Notes from the Garden

The garden gates are now closed at McLaughlin Garden, but there is still much work that needs to be done before the gardening season finishes. This week we have been furiously cutting back perennials and then raking or blowing leaves out of the beds and into the lawns. Once the lawns are full of leaves we begin the process of shredding leaves with the lawnmower and catching them in the bagger. To save steps we collect multiple bags of leaves onto a tarp and when full, drag the tarp to areas we wish to mulch. The two to three inches of shredded leaves provides inexpensive mulch that will save in labor next season. Mulch in the garden helps prevent germination of weed seeds, moderates soil temperature and helps retain soil moisture. As the mulch decomposes organic matter will be added to the gardens soil. This organic matter in turn will encourage the growth of worms and other beneficial organisms that will improve soil structure and availability of nutrients for plants. In a large garden such as McLaughlin Garden we work as long as possible to get a jump on spring cleanup. At home, I prefer to leave many of my perennials until spring for winter interest and it allows the plants to fully harden off before the subzero temperatures of winter.

Gardeners tips: At McLaughlin Garden I like to collect pine needles to use as mulch on ericaceous, acid loving plants such as rhododendron, azalea’s, mountain laurel and blueberries.

Kristin Perry is the Director of Horticulture at McLaughlin Garden: She holds a B.S. in Botany from Eastern Illinois University with subsequent Horticulture/Arboriculture certificates from the NY Botanical Garden School of Horticulture. Member: American Horticulture Society, American Association of Botanic Gardens and Arboreta.

McLaughlin Garden Photo:

McLaughlin Garden