Garden Checklist

From The Fresno Bee, September 3, 2009 (edited):

"Choose Wisely When Planting Trees In Yards"--Elinor Teague

New homeowners generally plant trees in their yards before anything else. "Shade, privacy and a nice view are priorities and homeowners want all three quickly." Frequently the fast-growing redwoods and Chinese pistache are the trees of choice. These trees are often planted too close to structures, and in spaces that they will outgrow within a few years.

There are new varieties "of smaller, very attractive, moderate or fast-growing trees" that are becoming available for homeowners. "September and October are the best planting months for new trees." Look for "compact growth habit" or "dwarf" along with the description of the height and width at maturity.

Dwarf trees are not necessarily small trees--some can grow to 20 feet high and 15 feet wide. Trees should be planted at least 12 feet from buildings to keep roots from wrecking havoc on foundations.

The new tree cultivars include:
--Columnar shaped ornamental plums, that can be planted next to fences without the canopy going into the neighbor's yard.
--Vase-shaped redbuds, that won't create problems with branches growing over pools or houses.
--Ornamental cherrys, "are extraordinarily showy in spring; some are also fruitless and some provide great fall color as well."
--New evergreen trees include yellow- and white-flowered magnolias.

"Many nurseries will place special orders for trees and let you look through their catalogs for additional choices that may not be in stock."

--------------------------------------------

Garden Checklist--

Soak in the peace and quiet as late summer is winding down and days should cool soon.

Tasks: Use old vegetable plants and summer annuals to start a compost pile.
Pruning: Divide and cut back perennials.
Fertilizing: Feed flowers, vegetables, young shrubs, and trees.
Planting: French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), foxglove (Digitalis); from seed--coneflower (Echinacea), calendula, delphinium; purchase bulbs now and plant by Thanksgiving: daffodil, crocosmia, crocus, freesia; cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, garlic; forsythia, cape plumbago.
Things to Ponder: This is the time to choose and buy bulbs for indoor forcing and outdoor planting. Buy bulbs now and plant them by Thanksgiving.