Think “Native” To Conserve Water, and Maintain Beauty All Summer Long
There are several weeks yet to garden in 2022! As we approach the end of summer, with fall a few short weeks away, we will share several helpful tips to get your garden ready for the next season.
But first…
The heat over the past several weeks has been challenging to not only us, but to our gardens as well. The Nature Conservancy in Idaho offers information on what we can expect in the way warm temperatures in the next few years in our state. Read more. How can you keep your gardens beautiful despite the heat?
Step 1:
Use xeriscaping, which is defined as a landscape method developed for arid and semi-arid climates that utilizes water conserving techniques such as use of drought tolerant plants, mulch and irrigation.
Step 2:
Native plants, shrubs & trees are often considered more drought tolerant than exotic plants. Using them reduces time and money spent on irrigation. Just take a look at the list of plants that qualify as both native or near native, and grow well in our region.
Sedum
Penstemon
Asters
Daylily
Liatris
Yarrow
Anise Hyssop
Meadow Sage
Black Eye Susan
Goldenrod
Columbine
Artichoke Thistle
Locust Tree
Lilac Tree
Viburnum
Gingko
Dianthus
Ajuga
Gaillardia Blanket Flower
Lavender
Russian Sage
False Sunflower
Bee Balm
Catmint
Spotted Nettle
Red Hot Pokers
Speedwell
Shasta Daisy
Dogwood Tree
Spirea
Sumac
Red Leaf Maple
All of these plants are at New Leaf Nursery right now! Most likely you have some of these in your gardens already.
And if you’re looking for something that offers vertical interest, how about:
Trumpet Vine
Silver Lace Vine
Grape Vine
Honeysuckle
Clematis
All of these vines are heat and drought tolerant!
Step 3:
Water! Did you know, that if your garden is planted with drought resistant native plants, it can be watered 1-2” per week, per application, and survive? If there are drying winds or intense heat, you will have to increase the frequency of your watering. And how you water is important too. Deep soaking is preferred, especially in the heat. And even if the weather is mild, annuals and veg prefer being watered directly on the soil, and not on the leaves. See Jen’s video on our website about how to water during a heat wave.
Along with proper watering, consider adding mulch to your flower beds to help keep moisture in the soil, and the bonus is, mulch also helps keep the weeds down. We have mulch in bags for small areas, and we can deliver a truckload to you too!
September Gardening Tips
Here’s the list of what to do as we go into September!
Plant leaf lettuce, chard, spinach and radishes for fall harvest.
Bring in any ‘houseplants’ that have been outside. Give them a good washing to remove any insects.
Make preparations to mulch garden beds.
Fall is the time to divide and transplant perennial flowers that bloom in the spring.
Harvest pumpkins, gourds and squash to be stored, before the first frost. Be careful not to damage the skin as rapid deterioration will occur.
Fall is a good time to improve soil. Add manure, compost and leaves to increase organic matter. Wood ashes contain phosphorus, potassium and calcium. Add them to veg gardens and flower beds as a top dressing that will feed the soil all winter.
Be sure to keep pulling weeds! Every weed you pull now, will make weeding much easier in the spring.
Fall Perennial Pruning
Have questions about Fall perennial pruning? Join New Leaf plant expert Laurie Wilson who will guide you through different pruning techniques to ensure a lush and lavish return of your garden in the spring.
September 7, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at New Leaf. Register here.
Christmas in September
Talented local artist Deb Beissel will teach us the techniques used to create a rustic and whimsical interpretation of the classic holiday nativity. All materials needed to create the nativity are included in the class cost. You can select the colors you wish to use.
September 15 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at New Leaf. Register here.
I heard the Fall Festival is returning to New Leaf?
You heard right! The first weekend of October is when it all takes place! Friday, October 7 through Sunday, October 9, you are all invited to welcome the Fall season at New Leaf. (The event is free.) Some of you have been to our Fall Festival in the past! They were wonderful events, filled with community and family. We have missed them too. We hope you will make plans to spend time with us that weekend! Keep an eye on the web site for more details.
What’s new at New Leaf?
Yes, the kale, late summer veg, and those beautiful mums have arrived! Don’t let the roadwork stop you! The improvements are nearly complete, and a trip to New Leaf always yields something wonderful!
Now that the kids are heading back to school, take a minute to browse the barn. So many cute new fall things have arrived, and will continue to arrive. We have select items on sale. Look for the colorful dots on the item, or ask one of our helpful staff!
Meet Laura
Laura is one of our newest creative makers displaying her work at New Leaf Nursery. Laura immersed herself in Native American gourd making and has become a master of the art. This beautifully unique craft has become an admired piece of art and if you love it too, come into the barn and find just the right piece for your home or office!
Just living is not enough, one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower.
A lovely saying from Hans Christian Anderson. Hope to see you at New Leaf soon!
