Making Mulch out of Christmas Trees

Before you drag your Christmas tree to the curb for trash pickup, think about recycling it by turning it into nutrient rich  mulch for your yard and garden.

My husband never wanted to make mulch out of the Christmas tree but when he saw all the mulch that he got that was free of charge he realized it was a great savings.  My husband collected all of our neighbors trees that were put out for the trash and by doing this we had enough Christmas tree mulch for our gardens and for our trees or shrubs.

There is some work in getting your tree ready for the wood chipper.  But before you remove all of the branches call your areas recycling center to see if they can chip the whole tree for you.  If not do the following;

  

1.   Remove all of the branches and stack them neatly in a rubber 32 gallon trash bin. When all of the branches are remove set the tree trunk on top.

2.   Call a buddy to see if you can borrow their wood chipper if none is available you may be able to rent one for the day or take your Christmas tree branches to a recycling place that makes yard and garden mulch free of charge.

3.   Use the trash bin to collect your mulch. Then apply the mulch to your garden beds or encircle your shrubs and trees with the fragrant and nutrient rich mulch.

End of Season Gardening

I am very sad to see the growing season come to an end as it represents an end of my gardens life.  Presently I have only a few flowers still blooming, pink clematis, yellow mums and the white sweet autumn clematis.  All other flowers have died back and all that remains is the seed heads.

Dried Hydrangea flowers add winter interest to the garden

Tomorrow there will be a hard frost and then I will cut back all the garden beds for the winter season. And will cover the gardens with a thick layer of leaf mulch as this organic mulch will aid in protecting the flower roots that are close to the soil surface from snow or ice.

Now that the growing and gardening season is coming to an end I am not doing much other than trimming back the dead tree branches, collecting seeds, and keeping the gardens weed free. 

Cleanup irises by removing leaves and weeds

Garden Notes:

1. I never collect all of the seeds as many flowers like the sedum and ornamental grasses are attractive throughout the winter season.  I also leave the seed heads on the black-eyed Susans, sunflowers, and coneflowers as they provide food for the songbirds.

   

   Ornamental grass plumes add winter interest to garden
2. This year we covered our small pond with a layer of chicken wire to keep the leaves from accumulating and clogging up the water filter. 
3. The small tabletop fountain provides the songbirds and the stray cats with a reliable water source, although we mu constantly remove the leaves and change out the water daily.

Getting Container Gardens Ready to Come Indoors

The weather forecast indicates that there will be a light frost on Sunday night which means it is time to get the outdoor container gardens ready to come indoors.

 

Before bringing Plants indoors do the following:

Herbs are grown in containers

1. Check to see if any of the plants are root bound or in need of a new container.  Transplant now if needed with new soil. 
2. For all other container gardens; look over your plants to make sure there are no grasshoppers, snails, or spiders. 
3. I found spiders and fleas on my plants and treated them all with a soap soak to get rid of all unwanted garden pests on the leaves and then I mixed a handful of spent coffee grounds into the soil.
4. You do not want your plants to go into shock due to a change in outdoor and indoor temperature, so bring them in before it gets too cold outdoors. Best to bring the plants in before you turn on your furnace heat.
5. Pick plastic drain saucers to protect your floor from water stains.  Find them garden centers;  Lowe's, Home Depot, and Walmart may have some also.
6.  If you cannot find saucers put containers in plastic under the bed storage container.  You will be able to fit a few small pots in one container.

___

Other Yard and Garden Posts by Sgolis

Autumn Yard and Garden Check List

Attribution Freerangestock.com

Netherland Bulb Company Product Review

I have been doing business with the Netherland bulb company since 2008 and find that the landscaper wholesale prices are fair, shipping is prompt, and the product is good to excellent, with customer service accommodating.

Narcissus 

All spring and summer bulbs that I received had no gray mold or soft spots. I am impressed with the bulbs and the customer service and buy from Netherland Bulb Company annually.

