Dogwood berries provide migrating birds with a high-fat, high-calorie food.

Welcoming Migratory Birds

Fall is for planting. The light is still strong and the temperatures mild. It's an ideal time for settling in many plants because they can establish a good root system before dealing with next summer's heat and drought. You may want to update or redesign your garden, so while you are browsing your favorite garden center ... more >>

September Stars of the Garden

Many plants put on their best show in the fall. Why not add one to your garden. Below are some of my favorites that are easy to find in garden centers right now ... more >>

Carl Walton (left) was generous with his harvest and his time when yours truly came to visit.

Carl Walton: An Original Urban Gardener

Urban gardening and sustainable gardening are "hot" right now. But some people have been practicing both for decades. On the west side of Chicago lives one such pioneer ... more >>

September Q & A

Question: I am from Bahrain, which is hot and humid in summer. I would like to know if pigeon manure is good for fruit trees or not. Is it better than cow manure? more >>

September 2008

William Moss
E-mail your question and I'll choose two to answer in each newsletter.

'Annabelle' hydrangea and other big-leaf hydrangeas can be moved without much trouble.

September Gardening Tips

During National Honey Month, celebrate the pollinators that make our produce possible. Support the beekeepers and boost your health with a jar of fresh, local honey. Also plant flowers that provide nectar and avoid using insecticides near the garden.

For National Grandparents' Month, help some one's grandparents divide crowded perennials and tidy the garden. Now is the perfect time to divide spring-and summer-flowering perennials. Give extra divisions to neighbors, community groups, or school gardens.

It's also National Beach Clean-up Month. Gather a few of your gardening friends together for one last summer activity and volunteer to help clean your local coasts, shores, and riverbanks.