Five Reasons Fall is a Great Planting Season

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Fall is a great time to…

When fall rolls round most gardeners begin to wind down their gardening activities to start getting their landscape ready for winter. Time is spent mulching, raking leaves, and cleaning tools before setting them aside til spring. 

What is often overlooked is that fall is a great time to plant trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs! Here’s why.

Moderate Temperatures

Warm temperatures coupled with cool nights are the perfect conditions for both gardeners to work without the searing summer sun and for new plants to begin to establish themselves. Planting in fall will yield wonderful surprises in spring. 

Fewer Plant Pests

Pests like aphids, caterpillars, and beetles are nowhere to be found creating a healthier environment in which plants encounter fewer bug assaults. 

Roots Take Hold

Planting trees and shrubs in fall gives them a  month or so of growing time before turning dormant for the winter. But you might not be able to see that growth because its not the usual above ground growth. Roots can grow in soil as cool as 45 degrees so fall provides root systems to expand. Plant a tree in your yard in fall and they will be well-established by the time summer comes around.

More Spring Perennials

Divide your perennials in fall and make a  new garden bed. Perennials sometimes have a way of spreading out beyond the borders we’ve created for them. Dividing in fall will give you more time in spring to do other tasks. Cover with mulch to insulate your bulbs.

And, don’t forget to plant new bulbs that will brighten up early spring with color and beauty.Tulips, daffodils, and crocus should be planted before the ground freezes.

Competition-Free Seed Starting

While the soil is still warm and the ground has adequate water plant grass seeds. They will germinate quickly and have no competition from weeds.

Rhodies & Azaleas

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The Enduring Popularity of Rhododendrons and Azaleas

There are many good reasons rhododendrons and azaleas have remained two of the most popular home ornamental landscaping plants: 

  • They are varieties that are native to the Hudson Valley.
  • They have beautiful flowers that come in many color choices.
  • They are an easy to care for perennial that can outlive us!
  • They come in both evergreen and deciduous varieties.

And, here’s something most people may not know – All azaleas are rhododendrons but not all rhododendrons are azaleas. These two plants are closely related to each other. Rhododendron varieties are usually larger in height, leaf size, and flower size while azaleas are more petite. In addition, most azaleas are deciduous while most rhododendrons are evergreen. 

No matter which you choose, their flowers are fulsome in spring and their leaves provide interest once the blooms are gone.

Their growing preferences are few. They both do well in partial shade in a spot that shields them from the wind, and they prefer acidic soil. Mulching is recommended. Deadheading helps redirect the plant’s energy into next year’s blooms instead of seed production.You can’t go wrong when choosing azaleas and rhododendrons. They will make a striking addition to any landscape whether planted by themselves, in a grouping, or formed into a hedge.

Gardening to Stop Mosquitoes

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Nothing ruins a relaxing day in the backyard more than the buzzing and biting of mosquitoes. Worldwide, there are over 3,500 types of mosquitoes, 200 of which live in the United States. The most common way to keep mosquitoes at bay is to use chemicals either in your yard or on you and your clothing. You can also move to Iceland or Antarctica where mosquitoes aren’t able to breed.

But, if you have a green thumb, there are plants that repel mosquitoes and will let you reclaim your outdoor summer happy place.

Mosquito Repellent Plants

Mosquitoes are fussy about odors. Growing mosquito repellent plants is a clever way to make your yard uninviting while adding wonderful scents to your patio area and even delicious flavors to your cooking. Here are some plants that will add natural beauty to your yard while keeping those pesky mosquitoes away. And, you might even attract some butterflies and hummingbirds!

Lavender

Lavender is a perennial plant that has a wonderfully relaxing scent. It comes in multiple varieties and blooms from summer through fall. And, once the flowers are past their prime you can bring them indoors and create a potpourri.

Marigolds
These easy-to-grow annuals make a great border plant and also do well in pots that you can place around your patio and near your door to keep mosquitoes away. They are also a good companion plant to some vegetables including tomatoes. 

Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a fast growing plant that can reach 30 feet. Used in floral arrangements, it has a menthol aroma that repels mosquitoes. If you don’t want a 30 foot plant in a small space, just keep pruning it and bring it indoors where you can hang it in your shower for an invigorating experience.

Catnip
Your cat will love you for planting these hardy perennials. Their leaves contain a chemical called nepetalactone which is supposed to be more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes. They have a lovely purple flower and are notorious spreaders. When there spread becomes too much, just transplant some to a new area for added mosquito protection.

Lemongrass
Lemongrass is one of the most commonly used ingredients in natural mosquito repellents. These plants do not withstand a frost, but if you plant them in large containers, they can be brought indoors. 

Bee Balm
Bee balm is a perennial that will not only repel mosquitoes but bring bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies to your outdoor environment. It comes in red, purple, pink, or white and grows up to four feet tall. Some people make tea from the leaves.

Rosemary
Rosemary is a delicious herb with a woody scent. They are considered a tender perennial as they do not always survive winter. Plant them in containers and bring them inside for winter so you can continue making tasty meals with its leaves. If you live in a warmer climate, these plants will grow into bushes that can be pruned into shapes of all kinds.

Basil
Add to your cooking herbs by planting basil. Its pungent smell will turn mosquitoes away. You can plant these annuals directly in the ground or in containers. The more you clip their tops, the bushier the plant will grow. It is best to harvest all the leaves before the first frost as they will not survive.

American Beautyberry
American beautyberry is a larger shrub that can grow up to six feet high and wide. It has delicate, tiny berries that straddle the stalk. One nice thing about this plant is that the berries are present through the winter so it adds color to your yard when all the other plants go bare. But beware, deer love to eat these plants.

Sage
Another herb, sage is a perennial that has beautiful silvery green leaves. Left outdoors to winter over, it will come back more shrublike the following year. 

 

Calling All Lilac Lovers

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Is there anyone out there who doesn’t love lilacs? With beautiful blooms and amazing fragrance, lilacs are a perennial favorite. 

Fall is the perfect time to plant lilacs, so if your landscape is lacking this hardy and fragrant spring favorite we’ll tell you all you need to know to plant and care for your lilacs.

About Lilacs

Lilacs come in a wide range of varieties – trees and bushes, dwarf and standard sizes. Their flowers can be white, violet, blue, lilac, pink, magenta, or purple and they can bloom, giving off their incredible fragrance from April through June. 

Lilacs can take one to two years after planting to begin blooming, but once established they live for a long time. In your landscape, you can plant lilacs as hedges, foundation plants, in large borders, in groups, or as a stand alone.

One interesting and positive fact about lilacs is that they provide a great habitat for small birds and pollinators.

Planting

The best time to plant lilacs is in the fall after the leaves have dropped, but before the ground freezes. By planting in fall their roots get a head start growing before leaves start sprouting in spring.

Lilacs like areas with lots of afternoon sun and well drained soil. Planting them in a slightly elevated area is recommended as water will drain away provided the perfect amount of natural watering. 

Dig a hole large enough to place the roots in without bending them. Add a bit of peat moss, a great material for holding nutrients the lilacs can absorb over time. After planting, water well and add a layer of mulch to prevent weeks and maintain moisture.

If planting more than one lilac in the same area, space them at least five feet apart to prevent crowding, as they will bush out.

Caring for Your Lilacs

For those who are not experienced gardeners or those short of gardening time, lilacs are wonderful because they need minimum care. Fertilizing with a bit of bone meal in early spring can give blooms a boost if your soil lacks nitrogen. Otherwise all they need is a pruning after the blooms are spent. Simple cut back the tops of overgrown stems with clippers. If the bush has become dense, trimming some of the inner branches will improve air circulation.

Propagating Lilac Bushes 

Want more lilacs? Lilacs produce shoots from the base of its trunk. These shoots can be used for propagating more lilac bushes. Just dig down to expose some of the roots from the main clump and cut the shoot away from the main plant, including the roots. Then plant the shoot in a new suitable location and water it regularly until it takes hold.

