Hello My Dear Gardening Friends,

Today I drove along some of the back roads from my home to Norwood, and half way down the side road, I thought I saw a dog on the road, so I slowed right down, and to my surprise two more brown bodies appeared, then two large ones. Five deer stood looking at me, I just stopped and waited – furtively feeling for my camera – I was a little too far away to catch them, so I tried to inch forward, but they took off in three directions, the smallest one stood with his head in the hedgerow, with his rear end sticking out, I had to laugh, with that he looked up, so surprised and leapt into the undergrowth. Like a small child, who hides his head and thinks that you cannot see him, because he cannot see you!!!! Such a lovely experience on a beautiful, warm fall day.

I hope that they had a calendar handy – yesterday was the first day of hunting with bow and arrow - ugh horrible thought!!!

We had one of the most hot and dry summers that I can remember, it continues too – my roses that just sat all summer long are blooming their hearts out and my Korean lilac is in full bloom again. Oh today I was in Sobeys and they have Helebores in pots for sale for only $14.95 – the kind person in charge of the flower department said “Do you know what these are? Are they a houseplant?” I quickly told her and explained that this was indeed a good price (they were large plants) I think that was the third garden question I answered today – the other day I went to visit my doctor, yes I still have a doctor!!! We spent a little time talking about my ills, but then gardening, he too is an avid gardener; do you think that I can bill him? Visited my dear friend Deborah at Loblaws and she also has Hellebores for sale at the same price – if you are not growing these wonderful plants I urge you to check around and purchase same.

Hellebores what are they? We are actually talking about Helleborus - it is native to Europe and western Asia, and there are at least 15 different species, either perennial or evergreen – that are useful plants for our cold climate. Bearing beautiful, open flowers in white, shades of green, red and purple, they are so effective in drifts or massed in the shade of deciduous trees, I grow mine, near the lake at the edge of the small copse. One word of caution all Hellebores are poisonous, although I doubt any one would consider eating them, they are too beautiful.

Grow them in part shade, and moist, well drained, humus-rich soil, which is not allowed to dry out in the summer (here mine, are always moist as they are at lake level). Cut off the old leaves from deciduous species just as the buds start to appear. Remove flower heads after the seeds drop. If you can either remember or have the time, mine rarely get this treatment and they have flowered year after year for a long time! A top-dressing of compost or manure after flowering really is beneficial. You may propagate from the seeds or by division in late autumn or early spring – the only problem that I have found is that sometimes aphids will ‘attack” them.

Fall is upon us and it is time to bring in the fruits of our labours, we have lots of freezers whilst perhaps the best frozen food is at the super markets, but to go back to simpler times a root cellar worked very well – it is a shame that builders have forgotten, or perhaps do not even know about root cellars. I think that as we use up our natural resources, we are getting into more and more trouble. Now I understand from many of the debates I have listened to throughout this election campaign, that we are going to build more “radioactive” power plants!!! Oops sorry off at a tangent again. Back to root cellars, much nicer topic.

Root cellars can still be found in many old farmhouses – and cottages, for I still have one. Most new homes and a lot of older ones do not have the luxury of a root cellar, but it is often possible to convert part of your basement, a room or even garage to make room for vegetable and fruit storage.

Ventilation, temperature and humidity are your three main concerns. Vegetables, such as onions and squash require low humidity, whilst most root crops store well in moderately moist conditions. Temperature preferences range from near freezing to 15o C (60oF). It is very important to take notice of both recommended temperatures and humidity a requirement to maintain crop quality and longevity.

Good ventilation is a must, as many fruits and vegetables give off gases not only causing unpleasant odors, they reduce vitamin content and cause the ripening process to accelerate, thus reducing the shelf life. I would recommend that you try and obtain a copy of Organic Farming’s “Stocking Up” I do not know if it is still in print, but try the used book stores, or even on line.

