September Garden Notes

Who’s Buggin’ You?

We’ve had some really interesting encounters with insects over the past few weeks, including a yellow jacket nest that is embedded in a client’s front yard border bed, praying mantises, moths, joro spiders, soldier bugs, and of course the more popular bees and butterflies. I’ll be honest I had a moment last week when I wished they would all just go away, but then remembered that they usually do go away to nest somewhere in our area during the winter. But for now it’s still hot, humid and incredibly buggy. The bugs are creeping and crawling, providing treats for so much of our wildlife and getting all up in our yards and homes. For the most part, they are like humans. Most of them do no harm, but you have to watch out for the stinging ones.

Fall tip: Use what you’re given if you possibly can. 

There are so many great ways to use what is given to us by nature. As the leaves are falling and creating messes, as the trees shed their limbs during fall storms, as you uncover a big rock while digging, it’s easy to feel that the work of it all is overwhelming. But for me, who is admittedly an “eco-hoarder" when it comes to the land I steward, I try to see almost everything that lies within or falls into my property as a gift. The leaves can replace all that topsoil I was buying at home depot if I’m patient enough to let them break down. The tree limbs can be used for terracing, or building a trellis. The rocks that are so difficult to dig through can be used for drainage. In so many ways, because of the way our society is, it can seem easier to just go to the hardware store and buy products to solve problems. But what if the solution is in our own backyard? 

Joro Spiders and Pollinators

One of our clients sent a very informative link from UGA about Joro spiders after last month’s newsletter. UGA is suggesting that the spiders be removed specifically around the area of pollinator gardens, but can remain in other areas of the yard. 

H and O Business Updates (aka ‘Growing Pains’)

Job Opportunity! 

If you happen to know of anyone interested in some part or full time work, we are looking to hire! At this point, we are seeking contract labor for installations and maintenance. Ideal candidates are people who are passionate about garden design and ecosystem rehabilitation, are able to do physical labor and can be reliable. 

Musings

As I’m writing this, Hurricane Helene is spiraling through Atlanta and slowly, heavily, petering out. A few folks have lost power, the wind is picking up a bit and I’m sure there will be plenty of work to do when it’s all over. In the meantime, I’m gratefully sipping my LaCroix and enjoying the relative calm. Speaking of calm, I believe that gardening can be incredibly calming, and even healing. Before I transitioned into doing this work full time, I worked in a different industry out of a home office. Sometimes the work would feel overwhelming but I found that if I walked outside and did some small task, I could calm the anxiety. Literally and figuratively, I would get grounded when I put my hands in the dirt. I’ve learned there’s a cure for emotional upheaval in weeding and that the solution to many unresolved issues lies in dividing the perennials in fall. I’m here to help if and when you’re ready. 

Meet you in the garden soon! ~Liz

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Liz Sherman

Herb and Oak Garden Designs

herbandoakdesigns@gmail.com

(c) 404-403-1209

Some Bunny is in your Garden

Some bunny is in your garden and eating all of your plants! Fear not, because a lot of clever gardeners have figured out ways to deter them without harm. One of my clients has found success with irish spring soap shavings. Another uses a non-toxic product featuring blood meal. For other ideas on keeping the bunnies and your plants safe, here is an article from the Farmer’s Almanac. I’ll be trying out their DIY rabbit repellent spray, testing it out on hostas and coneflowers soon. 

There is a season turn, turn, turn

I know we are in the dog days of summer, but as Twain says above, they will soon pass away and give rise to those little hints of fall. Slightly cooler, breezier days; light that glows rather than bakes; long, dreamy shadows. Late summer can feel stagnant. There is always much to do, but it might be too hot and humid to do it and it’s certainly not the time to be planting much. In my opinion, it’s a great time for a seasonal siesta, where we take time to reset, recharge, cool off and dream our dreams of fall. 

H and O Business Updates

In August, I will be offering bi-monthly plant sourcing runs for projects and clients. What this means for you is that I’ll purchase plants you are seeking as I’m out and about. I’ll be looking at plant health and aesthetics, as well as buying from local nurseries that I trust. And they’ll be delivered to your doorstep! If you're interested in this service, just reply to this email to let me know so I can include you on the list of participants. 

In September, you’ll also receive a notice regarding new pricing structures and referral incentives for the business. These changes will take place in October. 

Musings: 

Perhaps you’ve noticed that it’s warm and humid out. This means GROWTH. Plants, animals, humans, bugs…we are thriving in the heat of the sun, but wearing ourselves out with the incessant growth. 

You may find that many plants in your garden are getting tired and stressed. 

They may seem droopy, devoured by bugs, sad specimens of the former happy gorgeous plant you actually bought, but they are growing, learning, figuring out their environment. Trying to stay rooted, but also trying to spread themselves far and wide. It requires so much energy. 

As stewards of our land, we are quick to diagnose and treat problems that have built in solutions provided by nature. I do it all the time. My current panic is related to the rapidly spreading asian Joro spiders that are taking up residence in every corner of my deck, porch and yard. They are tiny now, but they are growing larger by the day as they are spinning their vast 3D webs made beautiful by the setting sun. My strategy at the moment is to carry a large stick everywhere I go which I’m certain will end up in me getting a nasty well-deserved bite some day soon. So what do I do? I ask for bats. I seek the assistance of lizards and bigger spiders. Then me and my stick walk inside and enjoy the show. 

A garden legend lost

This year I learned that the earth lost a garden great, Randy Harelson. Randy once owned a little nursery and gift shop in Sea Grove, FL called the Gourd Garden. He was a wonderful friend and mentor to my mom, who once owned a little nursery and gift shop in Gulf Breeze called the Garden Gate. The two GGs taught classes, designed beautiful spaces and filled our lives with laughter and joy. But there was so much more he had to offer before he left. To read about this wonderful man who inspired so many of my own ideas about life and gardening and art, here is a summary of his life. 

Meet you in the garden soon!

Liz Sherman

Herb and Oak Garden Designs

herbandoakdesigns@gmail.com

404-403-1209