The Magic of Mulch

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Many homeowners put mulch around their vegetable and flower beds as well as around the base of trees with regularity, but many do it solely because it looks nice. Turns out, mulch is very important for the health of your landscaping. It helps retain the moisture in your soil, controls weed growth, prevents your soil from eroding in a heavy rain, and protects plant roots from extreme hot and cold temperatures.

 

Mulch is simply a layer of material used to cover exposed soil and many materials can be used for this purpose including wood chips, bark, leaves, straw, and grass clippings.

No matter which mulch you choose, you’ll reap some of these important benefits:

  • Keeps soil moist and reduces evaporation so you won’t have to water as much
  • Prevents soil from compacting, reducing your aeration needs. 
  • Keeps soil temperatures stable. This prevents your solid from repeatedly freezing and thawing in winter which pushes plants out of the ground and damages roots.
  • Lessens weed growth so trees, shrubs, and flowers don’t have to compete with unwanted plants for nutrients.
  • Adds visual appeal by giving your yard texture and a pop of color. 
  • Protects trees and shrubs from mowing damage, so roots and bark stay healthy and intact. 
  • Reduces soil erosion caused by wind and rain, keeping the soil surface permeable and protecting your soil from harmful runoff. 

Here’s the best way to spread mulch:

  1. Remove debris: Clear the bed of twigs, sticks, and rocks from where you plan to apply mulch. 
  2. Weed the area: This prevents weeds from becoming embedded in your mulch as they grow.
  3. Spread the mulch at a desired thickness of 1-3 inches. Mulch that is spread too deep can damage your plants and soil. And, mulch should not make contact with the trunk of your trees or shrubs. Keep back about 2 inches. Mulch spread right up against a tree trunk creates the perfect pathway for pests and can also promote rot.
  4. Water the area to set your mulch in place.

Tiered Walls and Garden BedsTiered Walls and Garden Beds with mulch

Getting to the Root of your Plantings

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Because roots are the unseen parts of our plantings, they’re often overlooked by gardeners. But roots play a critical role in the life and well-being of your landscaping.

  • They anchor the plant so its stem, leaves, and flowers are properly supported.
  • They absorb water and nutrients from the ground and send them upward.
  • They store carbohydrates and other nutrients that will be needed as a source of energy in spring for shrubs, trees, perennials, and biennials to begin a new season of growth.

Types of Roots

Root systems can be sorted into two types: Tap-root systems and Fibrous-root systems

Tap-root systems have one main root with smaller roots branching off. They are deep roots and usually associated with young woody plants, nonwoody perennials, and root vegetables such as carrots and beets. Once these roots are established, they need more water, but less frequency. Plants with tap roots are also more difficult to transplant as the main tap root runs deep into the soil. For propagating, try using a cutting or the plants seeds instead of dividing.

Fibrous root systems of grasses, annuals, and some perennials look like a dense mat that reside in the first few inches of soil. Once established, these types of plants require less water but more frequent watering. Plants with fibrous roots can be divided as they are easily dug up with a small section of its roots, leaving the rest of the roots intact.  

Tips for Keeping Your Roots Happy

  • Using mulch helps to regulate the temperature of your soil, keeping roots cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Mulch also conserves moisture, helping more of your watering get to roots instead of evaporating.
  • Breaking up your soil when planting makes it easier for roots to penetrate and grow, speeding establishment. This is why when planting a tree the hole should be dug two to three times as wide as the root ball. 
  • Roots need oxygen for their health. Oxygen is acquired from air pockets in the soil. Having a well-drained area around your plantings allows air to remain in these pockets. Soil that’s too wet compresses the soil, eliminating these air pockets.
  • Plants need extra care and attention when they are first establishing their root systems. Flowers and vegetables take about two to four weeks to establish. Shrubs take about one year, and trees can take about two years. 

Remember the saying, If Momma is happy, everyone is happy? Well the same goes for roots, If the roots are happy, the plant will be happy.

 

Your Garden and Yard is Good for Your Health

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The lengthy COVID-19 pandemic has created a lot of upset and anxiety in people’s lives. Social distancing, isolation, disruptions in work and schooling, and financial issues are wearing on us all. Did you know that there’s a well-documented treatment that can be had by simply walking out your door?

