Garden lessons learned and shared

We've had a lovely transition from summer to fall so far here in the Midwest, aside from a couple of sudden chilly days. The apples are ripe, the leaves are changing colors, and it's time to share your garden lessons learned.



Every quarter, gardeners around the world share things they've learned during the past season. Here are your highlights:

Diana at Elephant's Eye, Western Cape, South Africa, is entering the spring season now, with beautiful garden plants and wildflowers blooming aplenty. She learned to combine compost, sand, and garden soil, to give her potted herbs a healthy start.

Jason at Garden in a City, Illinois, U.S., plans to be a little more strategic with his potted plants next growing season. He says he was a "slave to convention" this season, with many pots having the same plants. He'll plan a "big picture" display for next year, taking into account each plant's bloom time.



Kimberley at Cosmos and Cleome, Pennsylvania, U.S., learned to use the technology in her purse to research plants before purchasing them. She purchased three plants this season that aren't hardy in her zone. We hope these three lovely plants will make it through the winter ahead.

Hannah at Weeding on the Wild Side, in the Pacific Northwest, U.S., has a ramp on an earth berm, and she learned this season which plants thrive in this very xeric and sunny environment. Some of the winners: Oregano, Marjoram, Rosemary, Thyme, Heathers, and Saxifrage.



Rose at Prairie Rose's Garden, Illinois, U.S., is not alone in her desire to improve her identification of young seedling plants, but her humorous stories about it are entertaining. She also describes how creating a garden doesn't have to be expensive. And she wisely advises us to enjoy every moment in the garden.

Donna at Gardens Eye View, in New York State, U.S., learned to stick with garden centers and growers she knows don't use insecticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers. If there aren't pollinators hanging around the flowers before she purchases them, she'll be suspicious.



Others who shared lessons in their comments included: Tammy at Casa Mariposa, learned that Flagstones are better for stepping stones than concrete because they don't leach lime. She also learned to go with her gut in the fall and make changes instead of second-guessing herself all winter. Endah at Endah Murniyati's Journey, learned that Tomatoes broken off at the base can regrow roots and produce plentiful fruits with a little extra care.

Paula at Blooms 'n' Spades learned it's OK to re-work your garden to match your vision. Janet at Plantaliscious learned that everything in her new garden home grows taller than advertised. Helene at Graphicality-UK learned that even when Tomato seedlings look small in July, they can still yield an incredible harvest by September.

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That's the wrap-up! Thanks to all who shared lessons and wisdom. If I forgot anyone with lessons to share, or you'd like to participate, please let me know and I'll add your lessons here. Happy autumn to those in the Northern Hemisphere, and happy spring to everyone in the Southern Hemisphere!