Southern Gardening - Potpourri for September

This summer's heat was simply brutal for any type of gardening. Hopefully we have turned the corner and the temperatures will cool down. Of course cooling would mean no higher than 90 degrees. September brings Labor Day and the commencement of football season. which most people in the south have a passion for. Whether it is Alabama, Auburn, Alabama State, Troy or Huntingdon College, let's cheer our favorite teams on to victory.

There is one job that is a constant for gardening, and that is weed control. I have made it a habit over the years to cut back all dead blossoms or weed blooms before they go to seed. As far as the flowers, I cut them back to save the seed and not to allow the seeds to just sow randomly throughout the beds. And the pesky weeds, the ones which have slipped by my watchful eye, taken out. The old saying goes, "Do not let the weeds go to seed--1 year of seed will be 7 years of weeds." In making observations in the garden, I have noticed that certain plants actually defy encroachment of weeds. These will stop weeds in their tracks. Dianthus forms a thick mat of small flowers and once the plants grow together--no more weeding. Mexican Heather, which can grow in sun or shade, falls in this category. Hosta, a shade loving plant, also has this attribute. The bottom line is: if you have only these plants in your beds, no more weeding for you.

PLANT OF THE MONTH-- BAPTISIA

Baptisia, also known as False indigo, or wild indigo, is a wonderful perennial which grows into shrub-like proportions. Their colorful pea shaped flower spikes of yellow, blue, cream and white are simply spectacular. The flowers resemble those of lupines and Baptisia can be a substitute for lupines since they struggle in zone 8 because of the heat. These plants are tough, long-lived and low maintenance plants, definitely my kind of plant. They require moist and well drained soil in full sun or part shade. Once established, all species are drought tolerant. However, they are not quite totally trouble free. In the early spring as they are emerging they may need staking. Best propagation would be by seed which usually germinates within 2 weeks. Perhaps it was 40 years ago when I grew Baptisia which came back over a 2--3 years period, and then just forgot about them. Baptisia will be high on my list for next season.

If you want to take a road trip through Alabama, consider visiting the Botanical Gardens of Huntsville, Birmingham and Montgomery, Mobile and Dothan. All will impress you with their beauty and serenity. Although an entrance fee of $20.00 is charged at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens, a $5.00 fee in Dothan and an $8.00 fee in Mobile, Birmingham and Montgomery are free. September is a great time of year to get out and commune with nature.

HAPPY LABOR DAY AND GOOD GARDENING.

THE VIEWS OF SUBMITTED EDITORIALS MAY NOT BE THE EXPRESS VIEWS OF THE ALABAMA GAZETTE.