The Soft Space of September
I think September is my favorite of all months. It’s cool, the gardens are quietly slowing down and the light is lower and soft and less intense, making for the changing colors that much more awesome.
There’s a chill in the air. The foliage begins its transformation from their bold greens to their reddish-orange and yellow hues. If still standing stall, the peony foliage is red, the plumbago is softly beginning to turn maroon, the Boston ivy slowly becomes red. Leaves on the trees begin to change. Flower blossoms turn to seed, revealing a different texture in the garden. Slowly and ever so gently, the landscape is shifting to a restful place.
That said, installing trees, shrubs or grasses and perennials in September is ideal. Irrigation is still on, allowing for the extra boost to help the plant get established before dormancy sets in.
The cool air is a friend to the plants and alleviates any stress that comes from planting in the too-hot temps. When looking at trees and shrubs, make sure there are plump buds on the stems, as they are next year’s flowers and leaves. Remember to winter water the new plants once a month.
September is also a great time to plant bulbs. Tulips, daffodils and crocus are easily found in bulk bins at the grocery store, hardware store or garden center. Come later on in the fall, it gets too late and the selection and freshness of the bulbs dissipate.
Digging holes is easy, especially with a larger shovel (as opposed to a trowel). I like to dig a big hole and plant seven or so tulip or daffodil bulbs in them. Placing big swaths of spring color makes for a wonderful welcome of the season. Come spring, the landscape is dotted with bursts of color. The return on the labor and financial investment put forth comes back three-fold. It’s really not that difficult: dig a hole, plant the bulbs, replace the soil back on top and water in.
As you are planting and dividing and generally assessing this season’s performance and placement of things, keep in mind that September is also the month that the garden is slowly beginning to go into dormancy.
If you want the garden clean and free of dried seed heads, begin cutting back the perennials to new basal foliage. If you like the winter texture of the seed heads and dried grasses, there isn’t much to do. One last deep water and a good root fertilization will support a healthy garden next year. Top it off with a nice layer of mulch to insulate the roots.
Or, perhaps, you will just sit on your patio and enjoy the soft space that September is.
A native of Park Hill, Marne is a professional horticulturalist and garden designer who cultivates her own plot on Dexter Street, where gardens and two kids grow. She can be reached at marnenorquist@gmail.com.
SEPTEMBER GARDEN TIPS
• Perennials like mums, asters and pansies will add color to the fall garden.
• Divide and transplant perennials. This will allow them to get established before the frost.
• Dig and pot herbs from your garden.
• Dig summer blooming bulbs. Dry the bulbs or corms for a few days and store in sawdust, vermiculite or perlite in a cool, dry place until next year.
• Core aerate the lawn if not done in the spring.
• Select bulbs as soon as they are available for the best selection. Choose firm, unblemished bulbs. The larger the bulb for its type, the larger the bloom.
• Plant garlic to harvest early next summer.
• Harvest peaches and plums before frost. It’s okay to pick apples and pears after a light frost.
• Average first frost date is September 10 to 15.