So October is upon us & I think it’s the most glorious month of the year. For me it’s the pumpkins & cider & apples (and pies!). Living here east coast/zone 7a, allows me to enjoy all four seasons at their best (and sometimes at their worst) Autumn here rarely has too many of the worst scenarios. It is rarely too hot or cold, (although last year we had snow at the end of the month – see photos), never too rainy or dry. You get Indian Summer spurts that are warm but rarely humid. It is my daughter’s & also my birthday month. I’m thinking of changing my blog header to read marypause51, but it doesn’t have as nice a ring to it! So here are some tips for the best month of the year!
~ Outside cleanup is underway with leaves galore! Instead of bagging or using the curbside pickup, think about using as many as possible as mulch in your beds & mowed into your lawn . See the nice link below. The only type I have found that doesn’t work for me are ginko leaves. (I have a 100+ year old HUGE tree so this is unfortunate…) They are too heavy & rubbery & never seem to break down. No wonder this tree was around in prehistoric times!
~ Leave seed headed perennials alone in your garden to feed the birds this winter. (Goldfinches do not migrate so the coneflower seeds are a treat for them.) The exceptions being any that showed signs of powdery mildew or other diseases at the end of summer. Dispose of these in the trash, not even with the garden waste.
~ Go shopping for Spring bulbs & consider buying a few to force indoors. My favorite to force are hyacinths. These require a few months of refrigerator time & then a bulb vase. This allows the bulb to sit with just a hint of water at the base. Soon roots will form & then the green leaves will peak through. Start to bloom is usually three weeks. Something about that wonderful smell come February… Check out the link below for outdoor planting.
And indoor planting…
~ Most of all get out and enjoy the crisp air & beautiful colors. There is nothing like it!
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