Narcissus Dutch Master

Finding what you want online is easy, you can also order from a wholesale price list catalog.  I normally take my client's orders first then figure out how many bulbs are needed to create their spring gardens. 

Narcissus Dutch Master & Giant Grape Hyacinth

For me, it is easier to fill out the order form from the catalog before ordering online. Before placing an order I will contact my client to let them know about special sales or any bulb collections that may be available then I will order the bulbs online.

Crocus Pickwick

Tips

Netherland Bulb Company is the nursery that supplies the spring bulbs for United States of America Whitehouse gardens.  The gardens are exquisite so that will confirm the quality of the bulbs sold at the Netherland Bulb Company.

Autumn Season Gardening

The autumn season is a busy time for me as I was able to line up a few contracts for garden cleanup, and planting mums and as soon as the weather is an average of 64 degrees during the day I will plant the spring bulbs.

The first part of September was warm with temperatures in the high 90’s so I worked only in the mornings.  Basically, I got the garden beds ready for planting.  Last week the weather was cooler so I finished planting the Chrysanthemums.   This week we have three days of rain which is good for the newly planted mums.

Tomorrow I plan to work in my yard and garden to clean up the garden beds so they are ready for planting in a few weeks.  I bought the spring bulbs Crocus Pickwick which look like they were painted with purple stripes on white they will bloom in early spring, and then the 100 narcissus Dutch master bulbs will bloom in mid-spring followed the purple grape hyacinth in late spring.

The spring bulbs will be planted in my feature garden which is located next to my sandstone patio.  I can view this patio through my picture window and think the location is perfect.

In addition to planting spring bulbs in feature garden beds, I also plan to keep a few narcissus bulbs in cold storage and force them to bloom.  I want to plant the bulbs in pretty containers and give them as Christmas gifts to my elderly neighbors as the blooms will good cheer for them this winter.

Attribution: Morguefile

Seasonal Flower Guide: Late Summer to Fall Blooms

Disclaimer: All photographs in this post were taken in my own Missouri garden. These flowers grow here in real soil, real weather, and real seasons no stock photos, no filters, just the blooms I live with and love each year.

There’s a moment every year when the garden softens. The sun hangs a little lower, the air cools just enough to feel like a whisper of fall, and suddenly the flowers that love this in‑between season begin to shine. In my own yard, the late summer blooms arrive like familiar friends belladonna lilies popping up overnight, toad lilies freckled like tiny orchids, sweet autumn clematis perfuming the whole yard, and four o’clocks opening just as the day exhales.

But the beauty doesn’t stop there. Fall is full of color if you know where to look. Many flowers actually bloom their best when the nights get cooler and the light turns golden. This guide highlights the flowers that carry the garden from late summer into fall — plants that don’t just survive the season change, but absolutely flourish in it.

Late Summer Flowers That Bridge the Seasons

Belladonna Lilies (Naked Ladies)

Belladonna lilies are the drama queens of late summer they disappear all season, then suddenly send up tall, elegant stems topped with soft pink blooms. Their fragrance drifts across the garden in the warm evenings, and every year they feel like a little surprise gift from the garden itself.

Toad Lilies

Toad lilies are one of those plants you have to lean in close to appreciate. Their blooms look hand‑painted tiny speckles, delicate petals, and an almost orchid‑like elegance. They brighten the shade garden just when everything else is starting to fade, and every year I’m reminded why I tucked them among my hostas: they make the whole area feel enchanted.

Sweet Autumn Clematis

If fall had a signature scent, this would be it. Sweet autumn clematis covers itself in clouds of tiny white flowers, each one releasing a soft vanilla fragrance that drifts across the yard. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds treat it like a seasonal buffet. When it blooms, the whole garden feels alive again.

Four O’Clocks

Four o’clocks are the evening charmers of the garden. They wait until the heat breaks, then open with a sweet, nostalgic fragrance that pulls in hummingbirds and butterflies. If you walk the garden at dusk, they’re the flowers that make you slow down and breathe a little deeper.

