Labor Day Weekend proved perfect for planting party!
When I decided to put together an autumn planting party to turn my unsightly front yard into a more attractive venue, it was — to my mind — a “done deal.”
My first mistake was not to realize that my chosen planting weekend was Labor Day! I make my plans and pound the computer keys oblivious to such niceties and am then amazed at myself later. Regardless, long-time pal and gardener supreme, Barb Pressler, helped me with the shopping and selection of (mostly) native hardy (and hopefully deer-proof) flowering perennials and grasses, later (on her own) purchasing and delivering another trove of potted, ready-to-plant fall-bloomers. A partial list follows (in no particular order!):
Grasses: Miscanthus (Maiden gass), Helenium, Blue oat grass, Phalaris (variegated ribbon grass), Purple Moor grass, Feather reed grass. Bloomers and Ornamentals: Catmint, Yucca, Liatris, Veronica, Goldenrod, Yellow Yarrow, Gallardia, Black-eyed Susan, Monarda(pictured), Michaelmas daisy, Purple coneflower; larger shrubs included Clary sage, Russian sage and Burning bush. There were at least three of each listed plant, with several more among the grasses and Yuccas. The latter were a fluke (though a welcome one) — since I bought about five and Barbara (unknowingly) did the same. They are not, of course, native here, but do surprisingly well and I really like them. More about them later.
Dave and Marcie Thornbrough — my next-door neighbors, did the preliminary legwork of cutting out a multitude of young Cottonwood “bushes” (as well as sharing eggs, tomatoes and other produce from their gardens). Thus was the ground-work laid.
Two days before the Sunday planting, around fifty pots sat in the yard waiting. I was blasé though, knowing a load of my co-gardener pals would show up to help. That’s when I noticed the calendar and the words “Labor Day”. Ces’t la Vie!
The first — and only — person to show up on Sunday, Sept. 5, was George Gehrig (he was also the last to leave on the final third) day. This amazing man was super knowledgeable and totally tireless! He dug dozens of holes and prepared them for the planting to follow, and then did that as well! I played fetch and carry and pointed out the spots for his enthusiastic efforts and despite no one else showing up, we (he) ended the day with two plots planted. Monday being Labor Day (to my chagrin) we agreed on Tuesday to meet again.
That day turned out to be a major coup. An old gardener friend from some 20 (or more) years ago — Sharon Burdick — showed up and after Covid-free over-the-shoulder hugs I turned her over to George, giving them carte blanche. They became the “Dynamic Duo,” working in tandem like lifetime partners, each doing their own thing but always complementing the others’ efforts. I had columns to write, so left them for two or three hours. When I went out with cookies I couldn’t believe my eyes! Every plant had been planted — on both sides of the driveway — and in perfect harmony with their new surroundings! We set out the water sprinklers and voila!
As I write this — nearly a month later — everything has taken hold and provides a lovely spread of meadow grasses and flowers that augment the longtime native “residents.” These include a multitude of extant small wild rose bushes, Honeysuckle, Columbine, a hardy Ceanothus (or Buckbrush), Ninebark, some Oregon grape — and when spring comes, a plethora of wild violets. Some Tansy was purposely left intact and the occasional Mullein along with native groundcovers — including Kinnikinnick and Prunella, it has all blended beautifully. Too, several small trees are staggered through it all — Hawthorn, Perennial Pea, Smoke Bush, Dogwood, Serviceberry — and a backdrop of White Pine, Maples , Engleman Spruce and Subalpine Fir, with the “big Boys” — Ponderosas, Cottonwoods and Red Fir towering over the whole scene. It’s a meadow landscape — not a garden, and meant to take care of itself.
One small misfortune took place shortly after planting — the single Black-eyed Susan proved irresistible to a wandering deer which ate every single blossom but one! Too, a Michaelmas daisy got a “haircut” but only one out of several — which were already common on the property. The Liatris, Veronica, Purple coneflower and Gallardia were all left unscathed, and the greedy deer got its “come-uppance” when it tried to browse on one of the small Yuccas! The sword-sharp leaf tips apparently nailed the thief on its tender nose when it tried for a bite; a broken blade indicated the attempt, and the remaining plants have since remained untouched.
I go out daily and talk to the wonderful new inhabitants and am overjoyed to see them thriving. We’ll see what fall and winter hold, and hopefully, spring will break over a nicely survived landscape! As for George and Sharon — they hold full credit for every successful bloom. Along with Barb, and my neighbors Dave and Marcie, just a few willing hands proved it doesn’t take a big crew to accomplish a big undertaking.
Valle Novak writes the Country Chef and Weekend Gardener columns for the Daily Bee. She can be reached at bcdailybee@bonnercountydailybee.com or by phone at 208-265-4688 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
