This season has been the fastest summer of my life! Kent and I welcomed our fourth grandchild, Weston William, on July 22. Living nearby, this grandson has been the highlight of my summer, but taken up much of the time I usually spend in my gardens.
It’s amazing me how quickly weeds can sprout and grow while I take a little bit of time to rock my new grandson and play with his older brother, Wyatt. I have tried to keep up, regularly inspecting my home landscape with a yard waste bag in hand.
I’ll get you, my pretty!!!! But wait! The little boys need their grandma!
Before summer is over, take photos of the areas in your yard that please you. In your gardening journal, add a few notes as to how it could look even better next year. It’s time to remove any annuals that have outlived their days of glory. Leave the spaces bare, but cover with mulch, or replace with flowering cabbage, mums or pansies. Be sure to water deeply. Watch for any weeds that may be lurking and pull them out! Every weed removed now will mean many less to deal with next spring!
If your houseplants spent the summer outdoors, gradually move them indoors. They need to gradually get used to the conditions in our homes – darker, drier and warmer. First, move them to the porch or the shady side of your home then move them indoors before it’s time to turn on the heat. Expect some leaf drop and water frugally. They will be growing more slowly during the winter months and will not need as much water. Skip the fertilizer until spring.
Fall is a great time to join a garden club! The Naperville Garden Club meets September through June at the White Eagle Golf Club. Please join us, regardless of your gardening skills. We’re all learning together and welcome guests at our meetings.
See the details on the PN calendar or visit our website at napervillegardenclub.org.
