Inspie's
Garden
September
I would heartily advise all men of meanes to be stirred up to
bend their mindes, and spend a little more time and travell in
these delights of herbes and flowers than they have formerly
done, which are not only harmless, but pleasureable in their turn,
and profitable in their use.
~ John Parkinson, Herbalist, apothacary to King James I,
botinaist to King Charles I and author of
"Theatrum Botanicum: The Theater of Plants" in 1640
Planning:
Complete ordering spring- flowering bulbs and other plants for fall planting Continue to assess areas in the garden which may need additional planting Continue to work on a landscape plan for fall planting of trees and shrubs Continue to take garden notes and /or photographs to plan future plantings Chores and Maintenance:
If rain is still lacking continue to practice water-wise horticultural techniques De -thatch and aerate existing lawns to promote root growth Mow lawns regularly to keep grass at 2 ½" height Complete lawn restoration before September 15 Collect seed from perennials and annuals Continue to cut flowers for drying: yarrow, strawflower, gomphrena, cockscomb, etc Remove and compost spent annuals and fallen leaves Continue to aerate and moisten compost pile to speed decomposition Continue to check for insect pests and treat accordingly Continue to remove any fallen leaves and debris which can harbor insect pests and disease organisms Continue to apply deer repellent Take in tender aquatic plants and tropical fish from ponds Begin to feed birds Planting:
Plant and transplant broad-leaved and needle-leaved evergreens through October 15 Continue to propagate herbs from new growth and transplant into pots for winter use Continue to divide and transplant early-blooming perennials Divide daylilies after flowering Plant lilies Sow hardy annuals in prepared planting beds If weather is cool, begin planting spring- flowering bulbs but wait until late October to plant tulips Plant late season annuals like ornamental kale and cabbage for fall color Sow parsley, radish, lettuce, carrot and onion Complete planting out seedling biennials Pruning/Fertilizing:
Prune rambler roses Prune to remove any diseased and dead rose canes Root prune wisteria that doesn't bloom Add organic matter such as manure, compost and/or leaf mold to improve garden soils Fertilize roses one last time Fertilize lawns with organic fertilizer to stimulate winter root development 
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"A Word In Private"