Christine Eirschele's Blog

Posted by Christine Eirschele

No, there is no buried treasure in my garden but we are all in the same boat with the rest of the world. We need to save money. So creating gardens now days calls for some gardening techniques that saves all our resources. We have heard the words sustainable gardens, native plants, wildflower or prairie plantings and, now, rain or xeriscape gardening

Essentially, rain and xeriscape gardening are 21^st century terms. Not that they were not around before, but they are far more mainstream these days. Now you are not apt to get labeled a “tree hugger” by using them. I never minded being thought of as a tree lover, but sometimes it put other gardeners off, you know, being cubby-holed with granola munchers.

Rain and xeriscape terms are related to conserving water, as in desert gardens of the southwest growing drought tolerant plants or preserving ground water quality by growing native plants in a rain garden. I think sustainable gardening is a broader term directed at conserving resources, requiring less intensive maintenance by us and attracting wildlife. I am seeing sustainable gardens everywhere planted with some forms of natives, because conserving is everyone’s issue.

Using native plants is not only for wildflower gardens or prairies. Try using some natives in manicured garden beds or containers. You can do this by planting the cultivars of the native plant, developed especially for small garden spaces. In parts of Wisconsin and Ohio, the prickly pear cactus has species considered a native plant able to withstand cold regions, is drought tolerant and attracts pollinating bees, a great starting point when developing a sustainable garden in the north.

So, use whatever term you want. Now is the time to plan a garden that uses regional plants equipped to readily conserve water and fertilizers, require less up keep and attract wildlife that will pollinate and thrive, this is the meaning of a cost saving garden.

Posted by Christine Eirschele

It’s the end of another gardening season by all outward appearances. The tomato plants are picked over and haggard looking and potted plants are tumbling over their rims. But I know, and most self-respecting gardeners know, that September out in the garden can be one of the busiest months of the year.

We need one last push of instant gratification, gardener’s style, to get us through the cold winter months. I search through local garden centers for asters, mums and ornamental cabbage. For me, the perfect companions to my orange and yellow marigolds hanging on in the garden bed are the purples. As traditional as they might be, fall colors mean orange and purple to me.

Another traditional garden plant is the pansy or viola. For northern gardeners, the pansies that tolerate freezing temperatures and able to come back in spring is a big attraction. Now is the time to plant them for one last look at color and anticipate their blooms in spring.

If you haven’t already done it, remember to bring in geraniums and coleus you wish to save over winter. These plants can be kept for next year, at the same time dressing up your indoor garden.

Outside another garden project is planting those bearded iris and peonies you want to see in your garden next spring. Remember to mark the location of new perennials, after you have planted them.

It isn't too late for bulb planting. Those tulips like to be planted as late in the season as possible and avoid an Indian Summer pop.

September is a great month for gardening. It is possible to still see so much blooming in the garden while making plans for gardens to come. Then get out and see autumn's other treasures like last visits to your favorite garden center and pumpkin hunting. Who knows what ideas you will come away with for next year's gardens.

Posted by Christine Eirschele

Gardening is most associated with sunshine and summertime. But gardeners are individuals and we are as varied as the plants we grow. For me, the hot hazy humid Midwest days of late summer are my least favorite times to be rummaging in my outside garden.

It is for days like these, I save time to be indoors writing in my garden journal. Up to now, during my daily morning garden strolls with my dachshund, I like making mental notes of what I see. The flowers that bloomed well, plants that should be moved and potted plants in my container garden looking tired out, growing too big, perhaps some too perfect. Is there such a thing?

I like to track the weather; too much rain early on, dry crunchy grass now and special events like the bee sting I received last week. The first time in my life, I might add. During the dead of winter these garden notes will help me plan next year’s gardens.

Seasons and gardens are always evolving but exactly what occurred and some musings about why are worth remembering. Soon fall will be upon us and autumn gardens can be refreshed with splashes of purples and oranges or make room indoors for over wintering plants and dig in some bulbs for the beginning of spring.

Meanwhile, I hope my garden musings will offer new and interesting ideas and inspiration. Soon the leaves turn as colorful as a garden full of flowers, I will be outside gardening with a comfy flannel shirt on refreshed by fall breezes, one of my favorite times of the year.