Though a few impatiens are still hanging on, it is time to start thinking about making the transition to fall and winter plants and prepping your garden for spring. I talked to Matthew Roberts, manager of Ginkgo Gardens (911 11th Street, SE; 202-543-5172) to get the top four things we can do to ensure interest in our winter garden and beautiful plants in the spring.
1. Start planting pansies and violas now. These hearty winter annuals will replace the geraniums and impatiens you’ve been enjoying all summer, but don’t wait too long to get them in the ground or your favorite pots. Though Roberts says it may seem painful to pull out those summer plants if there are still a few flowers, it is best to switch over to pansies and violas now so they have more time to root and get strong so they survive the winter and flourish better in the spring.
2. Fertilize in the early to mid-fall (no later than October). Roberts suggests half as much fertilizer as is the norm in spring and summer. This is because plants will generally go dormant around the first of the year, so you’ll want to nourish them without overstimulating. According to Roberts, most of the Hill has acidic soil, meaning the plants that thrive best here enjoy acid – like azaleas, rhododendrons, dogwoods and oaks – and can be fertilized with Holly-Tone ($7.99 at Ginkgo Gardens). Alkaline lovers, like spirea or viburnum, can be treated with Bone Meal ($9.39) or Plant-Tone ($7.89). Also pay special attention to anything that did not bloom well in the spring or summer by treating it with Bone Meal, a root and flower bud stimulant that works for both acid and alkaline plants.
3. Plant bulbs. But don’t get in a rush. The ideal time is usually between Halloween and Thanksgiving, when the weather has cooled down a bit more.
4. Prune trees and shrubs. This is best done around mid-winter when leaves are gone, making it easier to see growth patterns in the branches. Eliminate branches that are crossing, rubbing or growing into the center of the plant. Most pruning is DIY, but Roberts does recommend calling a professional for anything more than 3 inches in diameter. You can find professionals through Ginkgo Gardens or other local garden centers.
Happy gardening!
What do you do to ensure a beautiful fall and winter garden?
I’m a novice gardener, and was planning to try some herbs and vegetables come next year, but does anyone know if there are any winter vegetables that grow well in the DC climate?