Classic Fall Bloomers

Chrysanthemums (Mums)

Mums are the heartbeat of fall. They come in every color — rust, gold, burgundy, pumpkin orange — and they thrive in cooler nights. When everything else is fading, mums step forward and carry the garden with bold, cheerful color. Plant them in clusters for the biggest impact.

Asters

Asters are like the last burst of summer fireworks. Their purple and pink blooms glow in the fall light, and the pollinators absolutely swarm them. If you want a plant that brings life to the garden in September and October, asters are a must.

Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’

This plant earns its name. The blooms start soft pink, deepen to rose, and finally turn a warm copper that lasts well into winter. Bees adore it, and the dried flower heads look beautiful dusted with frost.

Annuals That Bloom Until Frost

Zinnias

Zinnias are pure joy. They love heat, they love sun, and they bloom nonstop until frost. If you want armloads of cut flowers in late summer and fall, plant zinnias. Butterflies will thank you.

Marigolds

Marigolds are the workhorses of the fall garden. They bloom their hearts out, shrug off pests, and add warm, glowing color right up to the first freeze.

Cosmos

Cosmos bring a soft, romantic feel to the fall garden. Their airy stems and pastel blooms sway in the breeze, and they keep blooming long after many annuals give up.

Late-Season Sunflowers

Varieties like ‘Autumn Beauty’ and ‘Lemon Queen’ bloom late and carry the warm, golden tones of fall. They’re stunning in borders and irresistible to birds.

Perennials That Peak Late Summer

Coneflowers (Echinacea)

Coneflowers bloom for months, and their seed heads feed goldfinches well into fall. They’re tough, drought‑tolerant, and beautiful in every stage.

Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)

Black-eyed Susans are the sunshine of late summer. Their golden petals and dark centers glow in the afternoon light, and they’re one of the most reliable bloomers you can grow. They don’t ask for much — just a little sun and space — and they’ll reward you with weeks of color. Even as the nights cool, they keep blooming, giving the garden that warm, late‑August glow well into fall.

Japanese Anemones

Japanese anemones bring a soft, graceful beauty to the fall garden. Their tall stems sway in the breeze, topped with delicate pink or white blooms that seem to float above the foliage. They love partial shade and moist soil, and once they settle in, they return every year with even more blooms.

Goldenrod

Goldenrod is fall’s golden curtain call. Its bright yellow plumes light up the garden and buzz with pollinators preparing for winter. Despite the old myth, goldenrod doesn’t cause allergies — that’s ragweed’s fault. This plant is a powerhouse for bees and butterflies, and its warm color blends beautifully with mums, asters, and ornamental grasses.

Shade Garden Late Bloomers

Colchicum (Autumn Crocus)

Colchicum is one of those delightful surprises that pop up just when you think the garden is finished. The flowers appear without foliage — soft lavender cups rising straight from the soil. They bloom in September and October, adding unexpected color to shady corners and woodland beds.

Turtlehead (Chelone)

Turtlehead is a sturdy, dependable fall bloomer that thrives in moist shade. Its pink, snapdragon-like flowers look like tiny turtle heads peeking out — hence the name. It’s a wonderful plant for adding structure and late-season color to areas where most flowers have already faded.

Caring for the Garden from Late Summer to First Frost

Deadhead Spent Blooms

Removing faded flowers encourages new buds and keeps plants looking fresh. Many fall bloomers will reward you with extra weeks of color if you keep up with deadheading.

Weed Regularly

Weeds grow fast in late summer warmth. Clearing them now prevents seed spread and keeps your beds tidy heading into fall.

Keep Watering

Even though the temperatures cool, plants still need consistent moisture. Deep watering helps them stay healthy and continue blooming.

Use a Bloom Booster

I use a Miracle-Gro bloom booster with my hose to encourage repeat blooms during the fall season. It gives plants the nutrients they need to push out fresh flowers as the days shorten.

