Welcome to the Changing Season of September – time to reflect on the accomplishments made in the garden and there is always room for improvement.  

As we move into the month of September it is a great time for assessing the garden and floral photography.  I not only take photos of my own garden but often find plants of interest in neighbours’ yards.

One garden in particular stands out for me.  There are bright zinnias still blooming along with masses of deep single pink roses that the bees are happily pollinating.  In addition there are clumps of echinicea with fading pale pink flowers as well as a lilac phlox still in bloom.

This is also the time to start harvesting the remaining fruits and vegetables as well as finding ways to keep the herbs I have grown throughout the summer.  Some of course are hardier than others.  The basil I usually freeze so that I can use it for pesto sauce or in pasta sauces.  The rosemary is always a challenge to keep growing inside during the winter months.

Usually I can overwinter salvia, thyme and sage in my garage.  It is always good to have some fresh herbs on hand.  

As is tradition for me each year I look for perennials that are on sale.  Even if they do not look in great shape once planted in the garden they soon pick up and I can look forward to the flowers next year.  I am so pleased with this little coreopsis that I picked up although I have since discovered it is a variety that will not withstand temps below -2.  Another one to add to the garage collection. 

In one of my earlier posts, I did a blog about the advantage of having differing foliage in the garden.  There are examples in the garden now as leaves change colour.  Plants like euphorbia, especially the variegated kind, add another element to the mixed border as well as ornamental trees like the lacy leaf maple.  In the rockery bed I like the combination of gray leaf plants, i.e. the dianthus and perennial alyssum.

It is always rewarding looking back on the gardening season and it is by no means done.  There is still plenty more to capture as the month progresses.