October has begun, though Mother Nature is still stuck in summer.

The early sunsets seem almost unseasonal, amidst the heavy, humid air—though the promise of fall seems, finally, in reach.

While some parts of the country have been hit with ongoing rain, Pittsburgh has remained rather dry—not stifling any of the flowers that grow through the month, but certainly not helping any of my newly planted shrubs.

Let’s take a quick look at what’s thriving, what’s not, and what I’m planning next.

What’s thriving

Dahlias continue to steal the fall show.

The new varieties I planted in July (very late! 😅) are all in bloom, seamlessly integrating with those planted the year prior.

The two climbing roses planted in early spring, ‘Generous Gardener’ and ‘Wollerton Old Hall’ have stopped blooming, but have grown exponentially—both shooting up canes taller than myself. This is a good sign.

As part of last month’s plan, we’ve replaced two suffering evergreens—a ‘Cranberry Creek’ boxwood and a slender hinoki tree. The new plants seem happy, though I’m watching like a hawk to make sure they’re properly hydrated.

What’s struggling

I’m concerned about a potential dead zone in the front garden.

The hillside sports a massive, old silver maple tree. The root system is vast and close to the surface, making it a difficult planting spot. I’ve noticed the plants I’ve put near it—like boxwoods, junipers shrubs, dwarf white pines, and even a new bluebeard—are struggling.

Strangely, the same plants are thriving in other parts of the garden, with the same light and water conditions.

I plan to move the evergreens and keep an eye on the new bluebeard—already proven to be exceptionally hardy in other parts of the garden—to see if anything can thrive next to that tree.

Stay tuned.

What’s next

Twelve new arborvitaes will be planted in the backyard next week, finalizing the arborvitae border (at last!).

I’ve long admired the arborvitae border in my parent’s backyard.

It at once provides privacy as well as a shelter for many birds and other garden friends throughout the winter. We opted for the ‘Green Giant’ variety, which should put on a good bit of growth over the next year or two.

Beyond planting, October is the month for preparing the garden for winter. In Pittsburgh, the average first frost date falls in late October—and while the month has started in summer conditions, it would not be abnormal for it to end in winter conditions.

With that in mind, a few October garden to-do’s:

• Bring in tender plants that won’t survive the winter. I keep potted olive trees, lemon trees and gardenias outside in the summer, but bring them in when the nighttime temperatures start to dip into the low 40s.

• Keep watering! Even when the temperatures cool off, plants need hydration, particularly water-loving varieties like hydrangeas and those newly planted.

• While you’re at it, keep deadheading. Your summer annuals will bloom until the first frost if you continue to remove spent blooms.

• Save seeds from summer annuals and summer-blooming perennials.

• Continue to plant spring bulbs in the ground and in pots.

📺 What I’m watching

Fall marks the beginning of Neil Gaiman season, as far as I’m concerned.

While that usually involves picking up one of his books, it also means I have Coraline playing on repeat in the background while I work.

🌸 Flower I’m admiring

It’s primetime for asters, and I’m so pleased.

The small, voluminous purple blooms add something special to the garden, while many other flowers are winding down.

Plus, they add a little festive Halloween color to the garden, methinks.

What’s thriving in your garden? What issues are you running into? Reply and let me know, or leave a comment on Tiktok, Youtube or IG for the Ask A Gardener series!

Xx,

Courtney