Orcas Garden Club: Welcome to November

||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND GARDEN CLUB |||

I always look forward to my lace leaf maple producing spectacular fall colors of yellows speckled with reds. Despite the chillier temperatures and a few torrential rains, we’ve had a few nice sunny days to enjoy the changes in our gardens and complete some necessary tasks before winter. Here’s a few tasks that I’m currently working on…

Plant those bulbs! It’s your last chance to get them in the ground in order to enjoy those spring flowers. This year, I planted a few varieties of fritillaria in deer territory and a light pink variety of tulip named ‘Dreamy’ behind the protection of my fence. Of course, I planted my five ‘Dutch Master’ daffodil bulbs in support of Project Blossom. I hope you all had a chance to pick your bulbs up and find them the perfect place in your garden as well!

Empty out your clay pots to avoid tears and cracking during winter. Additionally, bring inside any ceramic planters that are not rated cold hearty. Moreover, time to get all those plastic pots cleaned, sterilized and organized so you can use them again and again over the years. It won’t be long until I begin seed starting!

MULCH! Take the time to protect your garden. Mulch is so important to help insulate roots, retain moisture and keep down the weeds.

Wander through your garden. While strolling, contemplate areas in need of interest and consider incorporating plants that bloom during all times of the year. Help those pollinators that need food year-round. Typically, our falls begin quite mild, and it has been this year so if you’re quick, you can still divide and plant many things before winter sets in.

For dahlia lovers, it’s time to think about whether to lift them or not. More and more folks I talk with are leaving them in the ground, but I find the size of the mound of tubers overwhelming so I just get to it. There are many ways to preserve your dahlia bulbs. I generally follow Floret’s sage advice; Use a pitchfork to lift each tuber clump, wash the mud away thoroughly, identify the “eyes” and carefully cut each tuber away from the stem. Don’t forget to label varieties, dry them for a day, and then store in “lasagna” fashion in a bed of coco coir. I am always amazed at the size of the tubers I uncover. I’ve tried many mediums to store but coco coir continues to be my favorite and is also sustainable.

Lastly, check out your bookshelf! Do you have any gardening books or magazines that you’ve been pining to read? Now’s the time to dive in. Take advantage of those stormy and chilly days, pour a cup of tea and give yourself the gift of knowledge and inspiration.

Lots to do! Wishing you all a very nice Thanksgiving holiday. I am so grateful for all of you and this amazing club of ours!