Gaia's Garden

Even those of us on an Earth centered path can use a little help now and then in caring for our Mother.  This column is dedicated to making us more aware of the "footprints" we leave on Her and how to live more harmoniously with Her even if we're urban pagans.
Thinking Ahead

Mabon is the perfect time to look back at your garden and decide what worked and what didn't this year.  If a new planting didn't work out, think about how to do it differently or if you want to do it at all.  This is a perfect time to look for "end of season" clearances and sales at your local nursery.  You can still plant shrubs, trees and some types of perennials in time for them to get established before Winter sets in.  This will lessen your costs and get you way ahead next Spring.

Mow and then fertilize your lawn, shrubs and beds one last time before the frost sets in.  Don't cut the lawn too short or the frigid temperatures expected this Winter will kill the roots. If you have a perennial flower garden, now is the time to divide the plants.  Doing it now will let them get roots established before Winter and you won't miss a season of flowers like you would if you divided them in Spring.  Dividing them is easy.  First, dig up around the whole plant getting as much of the root ball as you are able to get.  Then, using a sharp spade or a big kitchen knife, simply cut the root ball vertically (from root to stem) into a few pieces.  Pull the roots apart gently and replant where they will have more space. After the first hard frost, mow down or use a weed whacker on your perennial beds.  Make sure you clear all the vegetation off of the beds after you do this to lessen the incidence of snails, slugs and other pests that live in rotting vegetation.  Then use the newspaper mulching system I described in last years Mabon issue or any other system for mulching that works for you.
Also, after the first hard frost, your rose hips are ready to jelly, candy, or tea.  They should be red, but not mushy and make sure you process them as soon as you can after picking. Lastly, if you chose to plant bulbs, make sure you plant them deep enough and mulch them to avoid hard freezes and unexpected thaws during the Winter.  These will kill the bulbs and all that digging will have been for naught.  Follow the directions on the package for each type of bulb, or call your local Cooperative Extension Service, agricultural bureau, or farm/feed store for good directions.  Never plant bulbs where they may be subject to ice or runoff from roof eaves.

Have a wonderful Mabon and enjoy the fruits of your labors.

                             Mother Bless,
                                     Kara Shima
 

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