Gardeners: is it time for Fall Clean-up?
by Zelpha A. Boyd
I was asked this question recently, “When should I cut back my peonies?” I answered quickly, “Not until next spring!”
As long as plants are green and growing – even a little – they provide food for the roots and next year’s blooming season. So best to leave all that foliage in place.
When fall comes I am relieved that the growing/working season is over. I’m perfectly content to let the snow come and cover all that debris. Then it’s inside to do housecleaning, sewing, knitting, etc. (All those things neglected during the summer!)
There are good reasons to leave the clean-up until spring. Those leaves, and plant stalks lying on the ground help to keep the ground covered. This protects the soil from drying out, and holds more snow in place. Our climate – especially winter – can be dry and windy, which is hard on plant life.
So, what can you do this fall? Dig or pull weeds, cut off dead blossoms, clean and store tools. It’s also a good idea to soak the ground thoroughly so it goes into winter with plenty of moisture. I like to make a list of things I will do differently next year. Which plants should be moved or divided? What plants did the best this year? What should be eliminated?
At the Children’s Memorial Garden there are Iris that need to be divided. It’s almost too late for me to do this, August being the best time. They need to be thinned out, removing old rhizomes, and replanting the stronger ones. Iris, as with other plants, need to have time to get their roots anchored before winter freezes and thaws happen.
Most of all we need to make the best of what fall we have left. Take time to enjoy our gardens. Smell the roses, and bring cut flowers indoors. Happy Fall! •