September in the Garden
Greetings from Birch Meadow,
We are grateful that the dog days of summer are behind us. In September, plants, too, heave a sigh of relief from summer’s intense heat and sun. Many of our plants are now visibly showing signs of wear and tear, letting us know that they need a little extra tending right now. They would love our help transitioning to cooler temperatures. Your garden may also be in the throes of its last hurrah, producing ripe edibles or pretty petals, but perhaps secretly eager to downshift and be put to bed in the upcoming months.
As always, please let us know if you need help tending and transitioning your gardens. We are here for you!
THINGS TO DO IN YOUR GARDEN IN SEPTEMBER
• Here is a link for things that should have been done in August, just in case you are still catching up!
• Click here for Central NC Planting Calendar for Annual Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs.
• Do NOT fertilize shrubs in August, September, October, or November.
• Do NOT prune shrubs in September or October.
• Make last-minute bulb orders to see if they are still available.
• It’s time to shop early to find the nicest shrubs. When planting containerized plants, free/cut the plant’s root ball.
• Put out new chrysanthemum plants towards the end of this month.
• Plant pansies once weather cools a bit to add color to your yard in the autumn, winter, and spring months.
• Ground covers will become well established if planted now.
• Transplant any evergreen trees or shrubs that need moving towards the end of this month.
• Direct sow the seeds for lettuce, greens, onions, peas, and broccoli once weather cools.
• Remove “weed” or unnecessary trees from your landscape.
• Keep a close eye on all fall vegetable plants. Insects and diseases are more severe in the autumn.
• Divide peonies.
• Deadhead spent blossoms but not all of them!
• Prepare houseplants to reenter your home – check them carefully for insect pests.
• Add special accents to your garden – sculptures, colorful trellises, antique decorative metalwork.
LAST CALL FOR BULB ORDERS FOR FALL PLANTING!
As we mentioned in April, bulb orders should’ve been placed before May 1 to ensure availability. If you would like for us to order your bulbs, please let us know. Bulbs will be delivered in late November.
If you prefer to order on your own and save the 50% Birch Meadow markup fee, you can order directly from Johnscheepers.com or Vanengelen.com. Unfortunately, we must charge for handling.
LEAVE YOUR LEAVES!
The Master Gardener Volunteers of Chatham County are helping to promote New Hope Audubon Society's Leave Your Leaves campaign. Fallen leaves are a vital part of forest ecosystems, providing organic matter to the soil and serving as food and habitat for many native insects and wildlife.
If you want to show support for the campaign in your community, you can pick up Leave Your Leaves signage and brochures at the Chatham County Center. While supplies last, sign-up here by September 30th and we'll reserve a sign for you at no cost.
For more on the benefits of leaving your leaves, see this article from last year written by Chatham MGV Betsy Kraus.
FALL VEGETABLE GARDENING IN CONTAINERS
Many vegetables are well-adapted to planting in late summer for a fall harvest. Containers enable those lacking sufficient space or appropriate site conditions to grow fresh, nutritious vegetables. Containers also allow ready access for more frequent harvests and easier pest management.
Join Chatham County Horticulture Extension Agent Matt Jones for a free webinar on growing fall vegetables in containers. Learn the principles of container gardening in any season, including choosing appropriate containers, growing media, light and water requirements, and nutrient management. We’ll also discuss the cultural practices, pest management and cultivar selection for common fall vegetable crops, including beets, bok choy, carrots, green onions, kale, radishes, and lettuce and other leafy greens.
When: Thursday, September 15th, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Where: Online (Zoom) – Live and recorded for registrants Registration: Free
REGISTER NOW FOR A FALL POLLINATOR GARDEN TOUR!
Fall tours of North Carolina Cooperative Extension’s Pollinator Paradise Demonstration Garden in Pittsboro start in September!
The garden features over 225 species of perennials, trees, shrubs, vines, and grasses, and 85% of them are native to North Carolina. This is a great opportunity to visit the popular gathering spot for honey bees, native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial insects in addition to their human admirers! The tours are led by Chatham County Agriculture Agent Debbie Roos.
There is no charge for the tour but registration is required to limit group size.
Visit the Pollinator Garden Tour web page for a listing of tour dates and times and links to register.
PAPERHAND PUPPET INTERVENTION PRESENTS “THE MEANWHILE CLOCK” - A TRULY INSPIRING SHOW!
Come out under the stars and share an enchanted evening of wonder, community, and the restorative power of art. The Triangle’s own award-winning puppet troupe, Paperhand Puppet Intervention, returns to The Forest Theater in Chapel Hill and the Joseph M. Bryan, Jr., Theater at the NC Museum of Art in Raleigh with an offering of joy and magic that invokes transformation in this rare moment of truth for humankind.
“The Meanwhile Clock” is a sensory feast that dives into the paradoxical nature of time. Paper, cloth, and cardboard transform into creatures and characters of all shapes and sizes then come alive in a parade of primordial pageantry!
About Paperhand Puppet Intervention
Paperhand uses giant puppets, masks, stilts, painted flats, shadows, and live music to create productions and interventions for people and events of all kinds. If you haven’t seen them yet, don’t miss this one. And if you’re a fan, tell your friends.
CLICK HERE FOR 2022 SUMMER SHOW SCHEDULE
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS AT FOREST THEATER IN CHAPEL HILL
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS AT NC MUSEUM OF ART IN RALEIGH
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If you would like help tending your established garden or installing a new one, please let us know! Click here for Maintenance Policy & Pricing.
Enjoy the wonders of September!
The Birch Meadow Team
Mary Beth, Kelley, Barbara, Karla, Jared, Lauren, Jess, Rachael, Kell, Leigh, Shannon, and Community Based Landscaping
919-224-9697