As the oppressive heat subsides and we take a look at the shape of our poor gardens, things may not look so good. By now it should be obvious that no amount of water can help, it's time to pull. Now is a great time to get your fall garden going with some simple ideas.
Mums - Sprucing up your garden with mums is the easiest way to make a fast fall statement. Mums are available in a wide variety of colors to complement the season and come packaged nicely in their own container. Simply place where needed and your garden comes alive. Best part of all - you don't even have to get your hands dirty!
Pansies - Cooler temps make a great welcoming for pansies, and like mums, they come in a variety of colors. Position like-colored pansies in clumping patterns to make a bold statement. Use colors that complement the style of your home. Be creative with patterns and become the envy of the neighborhood.
Winter Herbs - Why not create a garden that is not only beautiful but functional? Herbs are the perfect way to do just that. And for those with limited garden space, herbs are the perfect choice. They grow nicely in containers that can be place on porches, stairs, or anywhere around your home. Check out these winter herb selections:
- Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Try the dense, more compact form with smaller leaves, called 'Spicy Globe.' This one is easy to grow from seed, and needs bright light and warm temperatures.
- Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): This member of the onion family is best used fresh. It is difficult to preserve chives that still maintain their good flavor, so they are a good choice for indoor gardening. 'Grolau' is an especially good variety for indoors, and can be started from seed. Chives prefer bright light and cool temperatures.
- Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum): This plant does not grow back after harvesting, so make successive plantings of cilantro to have a continuous crop for your favorite Mexican or Asian dishes. Cilantro tends to repel insects, so it makes a good companion plant for indoors.
- Dill (Anethum graveolens): A dwarf form, called 'Fernleaf,' grows only 18 inches tall, making it more suitable for indoor gardening than the standard types that often grow to 4 feet tall. Like cilantro, you'll need to make successive plantings to ensure a continuous crop.
- Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): The soothing fragrance of lemon and honey make this an herb to enjoy fresh in salads and drinks. Its bright green foliage and prolific growth make lemon balm an attractive houseplant. This is an easy one to grow from seed.
- Oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum): This is the true Greek oregano with a sharp, pungent flavor, best for Mediterranean cooking. It can be grown from seed. There is a look-alike called wild, or pot, marjoram with pretty pink flowers, but almost no flavor.
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): The more compact form called 'Blue Boy' must be purchased or propagated by cuttings; seeds germinate poorly. The soil for rosemary must be well drained, but do not let it dry out completely.
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Many varieties of thyme are available that are useful in cooking and in herbal craft projects. They have similar aromatic properties and some varieties have unique scents, like lemon or caraway thymes. If starting the plants from seed, cover the seed only lightly with soil or not at all. Keep the plants evenly moist until they are well established.
