Back to Back Issues Page

Garden Bliss & Blunder, Issue #51
September 07, 2025

September Days

SULTRY DAYS and CHILLY NIGHTS

I know it is not officially Fall yet…. but after the heat and drought of the summer, it is now quite cool and there are still times when I bemoan summer's end because I forget what other pleasures await in the early fall

…. longer evenings; the softness of my sofa cuddled with pillows and an eager puppy; a few candles lit, that on hot summer nights would not be welcome; a favourite cocktail that has a bit more of a punch than my summer favourite and the odd night when a soft sweater or shawl is more than welcome.

Apples and More...

The FARMERS' MARKETS are full of peaches, corn, and every vegetable or fruit you could want. Go and take it all in…. the folks who grow them are there… those who spend their lives nurturing and growing these wonders for us…

However, I am not feeling quite so generous… we have 2 apple trees on our boulevard that I prune and nurture to grow apples

…. I really am happy to share, but EVERY YEAR…. BEFORE they are ripe, someone picks them and

… not just one or two… but ALL of them…

It feels personal and I hope it isn't because if someone is hungry, then I will happily share… but wait until they are ripe

…. 2 years in a row, they took not just one apple, at least 24…. sigh…working on feeling generous - still a struggle.

School fun...did you know...?

One small pencil can draw a 35-mile-long line? (56.33km)

wow…

Summer Drought ...

This summer, in S. E. Ontario, we had a severe drought… no rain in some places for 6 or more weeks…with watering restrictions

Many of us had to decide where to spend our precious water… the most established perennials will have deep roots and although they may droop, or go dormant, in the end (next season), most will likely bounce back.

Newly planted (in last 2 seasons) trees and shrubs may not be so lucky.

In our neighbourhood community (ornamental) garden, we are sure we lost some small trees, roses and shrubs…however instead of removing them, we will wait and see if they come back next spring.

Leave your grass. it doesn’t need watering…. the roots will be fine and it will recover….spend your precious water on those plants that are struggling, or those you cannot bear to lose.

Hoping your rain barrel is over flowing now as we have had a lovely long rainy day.

Annuals...

Annuals are still blooming their hearts out and you can keep feeding them if you like, until the first frost which will turn their glorious colours to a wretched shade of greenish black.

Before that happens, visit your favourite greenhouse and buy a few pots of fall flowers to bridge the shoulder season between summer-fall-and winter…

Mums

Begonia

Coleus

It's a bit too soon, but...

Not only are leaves beginning to fall and maybe the drought helped them fall sooner...

but so are acorns in our neighbourhood.

The squirrels are happily tossing them to the ground from the tops of the Oaks.

Planting Trees?

This is a great time to plant trees…. here are some things to remember:

1. Smaller trees grow faster than larger and are less expensive.

2. Remove all root packaging… pots, burlap, wire etc. These are only helpful in transporting… but will delay root growth and smother the roots.

3. Stake only for the first year after planting (if needed). Be sure the stake is not tethered too tightly to the tree. The trunk needs to move slightly in the wind to strengthen it.

4. Water well…. at least 2 litres a day for the first week, then every other day and then twice a week - gradually weaning off.

5. Mulch but leave a bare ring around the tree… keep the mulch back from the trunk… otherwise it can make a nice nest for wee beasties

Lichen facts...

Lichen on dried leaf and branch

Birds and Bees...

Lately, our Cosmos have been full of gold finches

… swaying on long stems,

beaks buried in the seeds.

l love bees

…. especially the fuzzy bumble bees

Late in the day, when they fall asleep

with their faces in the centre of a flower,

it fills my heart.

Birds are gathering to migrate...

Please keep your cats inside

…. little birds are still learning to eat from the ground,

bulking up so they can fly further south

and cats are the biggest killers of birds…

DO: Please change your outdoor light to yellow

as many birds migrate at night

and urban lights disturb their navigation systems

Planting and Transplanting...

Wait a bit.

Most perennials will be still full of life until the first frost and when their leaves are withered or limp with frost this is a better time to dig and divide.

All summer, plant leaves have been soaking up sun and oxygen to make nutrients the roots need over winter.

All that green needs to go to the roots for survival in colder climates.

If you dig and split them and replant them now, they may struggle with transplant stress…. it doesn’t mean you can’t, just keep in mind the purpose of the leaves and if possible, wait until the end of September or early October.

Sometimes we have to move plants for many reasons... and they will most likely be fine…

Just know they will need extra care if you do.

Iris, on the other hand, will divide well now as they are past their best. When replanting, leave the tops of the rhizome above the soil... they need sunlight.

See more at the link below...

seasons-in-the-garden.html

Plants to leave standing...

Sometimes, with dry summers, perennials will begin to look dead or... not green... How dare they?

But there are reasons in any garden to wait until Spring before cutting back...

Watering?

After a few nights of cool weather,

we have had heavy dews and

some say a heavy dew can have the same effect as an inch of rain

…. not sure I can prove this,

but these perennials seem to think so

and after drooping and pouting… look what they did !

Rain, finally...

Of course, Lucy, just having a recent "fluff and puff" didn't want to get her hair wet when she went to do some business...so, her staff brought the umbrella.

Last Fall Flowers...

Japanese Anemone

Last roses

Spotted Bee Balm and Coneflowers

From 'Song for Autumn'...

"...And at evening especially,

the piled firewood shifts a little,

longing to be on its way."

Mary Oliver

Jen's woodpile at the lake... ready for chilly evenings in front of the fire.

When Milkweed seed pods split open and the seeds are brown, take them off the plant before they develop little feathery wings and spread themselves all over your garden and your entire neighbourhood.

Be intentional where you plant them... spread them in a group and put a bit of soil over them to keep them from blowing away...