Sweater Weather Is Coming to the Gardens!
Sweater Weather means:
The air is getting crisp, the days are growing shorter, and the gardens are trading their summer sparkle for a cozy fall glow, so put on your sweater during this weather and come see them! While the growing season may be winding down, things are anything but quiet around here! Our staff and volunteers are busy tucking plants in for the colder months, adding splashes of autumn color, and dreaming up what comes next.
Operation Tropical Tuck-In
Our largest tropical plants have enjoyed a summer vacation outdoors, showing off their oversized leaves and bold personalities. Now that chilly nights are arriving, it is time for their grand move indoors. One by one, these leafy giants are being carefully brought inside and prepared for overwintering. Think of it as a very green moving day, without the cardboard boxes! With plenty of care, they will rest safely until warm weather invites them back into the gardens.
The Greenhouse Is Waking Up
As the outdoor beds begin to settle down, the greenhouse is springing back into action. Even better, it is getting a fresh new design this year! The updated layout will help us make smarter use of the space and grow more of our own plants for both the annual plant sale and the gardens. More homegrown plants mean more opportunities to fill the grounds with color, and more wonderful finds for plant-sale shoppers.
Mums, Plans, and Plenty of Possibilities
Of course, fall would not be complete without mums! These cheerful bursts of color are making their way into the gardens just as the summer blooms begin to bow out. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, we are already deep in next year’s planning. Seed orders, garden designs, plant counts, and wish lists are all taking shape. It may look like the gardens are slowing down, but our ideas are growing faster than ever.
Coming Next Year: A Pollinator Party!
Next year’s garden theme will be all about pollinators: the bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and other hardworking garden helpers that keep plants and ecosystems thriving. Our plant selections and designs will celebrate these small but mighty visitors while creating spaces that are colorful, educational, and full of life. Expect plenty of buzz, flutter, and inspiration throughout the growing season!
None of this seasonal magic happens alone. Our members, volunteers, donors, and visitors help the gardens grow in countless ways, and we are grateful to have you along for every season. So, enjoy the mums, breathe in that crisp fall air, and keep an eye on the greenhouse: the gardens may be getting ready for winter, but exciting things are already taking root!
Written by: Andrea Geske, Horticulture Manager
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