17d • General discussion
When September Ends!
As we wrap up September, I’ve been thinking about how this time of year is actually one of the most important times for gardeners and landscape designers.
A lot of people think the gardening season is basically over once fall arrives. But there’s still a lot we can do right now, especially if we’re trying to create landscapes that use less water and do a little more good for the planet.
Fall is a great time to plant. The temperatures are cooler, the soil is still warm, and trees, shrubs, and perennials can spend their energy establishing roots instead of fighting summer heat.
It’s also a great time to look around your yard and ask a simple question:
Do I really need all this lawn?
I’m definitely not anti-lawn. Lawn has a purpose. It’s great where kids play, where families gather, or where it’s actually being used.
But lawn that nobody walks on, plays on, or uses? That’s where we have an opportunity.
Those areas can become water-wise gardens filled with grasses, flowering perennials, shrubs and trees. They can provide food and habitat for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds while dramatically reducing the amount of water we need to keep our landscapes beautiful.
And don’t be too quick to clean everything up!
Leaving some seed heads, stems and organic material through the winter gives insects and wildlife places to overwinter and adds another layer of life to the garden.
This is also a great time to turn down irrigation, evaluate what worked and what didn’t this year, start sketching ideas for next year, and look into lawn-removal rebates and other water conservation programs in your area.
One yard might not seem like it makes much difference.
But imagine what happens when thousands or millions of us start making these little changes.
Less water used. More pollinators. More biodiversity. Healthier soil. More beautiful communities.
And landscapes that are actually working with nature instead of against it. 🌎🌱🐝
What are you doing in your garden or landscape before September comes to an end?
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When September Ends!
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