Extending the Gardening Season

Activities for late-autumn and winter gardeners in the Northwest

I was late having java with a booster who is n’t a gardener , and he remarked how I must have heaps of free metre now that declination is almost over . With winter close at hand , he surmised , I credibly had nothing left to do in the garden . I had a respectable chuckle and then proceeded to explain how there is still plenty to do in the garden now : late fall and early winter job , last - moment light bulb planting , preparing for the new horticulture year , or only visiting other garden to enjoy their autumnal beauty or to get stirring . Here are a few gardening undertaking that will carry you over into the new year .

Putting the garden to bed

I typically treat the spill and winter as a continuation of the gardening season ; I am not one to turn off back my garden completely in the fall . There are many reasons not to do this . Wildlife , especially birdie , love the additional protection that croak perennials offer . Birds will also have an chance to graze on the seeds and diminished insects that are still on those plant . The pop off perennial also provide some ocular structure in the wintertime . I really enjoy allow the faded stalk of foxtail grass lily ( Eremurusspp . and cvs . , Zones 5–8 ) and alliums ( Alliumspp . and cvs . , Zones 4–10 ) decorate my garden . The tall , sturdy stem of Jerusalem sage ( Phlomisspp . and cvs . , zona 3–11 ) , Culver ’s origin ( Veronicastrumspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–8 ) , and aster ( Symphiotricumspp . and cvs . , Zones 4–8 ) are especially beautiful in the wintertime garden , whether they are enveloped with frost , snow , or ice .

I do wish to selectively edit out and prune back my perennials when they originate to look spoilt for wear or when their fabric become spread out around the garden . cosmetic gingers , Hosta ( Hostaspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–9 ) , dahlias ( Dahliaspp . and cvs . , Zones 7–11 ) , and other soft perennials can have their foliage polish off before it turns into slop . Lastly , if you have hellebores , ( Helleborusspp . and cvs . , Zones 4–8 ) , tardy autumn is a good clip to clip back last season ’s leave-taking to expose new winter - bloom flower stalks . Make certain to cautiously clip only the leaves and not the newly emerging flower . You ’ll be able-bodied to see the bloom better and potentially remove a slug or escargot ’s concealment spot !

Winter pruning

There ’s nothing like being prepared for pruning season . Make certain you have all your pruning supplies ready at hand when the time comes . In former autumn I care to go over my supplies : replacement blades , sharpening file , blade cleaner ( rubbing alcohol or bleach assortment in handy spray bottles — but be careful not to coalesce the two ! ) , and oil to make all tools with transportable parts ferment smoothly . I gather all these supplies to cleanse them and prepare them for when the time comes in winter to work on pruning projects .

Planting bulbs

Late autumn is also a great meter to engraft those late - ordered bulbs or unwritten garden - center purchases . Why not seek a bulb you ’ve never implant in your garden ? you could also plant an assortment of smaller medulla in lowly flock to decorate your entrance , terrace , or balcony . betimes - blooming daffodils ( Narcissusspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–9 ) clear up the myopic twenty-four hour period of wintertime and make for a decent delicacy . Masses of miniature reticulated iris diaphragm ( Iris reticulatacvs . , zone 5–8 ) in pots would also make a wonderful and well-situated holiday gift to create and share . One of my favorites is ‘ Katharine Hodgkin ’ reticulata iris ( Iris reticulata‘Katharine Hodgkin ’ , Zones 5–9 ) with its gorgeous pale dismal flower petal .

Visiting a public garden

When all the above - mentioned chores are double-dyed and I need to cogitate about design for a novel garden blank space and to look for some breathing in , I wish to visit my local public garden , parks , and garden heart and soul . If I ’m looking for beautiful winter - blooming shrubs and Tree , or deliciously scented plant , theWashington Park Arboretumin Seattle is an excellent choice . In special , itsJoseph A. Witt Winter Gardenis an exceptionally big place to pass a cold fall or winter day . Not only is there an abundance of beautiful autumn foliage , but you may also see some spectacular specimens of trees and shrubs that may work in your own garden .

They have a great collection of enchantress Pomaderris apetala ( Hamamelisspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–9 ) of every color to behold . Beautiful bush with colorful berries from beautyberry ( Callicarpaspp . and cvs . , Zones 5–9 ) to holly ( Ilexspp . and cvs . , Zones 5–9 ) do to brighten the short winter days . Heavenly scented odoriferous box ( Sarcococcaspp . and cvs . , Zones 6–9 ) , viburnum ( Viburnumspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–9 ) , and other scented plant life wake the senses . It is well deserving a few invigorate walk - throughs during the autumn and wintertime seasons .

Hopefully you do n’t feel overwhelmed with all your garden to - Doctor of Osteopathy this winter time of year . At least there are a few play and prosperous chore that will prepare you for the next gardening yr . Gardening never block , even in winter !

— Jason Jorgensen is a landscape painting designer in Seattle .

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late autumn in the garden

Late autumn in the garden is a beautiful time.Photo: Mary Ann Newcomer

alliums

The faded stalks and seed heads of alliums, like those of this tumbleweed onion (Allium schubertii, Zones 5–9), provide structure and interest in a winter garden.Photo: Michelle Gervais

Hellebores