Michigan: Fall Gardens

Fall is in full swing and quickly moving toward winter. I thought now would be a good time to get out and view some local gardens and show everyone some ways of keeping the garden interesting even during these days of dormancy. So, over the next few weeks, I will be posting pictures with descriptions and explanations of the various ideas behind the use of the feature shown. Hopefully, you will get some ideas on how to make your landscape and gardens shine in the coming months.

Among the ideas I will try to touch on, is the use of structural plants like the variegated grass to the right. Even through winter, this grass can add interest. When other plants have died back and withered away, strong ornamental grasses can hold their shape and give the garden some height. In addition, the swaying and swishing of the grass as the wind blows through it can be mesmerizing and calming in the middle of a bleak winter. Look at the way the light filters through the blades. Beautiful.

Hint: Sometimes large grasses can become unruly. If needed, you can always use tan twine to help keep the grasses from collapsing under the weight of excessive snow/rain or wildly whipping winds.

October: Planting Winter and Spring Blooming Bulbs

It's October.

The kids are back in school: first and fifth grade. The air is turning crisp. Hard to believe. It seems like I just laid down new mulch and prepping the gardens for the Spring. Now, its nearly time to start shutting them down.

But wait.

Not yet.

Let's start thinking about the Spring again.

If your landscape is like most I've seen, your gardens probably lack color in late winter and early Spring. The easiest but least utilized remedy: bulbs.

Now is the time to plant Winter and Spring blooming bulbs. Among the most popular are Narcissus, also known as Daffodil, Crocus, dwarf Iris, and Snowdrops.

For the most dramatic effect, plant bulbs in sweeping groups rather than scattered singly throughout the landscape. Plant bulbs among later blooming perennials. As these perennials begin to grow, they will help hide the bulbs' fading foliage.

By the way, don't be afraid to plant in wooded areas. Remember, those shade trees will be barren during Winter and Spring when these plants start coming up, so much more light will reach the woodland floor.

It's important to know how to properly plant these bulbs. So, I'll give you a few tips to get you started.
Generally, bulbs should be planted at a depth of three times their length. So, if you have a Daffadil one inch in length, plant it three inches deep. Too shallow, and it's likely to be pushed up by frost heavy, especially in northern regions that have harsh winters. Too deep, and you'll never see it bloom. But don't be overly nervous. This isn't difficult.

Like most plants, bulbs thrive in humus rich soil. Add a little compost or well composted manure to the soil as you fill the holes back in. Bulbs will spread and naturalize, especially in well-amended soil and woodland areas.