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Have you noticed the leaves this season? Are there more falling to the ground or is it just me?  Perhaps it’s just that hundreds of them snuggled into my small garden.  It’s amazing.   Some wedged between the fencing and the mums, some burrowed deep into the actual mums and some have clumped around the garden edging.  Yesterday we cleaned up the garden and removed most of the leaves… Today, well, they found there way back…  Let’s hope for a good strong wind…

Some folks were stumped by the words “pinch back” and equally stymied by the actions needed.  So here’s a short video from ehow that helps to explain the process. 

And we’re finally putting our mums in the ground this weekend… Pictures to follow!

Last Sunday  I purchased five, 6″ garden mums – four rust colored and one Sundance yellow.  Plus two, 6″ sunflower plants to plant in the front of the garden and kick up the contrast.  Got the plants for a great prices at The Blooming Place on Rt. 53 in Weymouth (and in Norwell on Rt. 228).  Four mums for $15.  The sunflowers were $3.99.  I had checked out the mum supply at Home Depot and they were quite a bit more.
While not my favorite flower, the chrysanthemum can withstand colder temperatures so they are a great replacement for summer plantings. 
Here’s how to plant them:
1. Buy mums at a local garden store in your choice of colors.  Those with tight buds will last longer.
2. Choose a sunny locations.  Mums need about 5 – 7 hours of sun daily to thrive.
3. Dig holes that are as deep and wide as the mum’s container.  Remove the container and set the plant into the hole and cover with soil.
4, Water thoroughly. Then water daily for at least a week. If it rains, you are off the hook.   Mums need to be watered several times a week to stay hardy.
5. Remove any dead flowers using the pichback technique.  Simply use your thumb and index finger to pitch off the dead flower.  This pruning helps the mum stay compact and full.

I am gathering up the tools and the will to remove the lovely summer plantings from their bed in front of my home.  This is always a bit emotional.  This action signals the end of summer and the arrival of cooler weather and the need to wear a sweater.  Luckily I like sweaters.  And I like mums, which are perennial fall favorites in gardens in the Northeast.  Need to clean off the trowel and hand rake and get out the plastic bags to hold the vine-y remains.  On Saturday we will remove the mandevillas, black adder and ivy and replant with nine big mums.  I’ll let you know how it goes…

 Welcome to City Garden Ideas. 

Looking to spruce up your stoop?  Put in a window box?  Plant a tree pit garden?  You are in the right place!  Here you can learn how to grow plants and flowers in a challenging city environment.   And if you’re lucky enough to have a roof top deck or patio, these tips and tools can help you too!  

Is your garden in a really sunny area?  Get all day shade?  Get frequented by dogs and their business?  With the aid of my experience (totally amateur but lengthy) and the insights of local gardening experts, you’ll see how easily you can create a lovely garden with hardy and healthy flowers in the middle of the city!