Your Fall project

What’s in the works for your garden?

Each year, as Autumn rolls around, I almost always take on a big garden project. This Fall I shall be tackling the, ahem, “heck” strip. That’s my affectionate term for the sad patch of clay soil and gravel leading up to the backdoor stoop.

Just how bad is it? I’m not gutsy enough to share “before” pictures at this point. I’ve got to clean it up a little before I even chronicle it here. The dog has taken a liking to this patch of ground, and there’s not one—not two—but three glorious little pits he’s dug out. Resting inside these holes are the gnawed remnants of two chew-ropes. What can I say? He’s a busy canine.

Despite the challenges before me, I can’t wait to get started on this! The husband and I plan to create a raised bed using repurposed materials. When it’s time to “dig in,” I’ll finally get to experiment with shade plants at my own home! My other gardens have always been in full to part-sun, so my shade gardening experience has been limited to helping my mom refresh her front bed under the canopy of a large Red Oak.

I’m still plotting out plant ingredients. I want tough stuff. Cast Iron Plant, definitely. Maybe some Japanese Holly Fern? My rough plan is to have a lush, green backdrop—leaving room toward the front for an ever-changing border of seasonal annuals. (Suggestions welcome!)

We would love to know what you have in the works for Fall! Post a comment or share your story via email: info@calloways.com.