Summer is officially over, which, of course, means that winter is around the corner! It will be difficult to dig up those sunpatiens and get ready for bulb planting. What a show they have provided. A big thank you to all the adopt-a-bed members for their dedication in helping to keep the town a floral showcase.
Thanksgiving is Oct. 14, how will you give thanks? We are so fortunate to live in this country and in this climate! It’s a great time to plant a tree.
Vote Monday, Oct. 21, it is a privilege to live in a democracy. Every vote is important.
Do It Now Tips
• Dig and divide rhubarb
• Leave fallen leaves in flower beds as protection from winter cold
• Divide large clumps of perennials
• Plant new trees and shrubs
• Winterize your pond and stretch net over to catch falling leaves
• Aerate and top dress lawns, apply lime, sow seed until mid-October
• Clear beds of annuals and add compost by the end of the month
• Buy and plant spring-blooming bulbs and plant those winter pansies
• Divide clumps of herbs, and pot up young plants of chives, mint, oregano and parsley for indoor use
• Plant garlic, shallots and overwintering onions before Thanksgiving
• After first frost or at the end of the month dig up dahlias, gladiolas, tuberous begonias and fuschias and store in a frost free place
• Wet muddy soil must be corrected before winter. Use sand and peat moss.
• Winterize irrigation systems
• Wait until December to prune trees
Did You Know…
…the flower of the month is the Calendulla, or pot marigold, depicting cruelty, grief and jealousy?
…there are two types of sunflower seeds, black to make oil and striped to eat?
…according to Guinness in 2012 the tallest sunflower recorded was 27 feet?
…potted chrysanthemums from the florist are not bred to be hardy and should be treated as holiday décor?
…the cranberry is a relative to the blueberry and a native plant full of anti-oxidants?
Pick of the Month – Sunflowers. Helianthus annuus
There is nothing like a sunflower to brighten one’s spirit! The flower head is made up of hundreds of tiny flowers called florets. To grow well they need full sun and fertile, well drained, mulched soil. Plant directly in the garden from mid-April to mid-May, half inch deep and two feet apart. Sunflowers are traditionally yellow but varieties include shades of copper, red, orange and bi-coloured. They are heliotropism plants as the flowers face east in the morning and track the sun during the day to face west in the evening.
AND …What do you call the first of November? Octover!
Chemainus Communities in Bloom meets next on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. in Steeples activity room. Newcomers always welcome.
Visit our blog at www.wedigchemainus.ca and keep in touch through Facebook.