As September arrives, I’m filled with renewed energy, and anticipation of new beginnings. Just as families are energized by the start of a new school year, the gardener in me looks forward to modifying the outdoor spaces with new plants, or moving old ones. As the temperatures begin to cool, we and our plants will have a much easier time in the garden.
And then we have DEER. Yes, they are voracious, and every year they seem to become less concerned about humans. One neighbor reported them up on the porch helping themselves to tomatoes. They no longer budge when I walk by with my large dog on a leash. Many of us use Deer Sprays to protect our plants. Recently, I have heard of 2 products you may want to add to your arsenal.
REPELLEX – a Systemic Granular Product
Active Ingredient – Capsaicin – this is derived from chilli peppers
Sprinkle some in the hole before setting the new plant. Supposedly, the substance is absorbed through the vascular system of the plant to make it taste bad. One of my landscape contractors won’t do an installation without it.
DEER SCRAM – a Dry Granular Product
Active Ingredients – Bone Meal, Garlic, Red Pepper, Cloves
Broadcast throughout the foliage. Even after a gentle rain, it may still be effective as a deterrent since the product may now be on the surface of the soil with a strong scent. One client prefers this to using the sprays, because it is not clogging the pores of the foliage. The negative part is the need to reapply after a heavy rain. Her garden was beautiful with many plants that are normally devoured by the deer, and her property backs up to the Gunpowder Falls.
Unfortunately, as we look around, we see evidence of the harsh summer we’ve endured. Lawns are brown, foliage may look dry and shriveled, and sometimes it has gone dormant prematurely. All are measures taken by the plant to survive the heat with relatively low rainfall. As these hot and dry conditions persist, please continue to water as regularly as you can. The shallow rooted evergreens may not have drooping leaves, but I can assure you they are feeling the stress just as much as your Hydrangeas.
PLANTING & TRANSPLANTING
The fall is a perfect time to install new plants as the temperatures begin to cool off. Though most should be planted before November, there are quite a few deciduous trees and shrubs that can be planted even in November or December.
Now is the perfect time to divide and transplant your Herbaceous Peonies and Itoh Peonies.
If TRANSPLANTING, I recommend taking the following steps…
Hold off until at least mid-September so things will cool off a bit.
Water the plant really well for at least 1 week prior to moving.
Create the largest rootball you can manage. Have burlap and hemp on hand in case you need it to hold the soil tight to the roots.
Pour water in the new hole; let it drain.
Sprinkle hole with a combination of Bio-Tone (for root growth) and Soil Moist. You only need a very small amount of the Soil Moist. It’s my insurance in case I neglect to water for a short period of time.
Plant at the same depth.
Water thoroughly to remove any air pockets.
REMOVE DAMAGED FOLIAGE
Many summer stressed perennials will perk up during these fall months. If you remove the old foliage, the new foliage will look like a brand new plant. If your herbaceous Peonies have succumbed to powdery mildew, do cut them back at the base. Other perennials with powdery mildew should be cut back to 3” ht as well. When sprucing things up for the fall, keep in mind the effect you want during the winter months. The black seed heads of Rudbeckia are quite striking against the snow, and the foliage of ornamental grasses is graceful blowing in the wind. Dormant foliage will also provide another layer of insulation against the cold, and a habitat for wildlife. It is your personal taste that matters the most.
PRUNING
September is also a good time for pruning trees and shrubs that bloom on new wood. The new growth encouraged by pruning will have sufficient time to harden off before the winter cold settles in our area. Plants that bloom in the spring on the previous season’s growth should be left alone until after blooming in the spring. Most notably, this group includes Azalea, Rhododendron, Lilac, Viburnum, and most of the spring flowering trees. If you are unsure, please send me an email, and I’ll be happy to advise which group applies.
