GO SHOPPING
Bare-root roses and fruit trees If you intend to plant either of these this winter, take advantage of Armstrong Garden Centers' preseason bare-root sale, now through October 26. More than 500 roses and 200 fruit trees will be offered; you can shop online or pick up a catalog at a store near you. Related story: Grow beautiful roses PLANT NOW
Fall color Tropical foliage plants such as coleus and copperleaf (Acalypha wilkesiana) look surprisingly autumnal when combined with a cool-season annual and a small ornamental grass. Cottage Nursery Gardens in Westminster suggests the following combination: A. wilkesiana 'Beyond Paradise', 'Touch of Red' calendula, and pheasant's-tail grass (Stipa arundinacea). Or try a burgundy coleus, coral diascia, and dwarf Pennisetum setaceum 'Red Riding Hood'. The plants should look good through early winter; in colder areas, combine a bronze sedge such as Carex testacea with apricot, burgundy, or gold chrysanthemums; 714/890-5511.
Salvias If your garden lacks color at this time of year, add a fall-blooming salvia. Some of the best are germander sage (Salvia chamaedryoides), Mexican sage (S. leucantha), pineapple sage (S. elegans), and the newcomer S. 'Anthony Parker', a cross between the Mexican sage and pineapple sage. View the full range of possibilities at Fullerton Arboretum's Salvia Spectacular sale (Sep 6–7; 714/278-3407).
Spring bulbs Continue to plant South African bulbs such as babiana, freesia, and sparaxis. Wait until next month to plant anemones, Dutch irises, and ranunculus.
Related story: How to plant bulbs
TEND YOUR PLOT
Divide perennials Dig up overgrown or poorly performing perennials — agapanthus, daylilies, or penstemons, for example — and cut clumps into sections with a spade or pruning shears. Replant divisions immediately. Trade extras with a friend; it's like getting plants for free.
Feed permanent plants Fertilize established trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and warm-season grasses. Feed roses one last time for a strong late bloom.
Protect against wildfires If you live in a fire-prone area and haven't yet taken steps to protect your property, do so now. Remove dead limbs and leaves from trees and shrubs, especially ones near the house. Cut tall grasses and weeds down to stubble, and clear roofs and gutters of dry leaf litter. Keep plants well irrigated (if water supplies allow).
Replenish mulch September is often our hottest month, and a likely time for drying Santa Ana winds. Protect your plants with a 3- to 4-inch-thick layer of mulch, which helps retain soil moisture. Keep mulch from touching plants' crowns and trunks.
Shear pennisetums Most people cut back ornamental grasses in winter, but Tom Jesch of Daylily Hill Nursery in Escondido (760/728-2641) likes to cut back purple fountain grass in mid-September instead. With so much going on in the garden, you won't notice the bare space — and the grass will be up again by winter, when you'll really appreciate the color.
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| Photo by E. Spencer Toy |
| Rich purple 'Cupani' sweet peas and electric orange California poppies create an irresistible mood-lifting combination. In mild-winter areas, plant seeds of both in full sun now for copious blooms in spring. (In cold climates, hold off on the fragrant, vining sweet peas and start them indoors in February or March, then transplant them outdoors as soon
as the soil can be worked.)
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SOW NOW, SNIP LATER
Rich purple 'Cupani' sweet peas and electric orange California poppies create an irresistible mood-lifting combination. In mild-winter areas, plant seeds of both in full sun now for copious blooms in spring. (In cold climates, hold off on the fragrant, vining sweet peas and start them indoors in February or March, then transplant them outdoors as soon
as the soil can be worked.) When the first warm spring days hit, you'll get
a flurry of flowers that are perfect for spontaneous bouquets.
–Elizabeth JardinaFresh Dirt: Get the latest tips, tricks, and planting ideas on our garden blog »
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