“It ain’t over till it’s over,” New York Yankees legend Yogi Berra liked to say. And while we’d never contradict such a philosopher, we must face the sad fact that it’s almost time to say goodbye to summer – for now – and hello to fall.

Still, it ain’t quite over yet, which means that this is a good time to soak up the last of summer’s rays in the garden as you prepare it for the coming seasons.

The first thing you’ll want to do is take stock: Which plants and trees did well? Which didn’t? How did the lawn survive a hot but also somewhat rainy season? (Fairly well, we think.) Once you’ve assessed the situation, you’ll know your course of action, which should include any neglected weeding.

Some plants may have outgrown their surroundings and need to be divided, which is good, because other spaces may look barren and in need of plantings and mulch. It’s also time, experts say, to replace annuals with cool weather plants, adding compost and peat moss as needed, while also reseeding the lawn with hardier grasses and fertilizing it.

How you care for individual species will depend on their individual needs. Bulb plants will have to be dug up to come indoors. Certain perennials like hostas can be cut way down once they yellow and wither. But experts say fall is not the right time to prune roses or hydrangeas as you will interrupt their natural cycles. Consult Val Morano Sagliocco – who helms Morano Grou in Mamaroneck, Weaver Gardens in Larchmont and Ridgeway Garden Center in White Plains – if you are unsure how to proceed.

Not everything you’ll need to do is of a botanical nature. Many homeowners neglect manmade objects in the garden, only to have them wind up as flying debris in winter’s nor’easters. September is the time to start making a check list that will include removing and storing air conditioners that are in windows; covering units that are in walls as well as statuary and key bushes; covering and securing patio furniture that will remain outside; bringing in umbrellas and smaller objects like delicate garden stools; and straightening the potting shed. Make sure you clean everything before putting it away. That way it’ll be ready to go in spring.

Of course, you don’t have to do this all at once. After all, “it ain’t over….”

September 2020

By Georgette Gouveia

Fall Garden Prep