Fall Planting - late August, September and early October - let's talk:

Once the summer heat is finished, it is an ideal time to plant, especially trees and shrubs. We have Hazelnuts and Walnuts and many other large shrubs and small trees. Select your Christmas tree before freeze up. 

Though it may feel like it’s getting too late in the season, it’s not! There is still time to improve your fall garden as well as fill the holes you previously noted in your spring or summer garden. Come and see what is looking wonderful. We have about 100 plants in full colour in September and October. Many I don't cut back for winter as they look wonderful until after the 1st really serious freeze. and even then I leave the ones with seeds. the little birds like them.

Come and see the Japanese Wax Bells. This is a shade loving plant that blooms in late summer / fall. Most unusual and a delicate beauty that I treasure in my shade garden. Asters are a fall favourite we have some very good prices on blue asters and some gorgeous super tall bright red Asters

Autumn is a good time for many plants to be planted; it gives their roots a chance to establish themselves so they are ready to grow in the spring. The larger trees and shrubs do best if planted in spring or in autumn. They should have a week or two before surface freeze. Such a freeze often occurs mid October in Nelson and area. 

Check our CATALOGUE. click the link. The searchable data base will open promptly. You can save it using whatever name you like for later referral, or return to our site any time.

You can search by: common name, botanical name, height, spread, sun/shade, colour, bloom time, water requirements or zone. 

The Saturday before Mother's day we will be at the Nelson Garden Festival with some terrific spring specials. We also attend the Kaslo show during May days - usuallly the Garden Festival is on the Sunday.

You can use the botanical name to search the internet for more information about the plant.

Hardy perennials are quite happy to be transplanted in the fall. In our zone, I prefer my transplanted perennials to have at least 2 to 3 weeks before a truly deep frost. This usually means planting them by the end of September. However, if you are located closer to the lake, your freeze up is later. AND if you are prepared to Mulch, you can extend your planting into early or even mid October. Maybe later...

On Granite Rd. our truly deep frost often occurs a week or two after Thanksgiving and lasts up to one week. If the plants are well watered before the frost all of our zone 5 and lower will be fine. (Note: freak’ frosts are deep frosts that hit us in mid-October. With weather changes, these are more and more common.)

Most deciduous trees and shrubs also thrive when planted in the fall. Allowing the roots to get over transplant shock in the winter will give you a full growing season come spring.

Be sure that anything you plant in the autumn season is well watered to remove any air pockets around the root system AND to ensure the leaves or evergreens are not seriously devastated by the drying autumn and early winter winds. Please tell me where you are planting your new perennials, trees and shrubs so I can help you to ensure the plants will survive in your area. or check our CATALOGUE on this site. 

Plants sold by Primarily Perennials in September & October are the right size and in prime condition to settle in to the fall garden nicely and survive the long winter’s nap – remember to tell us where you are planting so we can advise you if the plant is suitable to your zone. We generally recommend concluding your new planting by the end of September or early October.

September, pick the hazelnuts and filberts and Pick the fall fruits: late apples and pears. Late September collect walnuts. ensure you clean them and dry them well. I like mine fresh and raw. Others like to roast them before use. 

Other things you can do in the autumn: cut back all plants that will die to the ground. I know, it hurts when they look so nice. But do get out and clean them up as soon as they start to look black or melt. Otherwise, you are inviting slugs and a whole host of other nasties to have a lovely snug winter under the leaves of your perennials. My gardens are quite large. I have to cut back many still lovely plants or I’ll not get the work done before it is too nasty to be out. In years when I have decided to enjoy the blooms as long as possible... I have had great regrets come the next spring. Yucky, Mucky, Goo and slime. Hard Heart. Tough Love. You can do it!

If you are growing delicate plants or plants that are stretching your zone.. ensure you mulch these.  Lift and store the summer bulbs that are not hardy to your zone. e.g. Dahlia, Gladiola and many others. We do not sell these bulbs.

mid October drain your irrigation system. put away the hoses and other watering tools. shut off the outside water and open all outdoor taps, open the 'bleeder' in your basement to fully drain your household water to the outside taps system. 

rake leaves, cut leaves from pond plants, sink pond plants as low as possible. If your pond is less than 3' deep, you may need to bring your fish indoors or find a deeper pond for overwintering. 

clean and sharpen all tools, winterize mowers, timmers, tractors, etc. 

the list could continue into a book! Ask your neighbour for more information or the net or better yet.. a book

Cheers Kris.