Autumn is only 25 days away. Where did the summer go? It was wonderful not to have the fire and smoke problems and a treat to have the occasional shower.
Have you ever wondered about the dog days of summer? Traditionally they start July 3 and last until Aug. 11 and are, according to ancient Egyptians, responsible for hot and humid weather. They are named for the dog star, Sirius, which shines brightly at this time of year and rises in the east with the sun.
The new Sunpatiens used around town have put on a good show. What will 2020 hold? Chemainus Communities in Bloom continues to weed and is starting to plan for next year.
Enjoy the Labour Day weekend and the fall solstice. And celebrate Sept. 8, Grandparents Day!
We Dig – Do It Now Tips
• rake up leaves, twigs and fallen fruit from apple trees and dispose in the garbage to control apple scab disease, and discourage bears and deer
• Continue to feed and water container plants to keep the blooms blooming. Stop fertilizing perennials
• Pick up large pots of ‘mums’ to replace summer colour
• Prune summer flowering heathers
• Prune climbing roses, wisteria and grapes
• Pull up tomato plants at the end of the month. Unripened fruit will ripen indoors
• Harvest potatoes when the tops die down
• Cut back dahlias, halfway, and water copiously for fall flowers
• Divide spring flowering perennials
• Pot up chives, parsley and other herbs to extend the growing season to the house
• Prune evergreens now or wait until April, minimize watering
• Bring house plants that have summered outdoors, inside
• Apply lime to lawns before grass gets sour and moss sets in
• Plant spring bulbs as soon as the summer flowers are over – refresh soil
• Plant pansies, forget-me-nots and wallflowers over bulbs to flower with them in the spring
Did You Know…
…that the birth flowers of the month are the Aster – symbol of love and the Morning Glory, symbol of undying love?
…September is Happy cat month?
…sunflower seeds are best dried while still in the plant?
…zucchini is a fruit? Actually, the ovary of the zucchini flower…
…grapes do not continue to ripen once picked?
Pick of the Month – Grapes
A sweet and versatile fruit often overlooked in home gardens. They can create a wonderful focal point and give shade as well as fruit. They are vigorous growers and with the proper pruning, produce fruit for 50 years. French American Hybrids are cold hardy and disease resistant. Plant one-year-old plants in early spring. Build a trellis or arbour for them to climb. Soak roots before planting for 3-4 hours. Likes a sunny spot and loose, well drained soil. Plant six feet apart in a hole 12” x 12”. Cover and tamp down six inches soil, leave the next six inches loose. Water well. Do not allow them to produce fruit for two years. Prune in March or April. Remove 90 per cent of the previous year’s growth.
AND … What did the carrot say to the wheat? Lettuce rest, I’m feeling beet!
The next meeting of Chemainus Communities in Bloom will be Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Steeples Activity room. Come and join us.
Visit our blog www.wedigchemainus.ca.