garden checklist

Southern Living, Oct 2004

OCTOBER 2004

Colorful Trees

The golden leaves of ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) illuminate the fall sky. Also called maidenhair tree, it should be planted in a well-drained location. Choose a selection that is guaranteed to be a male. Why? Females produce a messy, foulsmelling fruit. Reliable selections include'Autumn Gold,' 'Saratoga,' and 'Shangri-La.' If you want red or orange foliage, red maple (Acerrubrum) is a good choice. Try selections such as October Glory' or 'Red Sunset.' For multicolored foliage in yellow, red, and orange, try Chinese pistache (Pistacia chinensis), sassafras (Sassafras albidum), or sourwood (Oxydendrum aboreum), Another great tree for fall color is Japanese maple (A. palmatum). For more tips on planting trees, read "Choose the Right Tree" on page 51.

* Flowers-Sow poppies, bachelor's buttons, and larkspurs now for blooms next spring. Select a sunny spot, and scatter seeds on a prepared bed. Rake lightly, and water gently.

* Mulch-Fallen leaves are a great source of organic mulch for the garden. Rake them up, and add them to your flowerbeds. The extra layer of mulch will keep roots cool, retain moisture, and slow weed growth.

* Figs-Add these favorite Southern fruit trees to the garden now to allow their roots time to become established. Fig trees prefer rich, well-drained, organic soil and full sun. Great selections include 'Brown Turkey,' 'Celeste,' and 'LSU Purple.' Purchase fig trees from Johnson Nursery (1-888-276-3187 or www.johnsonnursery.com) or Petals From the Past ([205] 646-0069 or www.petalsfromthepast.com).

* Dried flowers-Collect some of the season's last blooms for drying. Globe amaranths, Mexican bush sage, zinnias, mealycup sage, cockscombs, and golden fernleaf yarrow will all dry well. Cut flowers in mid-morning after the dew has dried. Remove foliage from stems. Then tie flowers in bundles, and hang upside down in a cool place with good air circulation to dry.

* Camellias-Sasanqua camellias are graceful evergreens that are now beginning to flower. Excellent selections include 'Mine-No-Yuki,' 'Chansonette,' and 'Bonanza.' They have beautiful, glossy green foliage and can take full sun or light shade. In the Upper South, plant sasanquas in sheltered locations, or allow them to overwinter in cool green-houses. You can also try cold-hardy hybrids such as 'Polar Ice' and 'Winter's Charm.' These and other camellias are available from Camellia Forest Nursery ([919] 968-0504 or www.camforest.com) and Greer Gardens ([541] 686-8266 or www. greergardens.com).