by Kathy Van Mullekom, a lifelong gardener and gardening writer living in York County, Virginia
Bulbs are too often afterthoughts in the garden. It’s wrong thinking, something I’ve been guilty of, too. For years, I ignored bulbs. Then, I became the energized owner of a woodsy garden where I envisioned a river of daffodils blooming in early spring. Over the course of several falls, hubby Ken and I dug holes and planted thousands of spring-flowering daffodils.
What flower has a face, is edible, blooms in both spring and fall and comes in the widest range of colors? If you guest pansies, you are right! Pansies are one of the best ways to add color to those 6 months of cooler Hampton Roads weather that we experience from October thru March. These tough, vibrant flowers come in all the colors of the rainbow ~ including red, purple, blue, bronze, pink, black, yellow, white, lavender, orange, apricot and mahogany. Pansies are easy to grow, are hardy and provide a burst of cool weather color. Pansies can be used in a variety of ways.
Perk up your fall porch or table with a pumpkin packed with blooms. Instead of putting a candle in a jack-o-lantern, hollow out a pumpkin and use cool weather plants for a festive look that is sure to impress every guest. We recommend soaking your cut pumpkin in a quick bath of bleach before placing plants in. This will prolong the pumpkin once it's been cut. Poke a few holes in a tin can or small container and place inside your cut pumpkin. Add your plants, some soil and a little sprinkle of fertilizer. Try pansies, ornamental cabbage and kale, mums, or hardy succulents.
Make a BIG impact with small gardens. Mini gardening possibilities are endless and it's so fun adding accessories to jazz them up for the holidays. There are so many ways to garden small including terrariums, glass orbs, fairy gardens, dish gardens, succulent gardens and even hanging string gardens. Also, try re-purposing items from your home such as jars, drawers, and old dishes. Get creative and get miniature!
by Kathy Van Mullekom, a lifelong gardener and gardening writer living in York County, Virginia
I’ve always wanted an October Glory maple tree for its red fall color. Finally, several years ago, I got one and I couldn’t be happier. About this time of year, its vivid red foliage warms me on cool October days.