Isn’t amazing how the turn of a calendar page can make all the difference?

Even though fall doesn’t officially start until September 23, there’s just a different “feel” out in the garden right now. The quality of light as it filters through the leaves, the chorus of insects buzzing and chirping, even the colors turning more golden and bronze.

If you’re out in your garden these days, here are a few tips about what you can be doing now. (Or, if you simply want to kick back and enjoy the beauty, that’s fine, too!)

Keep basil, parsley, mint, sage and lemon balm producing by pinching out the bloom spikes and seed pods.

Root cuttings from annual bedding plants such as begonias, geraniums, and impatiens.  These plants can be over-wintered in a sunny window and provide plants for next year’s garden.

Allow trees, shrubs and perennials to finish the summer growth cycle in a normal manner. Never encourage growth with heavy fertilizer or excessive pruning at this time.

Start planning for next year – it’s time to order spring-flowering bulbs.

What are you doing in your garden now?

Beth Monroe is public relations director at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

I seem to remember seeing a notice in The Richmond Times Dispatch about a program you aree having in September on “native”
plants.  Could please give the date and time of this event.  Also the cost

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