Thyme in the Garden

Recently, the Asheville Friends of the Earth Garden Club came to hold their monthly meeting in our garden and greenhouse. Our contribution to their program was a demonstration and talk by our friend and collaborator, Nancy Shoch. She showed how pumpkins and gourds can be used as vases/containers to create stunning Autumn centerpieces. In addition she focused on using cut flowers, colorful foliage, seed pods, etc. that are found in our gardens and backyards this time of the year.

We've had a very hot summer this year, so we're looking forward to the crisper days of October. To me that means bright blue skies, colorful foliage everywhere and the perfect time to do a lot of planting in the garden. The soil stays warmer longer than we realize, so roots have a good chance to establish before the hard freeze comes. Also, they don't have the stress of the heat that plants planted in late spring and summer will have, requiring constant watering. It is still important to pay attention to watering, especially if we don't get a lot of rain, but you'll find the ground doesn't dry out as quickly. It is a great time to divide, transplant, dig up plants to move or give them to neighbors if you're ready for a change. Also, Fall is the time to put in your Spring blooming bulbs. In stock now, at our shop, are Crocus, Miniature Daffodils, and Hyacinths. It is so lovely in early, early spring, before things begin to green up, to get a promise of things...