September is actually our busiest planting time of the year here
at Crescent Elk Middle School in Crescent City, Ca. Our snow peas
and carrots are already up, and we have planted dozens of Broccoli,
Cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels Sprouts, as well as a variety of
lettuces, from nursery starts. We plant all of the above by seed in
our greenhouse to replace upon harvest. Garlic, onions, and shallots
will go in next month. Meanwhile, we are harvesting and eating tons
of Potatoes, squash, chard, carrots, beets, tomatoes, to enjoy with
our fresh garlic and onions. I love this time of year because the
garden looks so good with both harvestable food and new growth
holding the promise for great food for my students all winter long.
Just love our marine climate, even with all the rain! Joe
In My Garden Blog
Pacific Northwest
September 24, 2009
By
Patt Kasa,
Seattle, WA
With the right plant combination, fall gardens can remain colorful right up through December.
Autumn Gardens
As summer ends and garden colors fade, we often think about putting our gardens to rest. But this time of year doesn't have to symbolize the end. Instead, think of it as a new beginning. Autumn gardening is challenging, but it is also rewarding. It takes advance planning, but gardens can and do survive well into the winter months.
Form and Structure
The strong lines of evergreen trees and shrubs become the focal points of the garden once summer blooms fade and because of this, I'm always on the lookout for plants with interesting shapes and intriguing bark patterns. In our gardening zone, there are many hardy species with good structure. Rhododendrons, maple, beech, willow, yew, holly, juniper, and pine are a few that add structure and shape to the late-season garden. Some cultivars of these species display amazing color in the fall. The vibrant foliage acts as a backdrop to annual displays. Often adding just one specimen, like a maple, can bring color and attention to your garden space.
Playing with Color
Once you have structure and interest, you can add color. Planting perennials that bloom during late September and into December is one of the most important aspects in extending the life of your garden. Some late bloomers I love are garden mums, sedums, ornamental cabbages, and fall asters.
Don't Forget Garden Art!
Garden ornaments add whimsy and fun to summer plantings. In the fall they can become focal points in a garden bed. A carefully placed birdbath, statue, or garden stone will only add to the ambiance. But be particular about your art. Choose wisely and tastefully, and think about placement. You want to draw the eye to the garden, not overwhelm it. I've noticed that under a blanket of snow even an old worn bench can have a wonderful presence.
If you use concrete ornaments, be sure to seal them before leaving them out during the winter. Wooden ornaments also need some protection. Check with your local garden center or hardware store for the appropriate products.
Having a garden that is enjoyable and pleasing throughout the four seasons is not impossible. It just takes a little thought, a touch of inspiration, and a dash of whimsy. Enjoy!
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Joe Gillespie
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Patt
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Joe - How wonderful to learn you have a classroom garden at Crescent
Elementary School! Your description makes me want to drive right
down there and bask in its beauty! You sound so enthusiastic about
your garden - I just can’t help but think how very lucky your
students are to have such a terrific teacher. Hope you have a
bountiful harvest!
Joe Gillespie
You should come down sometime. Today we had a salmon bake in the
garden to celebrate Native American Day. It was fabulous. Over 600
students got to eat beautifully cooked fresh fish, prepared by our
Yurok Tribe. Native kids helped out, proudly serving their friends.
My Sustainable Living class also ate fresh cooked veggies. A pretty
fun day, I was proud of our students that they were very respectful
and calm in the garden environment, and it was nice to see so many
kids walking around checking out the sunflowers, pumpkins, spiders,
asking questions. The garden turned out to be a great venue for this
gathering.
Soon we will be hoisting up our new Skystream Wind Turbine to add
to our alternative energy system. Never a dull momment here! Joe