Gardening with Gail
— by Gail McIlroy
We live in an incredibly beautiful part of Ontario. Here are a few suggestions you may want to ponder while planning for the weeks ahead in your gardens.
October comes so quickly. Things we should have looked after last month, and didn’t quite get to are still there. However, nature in some cases can forgive; the leaves are down, over wintering birds have secured their places hidden deeply down inside tree trunks, some so far down there isn’t any chance of light filtering through; others are satisfied nestled in crevices and cracks where it’s easy to get outside to feed and exercise their wings.
The days have now shortened resulting in some of us feeling the need to plan to stay indoors for extended periods of time. However, October is a great time to work outside, along with making sure the plants we want to overwinter are cared for and protected for the cold winter months ahead.
Speaking of greenery: many of us struggle, some years more successfully than others, with Boston ferns. The ferns look great when we first bring them inside and continue watering them frequently, the through the winter, not so much.
An easier method for success in order to preserve them for the following season outdoors is to cut them back to within an inch of growth above the soil. (It’s painful for us but not for the plant). After cutting the fern back, place it in the dark in your basement, watering sporadically. Following the ferns rest period of about six weeks, start bringing it up to daylight inside your home, placing it where it will receive a few hours of daylight every day.
October is the ultimate transition month for gardens in Central Ontario. With the first hard frosts typically arriving this month our primary focus should be on hydrating roots, selectively cleaning up perennials, and protecting vulnerable woody plants, before the ground freezes in late November.
Hydration: the most critical step
Deep Watering; continue to water all shrubs and perennials deeply until the ground completely freezes. Give them about 30 to 45 minutes of a slow soak once per week if there isn’t significant rainfall.
Focus on Evergreens and new Additions: (like rhododendrons and boxwoods) and any perennials planted this season. These are highly prone to winter desiccation (drying out from cold winds). Ensuring their root systems are fully saturated in October is their best defence.
Perennial Care: to cut or not to cut?
Rather than blanket “clean up” use a strategic approach to cutting back your perennials. November and December mark the final months before winter dormancy occur. Temperatures in our part of Ontario typically are around (O to 4 degrees Celsius) while nighttime lows consistently fall below 0 Celsius. Lake effect snowfall occurs especially near Georgian Bay. So be strategic about when you are cutting back.
Gardening in late fall and winter slows down, but Ontario in winter is festive, bustling and beautiful, from the daylight with snow glistening to nights with twinkle lights and moonlight shining on the snow.
There is also lots to do in our area in late fall and winter, including holiday and seasonal markets, church bazaars, and artisan markets featuring our local creatives.
Of course, there are lots of outdoor activities we can do in our area, including walking, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, outdoor skating (our township offices will know) meeting friends and enjoy a tea or coffee, conversations where it’s a good idea to have your phone but don’t use it…sharing pictures of grandkids permitted!
Remember no matter the season, it’s always important to keep an eye on whatever activity is happening around your garden…that’s what Bentley does!
Enjoy the fall season, and stay tuned for winter garden tips!