Can you believe fall will soon be upon us? Yes, it’s just around the bend. I’m actually looking forward to it—and that’s an understatement! Fall is the garden’s last hurrah, but it’s also the time to plan and plant for the next growing season. Successful flower farmers and gardeners always have a game plan.
Here at my farm, dahlias are ready to begin their show. The tall phlox have held their own, but they’ll soon fade. My daylilies are spent, and with a little tidying up, they’ll be ready for a winter’s rest. And as each annual grows tired, I’m clearing it away, composting it and making room for other plants. It seems as if summer hasn’t lasted long enough—and fall is coming all too quickly.
But there’s beauty to anticipate in a fall garden as it transforms to autumn hues. Hosta blooms have faded, but the foliage still adds lushness to the landscape. Sedum is coloring up with gorgeous heads. And black-eyed Susans are in their prime.
There’s truth in the adage “time waits for no one.” So don’t neglect planning for spring blooms. You need to decide now what you want to see blooming next season. Rows of new tulips? Clusters of new daffodils? If so, you’ve got to plant this fall—and that means placing an order soon to reserve the bulbs and perennials you want.
Go ahead, open your garden journal and start taking notes about what you need to purchase for fall planting. Browse K. van Bourgondien’s online collection and place an order. Your bulbs and perennials will be shipped to you at the appropriate time for fall planting in your garden zone. It’s a great way to ensure a spring worth waiting for!
You’ll certainly find me, clipboard in hand, strolling the farm and doing the same—noting all the space that needs filling, anticipating popular colors for next year’s wedding season, visualizing all the beauty of the 2022 growing season and placing my own order!
In my next blog post, I’ll introduce you to some of my favorite fall bulbs. But for now, enjoy the rest of what summer has to offer.
Happy Gardening!
Pamela Anthony
Beehind Thyme Farm & Garden