Mid-Atlantic
September, 2005
Regional Report
Dry Flowers
Last call for collecting flowers to dry or press for use in arrangements or potpourri or other projects. Try roses, violas, yarrow, statice, blue salvia, strawflowers, gomphrena, hydrangea, lavender, and celosia, among traditional favorites. Many others -- such as marigold petals -- make colorful filler in potpourri.
Take Seasonal Photos
Take a late summer series of panoramic photos of your landscape to use as a planning tool next winter, or as a shopping aid next spring. Make a note of any plant you wish to add more of, or areas needing improvement.
Plan for Colorful Fall Displays
If you like to change out your bedding plants and containers, start thinking about what you'll need for fall and where to plant them. Mums, violas, winter-hardy pansies, and colorful ornamental kale and cabbage are among the possibilities. Remember to save room for bulbs, too.
Get Ready for Fall Planting
Fall is a great time to plant most woody shrubs and trees, as well as larger perennials. Aim to plant perennials at least eight weeks before the first expected frost so they have ample time to become rooted before winter.
Take Cuttings
Take tip cuttings of plants you would like to save indoors, such as coleus, impatiens, geraniums, and begonias. They will root faster now than they will later in the fall. Rooting hormone powder (sold at garden centers) is optional but it can be helpful for developing roots more quickly.
