Your Garden Coach: Are You Ready For Fall?

Well, it's back-to-school time and that means Fall planting begins.

Actually, 'FALL' sounds more like a four-letter word to me right now than something I want to look forward to. I'm just not ready to let go of summer. I'm still working in the garden and there are tomatoes yet to harvest. But there is no denying that Fall is in the air. The Rudbeckia are blooming, grasses are getting plumes, mums are in the stores and Starbucks has the pumpkin spice latte on the menu.

But before  summer ends, I wanted to tell you about a wonderful, long-blooming perennial that I recently discovered. Campanula 'Bowl of Cherries' continues to produce bell-shaped, purple flowers since I planted in at the beginning of June! I have two plants. One I sheared back after it seemed to stop blooming and has doubled in size already. As a word of caution, I'm sure it would quite easily take over a garden space if you let it; so don't be afraid to yank out new runners.  I didn't shear back the second one and it still has blooms on it. Look for it in your local garden center before it's gone.

October is breast cancer awareness month and I just have to mention a special Hydrangea that would be a wonderful addition to your garden. Hydrangea arborescens 'Invincibelle Spirit' ppaf by Proven Winners is the first ever pink hydrangea that raises money for breast cancer research. It was recently awarded 'Best In Show' at the Independent Garden Center Show in Chicago.  Mine is happily growing in the front yard and it should be pruned back in early spring to encourage new growth and flowers. Many nurseries have it on sale now; so plant one today to support the cause or to honor someone special.

 Now, I'm off to see about that latte.