Summer will soon be ending, and fall will soon be starting. The best way to deal with this reality, my garden friends, is to embrace it.
We still have plenty of time before the first frost arrives—time to harvest, plant and grow. And all our late-summer garden activities will help ensure healthy growth for next year.
The end of summer is bittersweet for most flower farmers. The growing season takes a lot out of us, mentally and physically. And this year has been especially challenging in some areas of the country. Many gardeners and flower farmers have endured—and may still be enduring—terrible drought or the loss of crops because of flooding. Severe weather events add extra stress to work that is already stressful enough. I sincerely hope you have not been affected.
For those of you who’ve escaped the harsh weather conditions, you’re probably starting to see and enjoy the crimson and yellow hues that signal the start of autumn. Fortunately, there are many perennials that bloom in late summer, including asters, coneflowers, mums, rudbeckia and sedum.
Over the years, I’ve relied on sedum to provide blooms for fall floral pieces. Sedum is hardy and multiplies annually. You can order different varieties, each differing in terms of bloom and foliage color. Sedum makes a beautiful statement in the garden, too. Plant sedum in rows for easy harvesting.
Of course, with the end of summer, it’s time to start preparing for early spring crops of blooming flowers. But first, take time to write up a short summary of the past year’s growing season. What crops succeeded? Which ones failed? Which flowers had the most prolific blooms? Which ones flopped? Which flowers and plants attracted the most customers? Which ones were least likely to be selected for floral bouquets? Having a summary of what worked and what didn’t will help you plan for next year.
Enough said! Put on your gardening gloves, get out in the garden, and embrace the color and chores that come with the change of season.
Happy Gardening!
Pamela Anthony
Beehind Thyme Farm & Garden