Summer came to an abrupt halt this year! Adjusting is a little difficult but, hey, we could be in Edmonton and dealing with snow.
Thanksgiving is Monday, Oct. 8. First celebrated by English seaman, Martin Frobisher, in 1578, to give thanks for arriving safely on Baffin Island. Just for fun, remove annuals from planters and replace with a Thanksgiving display of ornamental corn, kale, cabbage, gourds and autumn asters.
The full moon for October falls on the 24th and is called the Hunter’s moon, named for the best month to hunt deer and fox. Other names are Travel moon and Dying grass moon.
Weeding and soil prep is being done weekly waiting for the big bulb plant coming soon.
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 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?
…gourds are not edible? For 10,000 years they have been used for decoration, musical instruments and utensils
…that there are at least 100 different types of cabbage throughout the world?
…cabbage has been cultivated for more than 6,000 years, originating in China around 4,000 BC?
…that a cup of cooked cabbage has 33 calories, is high in fibre, has no fat, and has a high concentration of Vitamin C?
Pick of the Month – Ornamental Kale (Brassica oleracea)
One of the toughest fall plants, tolerating frost and lasting well into winter, it brings colour and texture to the garden. It is non-edible but the same species as edible cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli.
Plant kale so that the lowest leaves are flush with the ground. Do not let the plants dry out.
AND …
Why do humming birds hum? They do not know the words!
Chemainus Communities in Bloom meets next on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. in Steeples activity room. Newcomers always welcome.
Visit our blog at www.wedigchemainus.ca and keep in touch through Facebook.