Cold breezes, rain, sun, fall color.  We can feel the change of the seasons even more as each day passes.  This weekend looks like a good one to enjoy these brisk autumn days in your garden.  Can you feel the rains coming?

This week we featured...

E.Z. Orchards Harvest Fest

It’s Wagons Ho at E.Z. Orchards (503-393-1506) and their annual Harvest Fest.  John Zielinski gave us a tour of the farm and even took William over the Rocky Mountains.  As they journeyed through the Corn Maze (a map of the Oregon Trail) they encountered some exciting sights and adventures, including a sod house and a Native American tipi.  And, at the end of the trail, they were able to pan for gold, hear live music and make a quick stop at the Cider Saloon.  Of course you can also pick up a pumpkin for the porch and fresh veggies from the market.  You can enjoy all the festivities until the end of October.

Greenhouse Accessories

A couple of weeks ago, we showed you how easy and affordable it was to build a Solexx Greenhouse (800-825-1925).  Now we returned to see what you can add to your greenhouse to make your gardening experience more successful.  Michelle Moore took Judy inside a Solexx house to show off some of the neat tools you can get.  First we talked about lights.  If you want to extend the growing season, a lot of plants require additional light.  You can find a wide variety of lights to fit any budget.  But first, you need to figure out what your needs are.  Next were options for heating your greenhouse and plants.  Of course, you can also get fans, thermometers, and watering systems.  To find the right gear for your greenhouse check out their on-line catalog.

Dividing and Planting Peonies

Fall is the time for planting.  It is also the time to dig and divide your favorite perennials.  This week, Judy visited the experts at Adelman Peony Gardens (503-393-6185) to learn how to dig and divide peonies.  Carol Adelman showed us how easy it is to do.  The keys to success are to make sure you dig a large root, to make sure your divisions include an ‘eye’ and to build a good planting area for your new root with a quality bulb fertilizer.  If you have questions about peonies or you are interested in purchasing one, you can contact them at the gardens.

Soggy Landscapes

The homeowner isn’t the only one who has to deal with standing water in their lawn.  Landscapers from around the area deal with soggy sod on a daily basis.  William chatted with David Nachand from Henderson Turf about how he deals with the problem.  He has found that the Axis product is the best long-term solution.  As we have learned before, the Axis product changes the soil structure by using diatomaceous earth to break up the compacted clay soils we have here.  You can get relief from your standing water problems by calling the guys at AMS (866-546-3722), the distributors of the Axis product.  

Jan’s October Tips

It is the middle of the month and time to get our tips of the month from the OSU Extension Service.  Jan McNeilan always gives us helpful tips and this time was no different.  This month she showed us how she marks plants now with stakes so she can find them later to divide them.  Next we cut back our fuchsias and moved them to a protected area to prepare them for the upcoming cold.  Next we cleaned off our Christmas cactus and got it ready to bring indoors.  It was heavily budded, so we just want to keep it in a cool protected area to slow down the blooming.  We will move it indoors when it is closer to the holidays.  Finally we talked about all the small critters of the animal kingdom.  The weather is getting colder and that means all those creepy, crawly bugs are coming inside for warmth.  Be gentle and kind as you sweep them back outside.

Kindergarden – Leaf Cards

Falling leaves are a sign of fall and a reminder of a great craft for your kids.  Amy Bigej from Al’s Garden Center (503-981-1245) showed us how to use those readily-available leaves to create cute note cards and greeting cards from nature’s bounty.  The kids first picked fresh leaves off the trees (older ones are too dry to use) and then using paint to create a copy of the leaf on the paper.  It is a wonderful way to get your kids ready, and excited, for the holidays.