---

Additional Titles

OCTOBER MEANS COLORFUL GARDENS

by Cliff Bennett
'Chets Garden Center'
October 14, 2014
NewsWithViews.com

I think I can speak for most of us when I say that fall is one of my favorite times of the year. Everything in the garden is or will begin to transition into their next phase. Shorter daylight hours and much cooler days begin the dormancy period. It’s the time to complete the harvesting of our vegetable gardens and get the rest of the fruit off our fruit trees. The hottest summer on record will mean that changes may happen faster than normal since the temperatures will be a bit more dramatic than we are used to. Fall color on our trees could also be more dramatic as well or at least let’s hope so. Some of our trees have been a bit stressed with the heat and a stressed tree can potentially color up dramatically and earlier than expected.

This a good time to visit the nurseries since most are stocking up now with fall coloring trees. It is nice to see them in color before you purchase since the picture tags are not always true to the area they are now in. Typically the red maples are the most popular because they are some of the most dramatic in color and easy to grow as well as fast growing. Other trees that color up really nice are Flowering Pears brick red, Ginkos with bright golden yellows, Maples including the Japanese Maples from deep burgandy to yellows, And my favorite but may be hard to find are Ironwoods. They are later than the others but stunning colors from orange to yellow to red all at once and the dramatic colors last for a month or so.

Subscribe to NWV Southern Oregon News Alerts Email Address * First Name *required field

Let’s look at the shrub side of things. One of the most dramatic large shrubs in my opinion are the Witchhazels that offer the full spectrum of color with larger leaves that are easy to grow but do prefer some shade in the afternoon here in the valley. Euonymousalata or burning bush are nice as well. Fothergillas do a nice spectrum of color and the Viburnum ( decidious types) family are also known for outstanding color in fall. The Barberries are also a great choice if you are looking for stand out color in your landscape. There is so much more but the easiest way to get a good picture is to visit your favorite nursery and see them up close and personal.

This is a good time to prepare the lawns and re-seed and fertilize for the winter. If you are re-seeding or planting a new lawn I suggest you get it done now and not wait much longer since it will get too cold for good germination but you can always do sod.

SEE YA, Cliff