Xeric Garden Calender - Fall
ChoresRaking leaves for compost is one of my favorite Autumn activities out in the fresh brisk air, with the smell of falling leaves, and the knowledge that this is a crucial part of a xeric gardening year. Building compost piles gives me a feeling of pride and accomplishment just knowing that they'll be fermenting away all winter to be ready for my further attention in the spring.The one big difference between humans and other animals is the unique ability to plan ahead. Planting bulbs for next springs display comes under this category. The certainty that the bulbs I plant from September until November (as long as the ground stays unfrozen) will bloom in the warming days of spring gives a gardener hope through the long dark winter nights. Other things that really should be done now are accumulating some firewood, especially if you rely on wood heat in your home; cleaning and putting away your digging tools after you retrieve them from their various parking spots around the garden; greasing the wheelbarrow and putting it under cover; storing paint and any other non-freezable items such as batteries for the string trimmer inside. Start a worm farm in a plastic container and keep it in the basement or other cool place to overwinter it. Put shredded newspaper, leaves, finely shredded compost and sawdust in before adding red wriggler worms from your outside compost or a bait shop. You can add your finely cut kitchen waste as the worms eat and multiply. Take note of things that did well, or not so well and should be re-worked next season. Moving shrubs can still be done now, as long as you water well if no rainfall happens. I like to move and divide perennials at this time of year as they can still make roots in the unfrozen ground even as the top growth is dying back.
I don't trim back perennials and grasses as I like the idea that they'll attract birds and be an overwintering haven for insects if they're left until spring, but you may like a neater appearing garden. Keep in mind that if you leave the seasons growth it will capture snow and prevent erosion too, but it's ultimately your choice. ThoughtsThe Xeric Garden is readying itself for a winter's rest, the wheel turning more slowly now, the engine winding down to an idle. Look on this as a time of rejuvenation, and enjoy the break from the summer's frenetic pace.go to Drought Smart Plants home page
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