September in the Garden

September’s cool nights and bright days bring the best kind of growing conditions for greens, sturdy annuals, roses, and cruciferous veggies. At first glance, it looks like nothing new is happening in the garden. The autumn clematis has yet to burst into full bloom; the day lilies and campanula have faded.  The tree leaves are still green. On closer inspection, there are subtle changes pointing to a change of season.

green leaf lettuce
Lettuce loves cool weather.

Now is the time to sow those seeds that like the cool spring conditions: lettuce, spinach, baby kale, radish. Here in Northeast Ohio, we can only count on about 60 days before hard frost.

 

pink cone flower seeds eaten by finches
The goldfinches are still enjoying the coneflowers.

Purple coneflower (Echinacea) is fading, but the finches don’t seem to care. They’re enjoying the ripening thistle. Coneflowers’ sturdy stems keep the flower heads erect for the birds.

 

tradescantia blooms
Tradescantia is still blooming.

I am amazed by the prolific blooming of spider lily (tradescantia). It has gone non-stop this summer.

 

artemsia silver lace
Dusty Miller (Jacobaea maritima)

Dusty Miller is thriving, like many of the hardy annuals. This plant often survives the winter around here. In the spring, a hard pruning leads to full, bushy growth all summer.

 

sedum autumn joy
Sedum attracts bumble bees.

Sedum “Autumn Joy’ is opening its flowers and attracting scores of bumble bees. Unfortunately, I was able to photograph this diligent worker because it was dying.  I guess if it’s time, going on a big sedum cushion is as good a way as any.

 

liorope and elderberry black magic
Liriope and Elderberry ‘Black Lace.’

Liriope has bloomed with bright purple spikes that look great next to Elderberry “Black Lace.”

 

autumn blooming clematis
Autumn blooming clematis
clematis bloom
clematis close up

Sweet autumn clematis (Clematis paniculata, Clematis terniflora) is just beginning to bloom. We have this sturdy, prolific vine growing over the garden arch. Unfortunately, it self-sows all over the yard. I try to cut it back right after it finishes blooming, but it often snows here before I realize I should have done that!

Staying on top of things in the garden is often a challenge. Journals, calendars, and text alerts can help. How do you keep track of your garden chores?

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Author: A. JoAnn

Here is where I share the beauty I find in everyday life; and the humor, too!

9 thoughts

  1. Wow, you know your garden and gardening! Good on you. Have you certified your yard with the National Wildlife Federation as a Backyard Habitat? It’s easy to do and you look like you meet all the requirements (food, shelter, water) for bugs, birds and critters. I got mine certified way back and the NWF sign I purchased and post that I built are now home to lizards and what not. ^.^

  2. I want to sleep in more as the mornings get a bit darker, and that doesn’t help in getting things done either.

  3. Knowing when to cut the lavender hedge is my challenge. It looks awful by this time of year, but the bees are still using it for nectar.

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