The Garden Thread - September, 2025

September 1, 2025 | Diana in WI/Greeneyes in Memoriam

[Diana in Wisconsin]

The MONTHLY Gardening Thread is a gathering of folks that love soil, seeds and plants of all kinds. From complete newbies that are looking to start that first potted plant, to gardeners with some acreage, to Master Gardener level and beyond, we would love to hear from you.

If you have specific question about a plant/problem you are having, please remember to state the Growing Zone where you are located.

This thread is a non-political respite. No matter what, you won’t be flamed, and the only dumb question is the one that isn’t asked.

It is impossible to hijack the Gardening Thread. Planting, Harvest to Table Recipes, Preserving, Good Living - there is no telling where it will go - and that is part of the fun and interest. Jump in and join us! Send a Private Message to Diana in Wisconsin if you'd like to be added to/removed from our New & Improved Ping List.

NOTE: This is a once a MONTH Ping List, but we DO post to the thread all throughout the month. Links to related articles and discussions which might be of interest to Gardeners are welcomed any time.

[Qiviut]

Went out about 10:30 or so ... watered a few things (didn’t get an inch of rain) & started digging holes. I got the Cinnamon Heart rose planted & the 3 gallon lilac (PW Scentara Double Blue) as well. The lilac hole was all clay, could not salvage any soil. Hopefully, the bagged topsoil & compost mix will work. Once the bush gets well-established, I think the roots will infiltrate the clay to some degree.

I am “done” for the day, having completed my self-imposed 2 hole per day limit. Mom: “I wish you could plant some of the RoS bushes today”. Nope, not happening! Down to the 5 RoS bushes. Tomorrow is shopping, mowing, cooking. Wednesday is company. Appointment Thursday & maybe a trip to the orchard. Friday & Saturday = company. Sunday, I am taking off, so it will be next week before I dig any more holes.

[FamiliarFace]

I’m not into goth anything, but those are pretty colors!

I did purchase a ‘Double Play Candy Corn’ Spirea the other day at the plant sale. I’m already liking the colors on it, even though there are no blossoms.

I don’t start decorating for Fall until the end of September, so I’m just getting started in that regard. Most of my Spring/Summer plants are still looking good, so I hate to get rid of them before they’re “finished”. Outside decorations will be up first, then indoor decor.

I bought a few mums and pumpkins to go on top of the hickory tree stump that’s still left. It’s about 3-4’ high, and can be seen (a little bit anyway) from the street. That already spruced things up over there.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Our row of Lilacs, about 30 years old, time for pruning again - first big chore I tackled when I moved here 10 years ago - grow in full clay and don’t miss a beat. I’m sure yours will be just fine. :)

Glad you’re putting yourself on a hole-digging schedule! :)

[MomwithHope]

Nice - thank you, I had assistance from above. Hubby tended and loved these trees too.

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

Augie: I am glad that you have had a good harvest this year! Apples and pears. Its a good thing to have a little land and be out in the country! Its a great thing to be able to share what you grow with friends!

Congrats to Mrs. Augie! Hard to beat a Federal pension and healthcare! (Maybe not quite yet!)

The Columbia VA has a reputation as a very good VA Hospital! (If that is where she worked...)

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

Wow! That is a lot of Pawpaws! A lot to process or to share!.

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

Diana I grew up in a farmhouse. A hedgerow of lilacs was located between the house and the dairy barn. Very deliberate I suspect, but only really effective for a short time in spring! Still a wonderful thing to have.

[Qiviut]

Many years ago, in the Parade magazine (came with the Sunday paper), there was a writeup about The Hamery in TN. Included was their recipe for Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies. I used to make these all the time ... they really are good.

I had forgotten all about these cookies, but I was checking my molasses supply for the baked beans recipe & the cookie recipe came to me like a bolt out of the blue! My great-nieces are coming for a brief visit Friday & I might have to make a batch for them.

[Qiviut]

The Hamery | Tennessee Crossroads | Episode 2639.1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrBZucdcNlM

This has got me thinking “Christmas ham” & it’s still September (last day). Both of my grandfathers butchered hogs & had smoke houses, made sausage, etc. Eating at the grandparent’s farms was fresh, simple food they raised (plants & animals) & the pork products were incredibly tasty.

[MomwithHope]

I’ve shared 3 grocery bags full so far, the rest will go in the freezer, in small containers of just pulp. I have a good process for peeling and taking the seeds out.

[Pollard]

Hmm, early November here yet my driveway is covered with brown leaves already.

gif url -- https://www.almanac.com/sites/default/files/ofa-us-foliage-map-dates.gif

[Diana in Wisconsin]

According to this, we don’t hit ‘peak’ until October 29th! And then it will snow on October 30th, LOL!

That HAS happened! Halloween for my kids sometimes meant wearing snowmobile suits.

[Diana in Wisconsin]