Where do I even begin to pick up where I left off...

bad garden blogger...BAD GARDEN BLOGGER!!!   Ugggggghhhhh....

I guess I could say, in my defense, that I was actually gardening and not sitting on my ass blogging about every event that's garden/plant/flower related. The problem is, just about every aspect of my life is related to plants, flowers and garden and I can't even begin to choose what to share.

Plus, I've also just been so overwhelmed with work. It is FALL after all! Clean up is endless and preparations for the winter, plus TEACHING; the weeks go by so fast and, olly crap, it's almost NOVEMBER!!!

So, here's are some events that took place over the past month. Why don't YOU choose which topic I should do a full blog post on:

-My cousin Jocelyn got married (yes, another wedding, but I didn't do the flowers this time, but there's still something plant related that's cheesy and hilarious)

-A wedding also means a little family reunion. I had cousins stay with me and see my garden which included grapes my grandfather planted that ripened just in time.

-Just got back from my first ever trip to the Northeast hitting up New York City, New Jersey, and the Philadelphia area to visit family, friends, and, of course, GARDENS! I'm sure there will be a post on this no matter what. Hahaha...it was pretty incredible!

-Finished my design for my show garden for the 2013 Northwest Flower and Garden Show.

-Filmed the second episode of the "Next Generation Gardener"  (currently being produced and edited!)

-Presented my first talk called "Travels of a Garden Foodie" to a local garden club.

-Started teaching a class on Nursery and Greenhouse Production at Edmonds Community College. 

-Landwave Gardens in the fall is always a treat as the landscape really lights up.

-It's that time of year where I'm preparing for the winter and digging, dividing, and transplanting all sorts of plants.

I'm sure this isn't all of it, but take your pick(s) and I'll get another post up.


R

Annual Container's last hurrah!!

So this was the result of trying to spruce up our surroundings over the summer and now they're as full as can be as the autumn color from the Oregon ash trees in the background set it off well.

As extravagant as this looks, it's actually really easy to put together and maintain. Think of this idea in a tough spot underneath a tree for next season. Rely on foliage and texture: flowers are just icing on the cake.

Riz

Fall Favorites

I threw this arrangement together a few weeks ago when some of my fall perennial favorites were looking their best.



This fall arrangement includes: Chrysanthemum 'Apricot', Symphyotrichum 'Lady in Black', Sedum 'Autumn Joy' and Panicum 'Northwind".

Back to classes for gardeners, too!

My friends at Parson's Public Relations sent me a little reminder that fall is around the corner and, immediately, it struck me that there's a lot going on that Pacific Northwest gardeners need to be aware of because not many people realize that:


* Cooler autumn air and increased rainfall make the perfect conditions for developing strong roots.

* Healthy roots make for more drought-tolerant and disease-resistant plants

* Taking action in the garden now will not only help the garden thrive come spring, it will also make it more resilient to the impacts of climate change, such as drier summers and wetter winters.

hhmm...I'd also add that PLANTS ARE ON SALE AT MOST NURSERIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!


On top of this, a series of free seminars are being presented at our local nurseries, where people can learn all about the benefits of fall planting, as well as see all the exciting choices of plants available at this time of year (not just mums, pansies and ornamental cabbage!):



Fall into Lazy Gardening
Learn what to plant this year for less maintenance and more color all year long. Replace fussy, high water-use plants with better behaved trees, shrubs and perennials. Next summer you'll use less water and enjoy more leisure time. Get a chance to win a small plant at the end of class.

Molbak's, 13625 NE 175th St, Woodinville

Phone: (425) 483-5000 Website: www.molbaks.com

Saturday, September 12, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.



Shrink Your Lawn, Grow Your Garden
Tired of spending time, money and effort to maintain your lawn? Want to add color to your landscape and invite wildlife into your yard? Learn how to convert some or all of your lawn into a beautiful landscape featuring native plants and attractive perennials. You'll be amazed how your newly converted landscape will be packed with birds and keep pests in check.

Swansons Nursery at 9701 15th Ave NW, Seattle

Phone: (206) 782-2543 Website: www.swansonsnursery.com

Saturday, September 19, 10:00–11:00 a.m.



Jazz Up Your Garden with a Fall Makeover
Learn how to have beauty every month of the year. This seminar will include garden design, plant selection and proper planting techniques. Fall is a great time to renovate your garden.

Sky Nursery, 18528 Aurora Ave N.

Phone: (206) 546-4851 Website: www.skynursery.com

Saturday, September 26, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.



Cheers,


Riz