When we first retired, Jack wanted to build an in-ground Solar Home; by the time we had found the ideal site (4 years later) we were well established in our community and were reluctant to move – sooo we shelved that idea, but made our present home as self-sustaining as possible. I would snap up anything to do with this particular way of life – this is how I became the owner of the book I suggested. My library included wind mills and all kinds of gadgets that did not need electricity – we will have to return to some of those ideas – soon.

We sent money to help get “ Harrowsmith” started; it was a risky thing to do, as they did not know if anyone would send money – they were in undated. Money just poured in, so many of us were running from the city and its fast pace of life, but few had any idea how to look after ourselves, thus was born this wonderful magazine.

There was no advertising and the first few years it was printed on newprint, but chock full of ideas, and good advice. Part of the deal was free copies of any magazine to be printed for several years. Good idea for raising money!! But sadly the “hippies” running it did, eventually either sell the magazine or have to sell out to the slick glossy magazine that it is today. We visited them once and the whole operation was being run out of an old house!! What was the least amount they asked for - $25 in 1972, this was a do-able amount for most of us.

Back to the root cellar; remember no matter what kind of cellar you make, the old adage still remains, fruit and vegetable must be in good condition, no spots of decay or bites, I discovered that fruit flies bite!!! You must be very careful digging, picking, plucking and handling, this is of great importance. If the crops are not of excellent quality (no cuts, bruises, decay or disease) when they go into storage. Their chances of a long life are greatly diminished. However you cannot just stick them into storage and forget about them, until you need some potatoes for supper. You must keep an eye on the crops. Any that are showing signs of unusual softness or decay should be removed immediately.

I would suggest that you keep track of all the “stuff” that goes into storage – use your garden diary, better yet ask “Santa” for a real “Gardener’s Journal” - Lee Valley have a good five year one – I do not work for Lee Valley although you would think that I at least have shares – but we gardeners know that they carry the best in everything – or should I say everything that they carry is of top quality.

October brings its own chores:

Cut the grass, mine is so very long right now, but I have picked the mint that will take me through the winter – I pick the leaves wash them well, shake off the water and pop them into freezer bags and into the freezer. Some I throw into the blender with a teaspoon of sugar, to bring out the juice, then add vinegar. I usually add just a little vinegar, store it in tightly fastened jars in the fridge then when I need some (love mint sauce on veggies) take out a little of the condensed mint add more vinegar, being careful not to add too much and enjoy. My dear friend Didi makes the most wonderful orange mint jelly it is superb with corn, perhaps with vegetables from your freezer or root cellar, followed by strawberries and cream, good music playing, a glass of wine, fire blazing, open the curtains and watch the snow falling - oops back to October.

Cut the Grass
Plant your spring bulbs
Begin the fall clean up
Take any hardwood cuttings
Dig up summer bulbs for storage

Plant new Asparagus roots. Making sure you have prepared the bed well for it will not be disturbed for many years, lots of compost and dried manure. All signs of grass removed, for it is jealous and will not share its “bed”.

You can start to mulch your gardens, and any plants that you are over-wintering DO NOT cut down your grasses, and anything else that looks pretty – there will be lots of time to do that in the spring – enjoy through the winter months. Roses fit into this category – do not prune them until the spring.

Once you have finished the grass for the last time. Although this week it is still so very warm – (I had put away my summer clothes, but luckily I had left out some shorts and tops) make sure that your lawnmower is serviced for sitting in a cold place for the long months ahead!!! Wow! Is your snow blower all ready to roll??

So many of us have been growing foods organically – now it is the “fashion” thank goodness, lets hope that it doesn’t “go out of style”. We have accepted, perhaps not graciously that we will have some insect damage, just as long as it doesn’t wipe out the entire crop we live with it – so what do we do??

First be very scrupulous about clean up in the fall. Any debris that you leave in the garden or especially the orchard provides perfect breeding conditions for all types of insects. Dropped apples perpetuate disease (maybe you have a kind bear that will come and clean them up for you, I do – I do not disturb him).

Many insects lay their eggs in the soil at the base of the plants, here they winter over and hatch the next spring. Till the soil to expose these eggs and again in the following spring to expose any larvae that may have hatched.

