So October draws to an end with a full blue moon, a.k.a. Hunter’s moon, on Halloween! Miss it and you wait 18 years for this phenomena to happen again.
Daylight Saving rearranges the following day by falling back an hour and becoming standard. How will you spend that extra time?
Can you believe it – 2,600 daffodil bulbs are in the ground waiting for spring. Kudos to all who participated.
November is a good month to relax, reflect and remember on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month. Ceremonies will be different this year but we can each take time for a moment of silence to honor the men and women who have served and continue to serve Canada and we can wear a red poppy with pride.
We Dig – Do It Now Tips
• Clean, repair and sharpen all tools before hanging them up for winter
• Turn off your water to the outside taps and open taps to drain remaining water in the pipes
• Give roses a final dead heading and prune lightly
• Dig up gladiolas
• A good time to transplant shrubs, plant new trees and plant tulip bulbs using a bone meal fertilizer
• Running a mower over dried leaves to chop them up hastens their decomposition in compost piles or on the garden
• Cover flower and vegetable beds with leaves for frost protection and added mulch and nutrients
• Apply lime to next year’s vegetable garden excluding the potato patch and lime lawns to help prevent moss growth
• Mulch asparagus beds
• Tie up shrubs and vines against wind or wet snow damage
• Prune raspberry canes, cutting out the old and tying the new
• Continue planting spring bulbs
• Plant garlic and over wintering onions
• Plant paper white narcissus in pots for indoor Christmas flowers
Did You Know? …
… the flower of the month is the chrysanthemum meaning desolate heart?
… the most photogenic plants are ones that are chartreuse, pink or purple?
… the name pumpkin originated from ‘pepon’, Greek for large melon?
… silver and Norway maples are not recommended for landscape planting?
Pick of the month … Winter pansies
Pansies have come a long way, from alpine wild flower to a vibrant colour plant! They are members of the viola family. Pansies love cool weather. Plant in late September while the soil and compost are still warm and encourage strong growth. Well draining soil is essential. Planting in September will produce vigorous roots and bushy tops and because the plants are stronger they will produce flowers throughout the winter. The ‘Matrix’ series is rated among the best for fall planting.
AND … two for two moons …. who helps the little pumpkins cross the road safely? The crossing gourd! And why don’t mummies take time off? They are afraid to unwind!
Chemainus Communities in Bloom next meets Tuesday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m. in the Chemainus Legion. Newcomers welcome. Google us at wedigchemainus.ca for current news and past editions of We Dig.