Last Call for Fall: Northwest Style
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| Photo Credit: Lane Greer |
| Use the compost you made in summer on your beds in fall. |
In the Pacific Northwest, most of the garden chores are finished by mid-October, because anything that’s not done by then is going to be done in the rain. But during those few days that don’t involve rain, it’s a good opportunity to finish up those end-of-season tasks. Here are some to consider:
- General yard cleanup. Pick up those sticks and leaves on the lawn and in the driveway. Continue to rake leaves and put them in the compost pile.
- Compost and mulch. If your yard is like mine, the soil needs a lot of improvement. I’ve used all my homemade compost; now I’m purchasing a few bags and enriching the soil where it needs it most. Mulch is also important for protecting plants from harsh winter temperatures.
- Planting. In our region, bulbs can be planted until December, and now’s the best time to plant most trees and shrubs. I confess to buying several plants at one of the big fall plant sales this year. Those bargains will fare much better if they are planted right away.
- Bringing plants indoors. There are a few annuals and tender plants that I want to save, so I purchased one big pot to hold them in over winter. (One pot makes it easier to water.) I have a cool greenhouse, so I’ll move the container in there for the season.
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| Tips |
- Remember the song “Feed the Birds” from Mary Poppins? Rather than paying tuppence a bag, pull out your bird feeders and have them clean and ready to go for your feathered friends this winter.
- Vineyards in Oregon and Washington begin cutting back grapevines in fall, and some offer grapevine wreaths for sale. Look for them in the gift shop area.
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| Resources |
- Bring the outdoors in during winter and consider planting a terrarium or tabletop garden. Pick up a copy of Tabletop Gardens: 40 Stylish Plantscapes for Counters and Shelves, Desktops and Windowsills by Rosemary McCreary (Storey Publishing, LLC), or learn more online.
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Articles
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Fall Into Bulb Mania
Yes, Old Man Winter is on his way. But before his icy grip takes hold, get out into your garden this fall and plant some spring-blooming bulbs. Do the work now, and you’ll be rewarded with a bevy of blooms later!
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Grasses for Fall
Certain ornamental grasses can produce striking effects from fall into winter. Here’s a look at two of them.
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Winter is for the Birds
Don’t cut off those dead-looking flowers just yet! The seed heads of these spent blooms are a natural food source for our feathered friends.
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