For the farmer reaping his whitened fields,
For the bounty which the rich soil yields,
For the cooling dews and refreshing rains,
For the sun which ripens the golden grains,
— Edward Smyth Jones (1881-1968)
By the time we gather for our October meeting, Thanksgiving will have come and gone, and our gardens will be settling into their slower journey towards winter.
There is still plenty of colour to enjoy—the turning leaves, ripening fruit and those last determined blooms from plants that have carried us through the summer. The evenings arrive earlier now, and there is a definite chill in the morning air. After months of watering, worrying about heat and watching for summer scorch, it feels good to take a breath.
There is still work to do, of course. I have plants to move, things to prune and crops to harvest. And, if I am being completely honest, I also need to admit that I did not resist those late-summer perennial sales. Nor did I show much restraint when it came to buying spring bulbs. The question now is—where on earth am I going to put them all?
But October is also a time to look back. I want to take photographs of the things that worked particularly well this year—not just so I can remember them, but to remind myself that even though there are always things I want to change, there is much to celebrate in the garden too.
One of my October jobs will be giving the greenhouse a thorough cleaning, inside and out. The glass and benches need attention, although the biggest challenge may be finding homes for all the pots of cuttings currently occupying every available space! Perhaps that will provide the motivation I need to make room for the tender plants that need protection over winter.
I experimented this year by leaving some large pots of agapanthus outside, tucked beneath the shelter of several large conifers. They actually did better than expected, so I may try the same approach with some of my hardy ginger plants. My collection of canna lilies, however, is another story. I may have become just a little enthusiastic about buying new varieties, and they will definitely need some protection.
I also enjoy starting some half-hardy annuals in the autumn. Flats of Ammi majus and giant scabious are already underway and seem to be enjoying the cooler conditions. I considered sowing sweet peas as well, but experience has taught me that they do better in my garden when I sow them in February in the greenhouse and plant them out in May. With so much shade in my flower beds, giving them a good head start seems to make all the difference.
Because my garden is designed with wildlife in mind, I am never in too much of a hurry to tidy everything away. As a result, my garden probably looks a little different from some of my neighbours’! I am happy to leave fallen leaves, stems and other plant debris where I can. They provide small shelters for insects and other creatures that need somewhere to hide from the winter rain and cold. A little untidiness can be a good thing.
My roses will also need some attention. I have many Old English varieties, which are generally hardy and forgiving, but the lower light levels in my garden can result in long, spindly growth. I have found that giving my standards and climbers a light prune in early autumn, followed by another trim in late February or March, helps encourage stronger growth and sturdier stems for those beautiful, often very heavy, blooms.
There is something comforting about all this autumn work. As the days shorten, the garden asks a little less of us and gives us more time to think, plan and reflect. Soon there will be more time indoors—perhaps with seed catalogues, garden books and plans for next year.
And, yes, perhaps a little more housework too - Yikes!
So I intend to enjoy these autumn days while they last. Thanksgiving is a wonderful reminder to pause and consider just how much there is to be grateful for. I feel very fortunate to live in a country where I can enjoy the freedom to be with my family and friends and to pursue the things I love. I live a very good life surrounded by friends, colleagues and folks like you who share my passion for gardening.
I am especially grateful for the opportunity to volunteer with the Comox Valley Horticultural Society. For me, it is a wonderful group of friendly, generous and knowledgeable gardeners. I learn from you, enjoy working alongside you, and feel very fortunate to be part of this gardening community.
So, as we move into autumn, I hope you will find time to enjoy your gardens, appreciate what they have given you this year, and perhaps leave a little corner untidied for the wildlife that shares them with us.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Best wishes,
Sherry