|
We tend to think of September and October as “Indian Summer” because the weather is balmy, even on the foggy coast, though the actual definition of the term from the American Meteorological Society describes “a time interval, in mid- or late autumn, of unseasonably warm weather, generally with clear skies, sunny but hazy days and cool nights.”
Several references make note of the fact that a true Indian Summer cannot occur until there has been a killing frost or freeze. And while we might expect wintery weather to arrive in November or December, in this part of the world we consider this time of year our Indian Summer.
The term dates back to the 18th century. A Frenchman named John de Crevecoeur wrote in 1778 about “an interval of calm and warmth which is called the Indian Summer, it’s characteristics ... a tranquil atmosphere.”
No one know if is has anything to do with American Indians, either. It has been speculated that cargo ships in the 1700’s did much of their sailing over the Indian Ocean during the fair weather season — during Indian Summer.
No one theory has been proven, and since it’s been centuries since the term first appeared, it will probably rest with its originators.
One thing we do know is that fall is the best planting season of the year. The soil is still warm enough for root growth, the nights are cool, and the days are shorter, which helps conserve water, too.
This is a good time if you’re looking to add a new tree to shade the south side of your home, or perhaps start a hedge to screen the road. If you want to add perennials to a border or start cool-season annuals, this is the time.
There are lots of deciduous trees to choose from that provide shade in the summer while letting the sun warm the house in the winter. At this time of year trees, with fall color come to mind.
Maples like October glory, autumn fantasy, red sunset and autumn blaze havegorgeous crimson red, magenta pink or scarlet fall foliage. Growing fairly fast to a mature height of between 40 and 50 feet, they are large enough to provide that much-needed summer shade. Provide them with occasional deep-watering and periodic feed to help keep roots deep.
What about a hedge that screens the neighbor while also producing fruit? Strawberry guavas can be grown as a 20-foot single-trunk tree, or a 10- to 15- foot multitrunked tree, but are more often seen as a shrub between 8 and 10 feet tall.
Their 1½-inch fruit is dark red or nearly black when ripe, with white flesh that is sweet but tart. It can be harvested green and ripened at room temperature and is good eaten fresh or used in jellies, purees and juice drinks. Even the bark of this evergreen shrub is a beautiful reddish- to golden-brown. If you’re looking to add more edibles to your garden, this is a good candidate.
Another shrub that would make a good addition to your garden is the rose of Sharon. This hardy member of the hibiscus family blooms from the middle of summer until the first frost. When dry summers have taken a toll on the rest of your border, let this tough plant provide you with spectacular flowers.
There are dozes of varieties, from double-flowering forms to those with a contrasting eye. Some reach 10 feet tall but can be pruned to shape. One smaller one that I particularly like is called red heart. It blooms with large, white flowers with a burgundy eye, grows only 3 feet tall and looks beautiful when combined with the wine-red flowers of chocolate cosmos. Another favorite is blue bird, a rich lavender blue variety with a deep red eye. This one grows between 3 and 5 feet tall and fits into the smaller garden, too.
Hibiscus syriacus are easy to grow. They prefer full sun and tolerate some drought. They are hardy to minus-10 degrees, so our winters are a picnic for them.
Take advantage of Indian Summer — plant something new.
 |
Post New Event
Subscribe to this comment's feed