Take pictures for easy reference. Jot down notes about changes you want to make and new plants you want to try.
To become members of our new group please contact me if you would like to join and get your name on our mailing list We will inform you of our next meetings when we are able to follow COVID rules and keep everyone safe.
Lawrie Barton, President, Whitewater Gardeners 613 646 7364
