The sky merely teases with hints of rain. We are in a drought at a strange time of year. Warm weather combined with little-to-no rain has become a challenge in November. As Berkshire gardeners, we usually put away hoses, prepare for hard freezes, and clear or mulch the landscape to “get ready.” But temperatures have been mild and rain non-existent. My bachelor button plants (Centaurea montana) keep blooming in spite of occasional frosts. I even spotted a bumblebee on one flower on November 10.
So, the Lazy Berkshire Gardener just plugs along. If the plant is flowering, I leave it be. If the tree has been newly planted, I water it thoroughly once a week. If the perennials are brown and frosted, I trim the stems and let them rest. There is no definitive plan for all plants at this time of year, especially with the weather fluctuations. Every plant has a unique prescription for survival.
I reviewed some seasonal tips. Some I implement without question:
- I poked around the foundation of my home looking for cracks or entryways that might entice a field mouse to get warm and cozy amid my walls’ insulation. If I can’t seal these with quick cement, I stuff steel wool into the crack as a temporary measure.
- During this quiet time, I confirm that the gas-powered snow thrower and summer power equipment have been scheduled for service—oil changed, parts cleaned, or repairs made as necessary.
- In the vegetable garden, I continue to harvest Brussels sprouts and carrots. Brussels sprout stems hold up just fine in the cool temperatures, and I still have four meals of sprouts left. The carrot tops appear snipped by rabbits or deer, but mostly, they have stopped growing anyway. Carrots are keeping well in the garden—cool and not too wet. I can pick them as the weather permits.
With the holidays approaching, you might want to start a gardener’s gift wish list. I love my multi-pocket tool belt. I can carry two saws; three pruners; a trowel; my cellphone (for quick online searches, photos, and “get out of the garden and hydrate” alerts); and seed packs. The snap-on belt works like a basic kit that ensures I am equipped for everything wherever I go on my property.
I found my tool belt useful while I did a major pruning of my mini “meadow” this past weekend. This patch of land, about a quarter acre, was loaded with goldenrod and asters that had all gone to seed. As a pollinator habitat, the area shouldn’t be tilled. I only wanted to preserve the seed bank by dropping the seed heads closer to the soil surface. The stems and leaves were all left in the field to continue providing habitat for overwintering insects and loose cover for voles.
While I used my electric hedge trimmers for this large task, I also had the chance to observe individual plants. I stopped occasionally when I found an invasive plant or small shrub seedling that was in the wrong place. Invasives I dug out and put in the trash. Seedlings I relocated to a different spot more to my liking.
Having left so many plants to dry in the field, I also slowed down to admire the unique seed pods and arrays that our plants use for seed production. In particular, I looked at what is left after the wind carries seeds away. These plant “skeletons” make for interesting additions to autumn wreaths and winter centerpieces. With a little light preservative (acrylic paint or hairspray), I will incorporate these forms into arrangements that can be beautiful and temporary because they will be easily composted.
With all that outdoor work, I haven’t quite spent quality time with my houseplants. I promise that on the next rainy and cold day, I will repot houseplants if needed. Also, those amaryllis bulbs won’t plant themselves. This week I will get it done. Promise.
Another simple bulb to start is paperwhite narcissus. A few paperwhites in a bowl filled with stones and water will bloom with abundant fragrance in about three weeks. For a quick how-to, please visit my post on the Ward’s Nursery website.
When the calendar edges toward December, I begin to assess missed opportunities of the last year. I think about botanical gardens or unique parks that I hope to visit. By visiting public gardens, I get new ideas for plants I could grow and planting combinations I could try. Take a moment to put those destinations into your calendar and go! Don’t wait to make plans. By gently making plans now, you avoid the stress of last-minute planning. Sounds more relaxing to the lazy gardener.
I call myself the Lazy Berkshire Gardener because I don’t want to work too hard in my gardens. I want to enjoy them. I find it easier to observe my landscape and let the compost happen, the water pool up, or daisies to self-sow. I look for ways to do the minimum task for the biggest impact. For example, mulching is better than spraying and much better than weeding all season. I look for beautiful, low-maintenance plants that thrive in or at least tolerate my garden conditions. Plus, I am willing to live with the consequences if I miss something.