Practice crop rotation, which means never grow the same crop in the same place two years in a row. This will help to cut down disease damage, and any eggs that have over wintered will not have their favourite, or required food to feast upon.

With the exception of corn it is better not to plant large blocks of the same crop. Interplant several crops in the same place. Then you will not lose them all should you have a pest problem. I planted bush beans in a huge block and got an infestation of bean beetles, they defoliated the whole lot. I had another funny experience with bush beans – I picked some after a rain – nice plump sweet green beans, the next day I had this strange circle on my wrist, it persisted – went to the doctor who said “Have you been picking wet bush beans?” They carry the ringworm virus – yep – I had that ring on my wrist for years, it was a very strange scar, but scar it was.

Many insects find the smell of marigolds, garlic and onions offensive and will avoid that area. I grow garlic all through my garden and a lot of roses, - I never have black spot or other rose related problems, just buy a head at the super market – or a stall by the road side is even better – break off the little cloves and stick into the ground – about now the garlic is blooming, it is a very sweet smell nothing like garlic, with pretty white flowers, I just leave it in the ground and by next spring there will be a nice crop of garlic chives.

My clematis “Virgins Bower is so full of flower it covers the whole arbour – always a sign that the really hot weather has finished, leave the dried stems on the trellis for the flower heads, that resemble powder puffs last all winter, the seeds feed the birds. (Does anyone remember what a powder puff is/was ? That fluffy thing, mother used to put talcum on her body.

Anise is a general repellent to use as an insecticide, boil one cup of anise leaves and two tea bags in one pint of water – about a liter – Strain and cool. Add 2 tablespoons mineral oil (any oil will do) and ¼ cup hard soap or 3 tablespoons dish-washing soap (I like sunlight). Dilute this mix with 25% water when you are ready to use it – this mixture maybe frozen to use on house plants over the winter.

Lemon Balm I love this – may be used with eggplant, tomatoes and fruit trees, just plant it close by the insects stay away.

Basil ummmm very good near tomatoes, and will also repel flies. Keep some on your porch steps, and then bring inside for the winter.

Borage – repels tomato worms.

Calendula is said to repel asparagus beetle and worms all worth a try.

This is a good time to start to water your evergreens, trees and Rhodos. Do not wrap azaleas or rhododendrons they must breathe through the winter – If there is any chance of salt getting on them – build a screen around them – making very sure that the top is open to the air, but water, water, water. And even more water.

Some tips for early fall:

Take hardwood cuttings from ornamental shrubs and soft fruit bushes, by poking, 15 – 30 cm 6-12 inch lengths of stem 8-10cm /3-4inches deep in the ground. This is the easiest way, they are the easiest cutting to take but the slowest to root; Do not disturb them for a couple of years. Grass goes into dormancy soon, so give it one last cut. Put your lawn mower away scrupulously clean, well oiled, and sharpened ready for next spring, yes you will need it again.

Lay turf now so that it has time to settle before it gets really cold. Damage to the edge of lawns can be repaired now, by cutting out a generous piece of turf and turning it round so that the freshly cut inner edge presents flush to the edge of the lawn. Fill the gap at the opposite end with soil, firm it all down (do not stomp on it) and by the middle of next spring you will not be able to see the join.

To fix some of those hollows and holes, that mysteriously appear in your lawn, try lifting the turf and either adding more soil or by sifting the soil underneath to the correct height, return the turf and firm it down. Be careful not to add too much soil, otherwise you will end up with a “grave”.

Finish planting your spring bulbs (I keep mentioning this, for this year I did not buy any bulbs, must be feeling guilty?) Divide clumps of lily of the valley and anything else that you want to diminish in size - especially peonies. Peonies can be divided now, make sure that you have at least three “eyes” and do not plant them too deeply.

Check to see what needs watering – in particular those plants that you are planning to bring indoors – wash them well to remove any worms that have taken up residence in your containers.

Hats, gloves, sunscreen, yes you still need insect repellent, just came in from the garden with a bite sigh. As Jack said, “In every paradise there is a black fly!”

Good gardening Lovingly Beryl