Yesterday my friend and I were chatting about what an odd Autumn we’re having in Seattle. I had just come home from walking my dog. As I made my way through sidewalks filled with leaves, I witnessed tomatoes still ripening on a vine. Usually by now tomatoes are long past doing anything but rotting. Really, [...]

The other night a big rainstorm hit in Seattle. After a long day working around the house and in the winery, we were relaxing in front of a rented DVD. Suddenly, it sounded like the wall behind us was being detatched from the house. A scary, non-stop, metallic thundering began. So, out in the rain [...]

When perennials should be divided is a question I’m asked over and over. Are they divided in Spring or are they divded in Fall — that’s the question. The basic answer is divide them whenever you have time. But a fine-tuned answer is a little more convoluted.
Really, I do divide when I have the time. [...]

Here we are on the other side of the middle of October, and I can say that the last of my veggie planting is done for winter. My seed garlic is all tucked into deep, black (heat absorbing) planter tubs. The last of my chard starts replaced fading summer annuals in a bed that gets [...]

Those of you familiar with the Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) already know the answer, but until you know this tree’s autumn secret you’re bound to love it anyway. Katsura trees have ruffled heart shape leaves, diverse form, and furrowed grey bark. Their fall color may range from clear yellow to deeper tones of yellow and [...]

Now that the rains are back in force, its time to get the last potatoes harvested. Some will say that leaving potatoes in the ground for winter keeps them protected and fresh. In my experience it leads to a potato patch that gets out of control and a bunch of diseased, sloppy rotten potatoes in [...]

Last month I was asked to submit to a horticultural trade magazine some photos of a favorite fall container planting. Sure, this is a tough choice. There are so many combinations to choose from and build going into the fall. I ended up submitting a container filled with edible plants that add interest and food [...]

Here in western Washington, the season has definitely taken a turn to autumn. Trees are showing brilliant colors. Wind storms are kicking up (and kicking trees over). Fog is settling in. Rain is falling and so are temperatures. As this happens, summer heat-loving food crops begin to wane.
Heat-lovers like tomatoes are about at their end. [...]

Is it really time to harvest my one measly dwarf pumpkin and the last of my tomatoes in the greenhouse? I think so. I ducked my head inside today and, with a sigh, acknowledged that its time to clean the greenhouse out and get my winter crops really going or it’ll be a long winter [...]

September is the season of harvest. Today is the date of our harvest moon. It’s hard to believe summer is nearly gone, but so it is. A week from today is the autumnal equinox! During the harvest season I find myself sharing my garden coaching skills with neighbors. In return, I have the pleasure of [...]