It’s not a new concept that time spent outdoors helps people manage stress and anxiety. The boost of Vitamin D from the sun helps our bodies function more efficiently and the increase in serotonin levels from being with nature promotes calm and reduces stress. This makes landscaping and gardening Mother Nature’s best defense against stress.

Healthy Body

In addition, doing yardwork and gardening is a full-body workout. It helps strengthen arms and legs, keeps your joints supple, and improves heart health. The added bonus is that it will spark your creativity as you think about colors and textures and layouts.

Healthy Mind

Whether raking leaves, weeding flowerbeds, or tending to vegetables, gardening is an effective way to practice mindfulness. Engaging fully in the task at hand, noticing the color combinations and the smell of the earth is good for your well-being.

Getting Started or Expanding

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or want to start to experiment, the beauty of gardening is that you can start small or go big. Beautiful landscaping not only protects your yard against erosion and other detriments, but protects your yard as a valuable asset. Start at a level you can handle and add on in increments.

Professionals Provide the Best Advice

To get the most out of your landscaping projects, work with a professional like us. We’re all in this together. Don’t think of us as an added expense at a time when finances could be tight. Think of us as a valuable resource that can help you best manage the budget you have and provide information and the healthy plantings to make your efforts and investment a success. Whether you’re looking to plant a big shade tree, add some shrubs, or put a border bed around your patio, we can point you to the best plantings for your yard.

Augustine Nursery is a family-owned and run business. We stand ready to help as little or as much as you need and want. And, we’ve instituted practices that protect your family during this pandemic.

So don’t hesitate to get out there to reap all the benefits of improving the beauty and function of your landscape.

We’re closely following all current OSHA & CDC protocols to help keep our workers and clients safe and healthy. So let’s all get out there, get back to the earth space of your own yard, and reap all the benefits of working out in nature.

 

Edible Landscaping

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When you look up and down your street what you mostly see are manicured lawns sprinkled with a shade tree and a few flower beds. As homeowners, we take this sight for granted – is there any other kind of landscaping?

Using food plants as part of a decorative landscape is not new. Medieval monasteries planted a wonderful mix of vegetables, flowers, fruits and medicinal herbs and English yards often combined edible and decorative plants together.

Edible landscaping can involve planting anything from full-size fruit trees to ornamental lettuces and can range from small window boxes filled with herbs to whole fields as orchards and everything in between. There are so many ways to incorporate food plants into your landscape. And, edible plants live nicely side-by-side with ornamental plants.

It all comes down to choosing the right edibles for your space and desires.

Fruit

Many people already have a fruit tree or two in their yard. That’s not so unusual.  But consider a strawberry patch planted in a sunny spot. It can produce delicious berries for years to come. Blueberry bushes, currants, gooseberries or bush cherries are wonderful alternatives to the regular variety of ornamental shrubs.

Herbs

Herbs are the most common type of edible garden. Annual and perennial herbs like parsley, basil, cilantro, oregano, sage, thyme, and lavender, among many other choices add not only a wonderful array of tastes to your meals, but are beautiful flowering plants, as well. They are easy to grow as they do well in poor soil with little water and thrive in both in-ground gardens and patio pots. Another benefit is that most animals will not eat them.

Flowers

Eating our flowers does not seem natural, but there are so many varieties that add such beauty to your yard as well as to your salad. Try growing nasturtiums, violas, pansies, borage, and calendula.

Perennial Vegetables

A few vegetables, such as rhubarb, asparagus, and Jerusalem artichoke keep coming back year after year, saving you the need to replant. Asparagus, for one, likes to spread, so you can provide all your neighbors with plants for them to enjoy.

Vining Vegetables

Delicious vegetables like scarlet runner beans, peas, squash, and cucumber are wonderful to grow on a trellis, if you aren’t into garden beds. And, they are as wonderful to look at as they are to harvest and eat.

When you garden with edibles, every hour you spend on yardwork becomes ever more valuable as you harvest and incorporate these edibles into your meals. There’s nothing like running outside to pick a few herbs or vegetables right off the vine to add to dinner.