after the weed-wacker: what to plant now?
I thought I’d show you some of Chad’s garden demolition handiwork. Like a plant terminator, he blasted away at the overgrown stuff surrounding the house. I’d say, “That branch is hanging a little low,” and return ten minutes later to find he sawed off a whole arm of the tree. Though the vine is charming at first glance, it really is bad for the house, which has a stucco exterior. The vines dig in, loosening it up and holding moisture too close. It’s gone now (or so we think), and we’re ready to start anew! My question is, should we plant anything now, in late summer or early fall? Or just wait till next spring? For those of you who know of such things, we’re a zone five! — Angela M.
August 21st, 2007 at 5:43 am
Get all your Spring bulbs planted (during September) for tulips, daffodils, lilies. Those go in fall and bloom in Spring. You can plant lots of mums now - they will be colorful well into October/November.
August 21st, 2007 at 5:48 am
If you’re planting bushes or trees, fall is the time to plant. (but hold off until the heat breaks in a month or so)
If you’re planting perennials, it doesn’t matter so much, but you may find them at bargain-basement prices in the fall when the garden center is trying to get rid of them. Even if they look a little iffy, they’re likely to perk up by spring, so buy ‘em when you see ‘em.
Annuals should wait until spring, unless you just need a little something to tide you over right away.
-C
August 21st, 2007 at 6:22 am
I was going to suggest mums and bulbs, too. Mums will go crazy in Oct-ish if you plant them now. The bulbs can go in soon, too. Daylilies are cheap and pretty fool-proof, and they multiply on their own each year without you having to do anything.
If you’re into veggies, you can plant some peas right now and have time to harvest them before the frost gets here.
Have fun!
August 21st, 2007 at 6:22 am
I was going to suggest mums and bulbs, too. Mum will go crazy in Oct-ish if you plant them now. The bulbs can go in soon, too. Daylilies are cheap and pretty fool-proof, and they multiply on their own each year without you having to do anything.
If you’re into veggies, you can plant some peas right now and have time to harvest them before the frost gets here.
Have fun!
August 21st, 2007 at 6:29 am
I can’t give any planting advice, but I can say WOW, that is some major work you guys did! Kudos to you.
August 21st, 2007 at 6:36 am
Wait a month and then plant bulbs–daffodils are a good idea, because animals won’t eat them. I’ve heard that planting them mixed with (or circled around) other things like tulips that will get eaten can deter the bulb thieves.
August 21st, 2007 at 10:08 am
If you bury the bulbs under chicken wire (lay down bulbs, lay down some dirt, then chicken wire, then bury ‘em all) they won’t get eaten by squirrels or deer or any such woodland creatures. You just have to remember that you put it there so you don’t try to roto-till it five years from now.
August 21st, 2007 at 2:54 pm
That is a seriously great house. Congratulations!
August 22nd, 2007 at 10:56 am
what about a hydranga?
August 22nd, 2007 at 1:50 pm
i put a hurtin’ on that ivy……. !!!!
now, onto the gutters…….
August 27th, 2007 at 8:32 am
[...] 1. Fall is the best time to plant your spring bulbs. Alison advises: “Wait a month and then plant bulbs–daffodils are a good idea, because animals won’t eat them. I’ve heard that planting them mixed with (or circled around) other things like tulips that will get eaten can deter the bulb thieves.” See more about fall gardening here. [...]
September 13th, 2007 at 4:59 am
When you select shrubs/trees/flowers, be sure to check what kind of light they need or you’ll set them up for a rough life. Also, ask the garden center where you buy the stuff what compost or other mix to add when you plant them. Finally, pay attention to the space requirements and how big the plants will get! We planted shrubs too close to our picket fence and will have to move them - drat!
There are lots of websites that show you pics of different varieties of plants so you can figure out what you like, what things have pretty flowers in Spring, provide food for birds, have bright Fall color or winter interest. Don’t forget about evergreens or you’ll end up with an empty landscape in winter. Also, think about the height of your selections so you have some variation. Landscape designers say that it is nice to anchor corners of houses with something (a mini 12 ft Spruce for example?) and that it is helpful to evaluate your house from a distance and see what it looks like.
I hope this is helpful! Happy gardening -
Mary