Watch for the First Hard Frost

As frost approaches, enjoy every last bloom. Take photos, gather cut flowers, and be ready to protect tender plants if an early cold snap arrives. Fall blooms are fleeting, but they’re some of the most beautiful of the year.

Slug Control in Hosta Garden

This week I find that I have a new garden pest to battle.  The slug has taken over my hosta garden.  My husband used an old gardener’s remedy by putting out a saucer of stale beer mixed with yeast in center of the hostas .  The slugs are attracted to the yeast and will crawl into the small pool of beer.  Once inside the dish of beer the slugs cannot get out.  

 

Hosta Leaf with Slug Damage

Another way to rid your garden of slugs is to spray your garden with a mixture of one tablespoon of baking soda, one tablespoon of horticultural oil and one gallon of water.  Mix well and pour into a garden sprayer.  Spray the leaves, stems and the garden bed early in the morning or late after; any time when the sun is not intense.  

View this video on how to make the beer slug and snail pest control for garden.

Benefits of Mulch in the Garden

Learn how mulch benefits the health of your plants by retaining moisture and enriching the soil.  Mulch is an organic substance that is laid on top of the soil and around the plant tree or shrub. The mulch may be derived from leaves, pine needles hardwood chips, or bark. I have also used ground pine cones, corn cobs, and coconut husks. 

Added Cedar mulch here

Many people use grass clippings as it is a nutritious form of mulch.  The grass must be dried before it is applied to the garden and a thin layer will benefit your garden.  Heavy grass will prevent the water from getting to your plant's roots.  I use dried grass in my tomato garden.  It really is good for the soil.

Hosta Garden with mulch

Whenever I plant I always apply mulch directly after watering.  The best way to apply mulch is to layer it around the plant but not cover the stem region, leave that area mulch-free so the air and water can get to the plant.

Gardens Benefit from Mulch

Mulch is a protective layer that helps the soil to retain moisture.  It also will keep the roots of the plant cool and the mulch will deter weed growth.

When you apply two inches of mulch to your gardens then you will not have to water as often.

Another benefit of using mulch is that the natural substance will break down over time and the nutrients will enrich the soil.

Tips:

Mulch should not be heavy during the growing season as it will prevent the water from getting to the roots of the plants.  

Normally I will add one to two inches of mulch to my garden beds in June to keep my plants cooler in the summer and to help retain moisture.  

 In late fall when I am getting my gardens ready for winter I will apply up to three inches of mulch.  The winter application of mulch will protect the plants with roots that are close to the soil surface from being damaged from wind, ice, or snow.  

Get New Clients with Business Card

I never leave home without my business cards because a potential customer could approach me throughout the day and my business card could open doors for a new gardening or landscape contract.

A few weeks ago while walking my dog in the neighborhood I saw a neighbor approaching me and they greeted me with a friendly hello and stopped to chat.   They asked me if I was the gardener at the end of the block next to the nature sanctuary and I said yes. Then told me that a group of neighbors viewed my backyard and liked what they saw.  I took this comment as an opening statement for a possible new client and reached for my gardener’s business card.  

 

 

Grass Garden gets neighborhood attention and word-of-mouth clients.

The neighbor wanted to know about my skills as well as my brief work history.  I responded by mentioning a few clients that I did work for in the neighborhood and pointed out my skills and expertise as noted on my business card. I answered their questions and then ended the conversations by telling them to call me if they needed my garden services while they were on vacation or for general garden maintenance or specialty plantings.  

Update: Two days later while tending to my gardens I happened to glance at my driveway and saw the neighbor coming toward me.  They said that they were going on vacation and asked if I would look after their container gardens, and tomatoes, and water their yard as well as pick up their mail.  We agreed on fees for my services and my new client signed the contract. 

I have been tending to gardens for a long time and have not needed to advertise my services.  All new and repeat clients were due to word of mouth or from a casual conversation that ended with me handing them a business card.   

My business card may have been tossed in the drawer but when they needed a gardener they called me and for this, I am thankful because I have a new client and a new gardening contract.