Getting Ready for Fall in the Gardens
As the days shorten and the light takes on a softer glow, the gardens at Bloedel Reserve begin their steady transition into autumn. September is a month of preparation, when the exuberance of summer growth gives way to the quieter rhythms of fall. Plants are settling in, colors start to shift toward the warm spectrum, and our horticulture team is busy behind the scenes ensuring that the gardens move gracefully into the next season.
The September Transition
Autumn doesn’t arrive all at once, it creeps in slowly. Early signs can be seen in the subtle bronze tinge of maple leaves, in the crisp mornings, and in the way some perennials begin to fade while others reach their seasonal peak. To support this transition, our team adapts daily practices and introduces new tasks that balance the needs of the present with the promise of the coming year.
Key Garden Tasks This Month
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Watering with Care
While the heat of summer has passed, drought conditions often persist into October. Our horticulturists monitor soil moisture closely, providing just enough water to keep plants healthy without encouraging unnecessary late-season growth. -
Weeding and Bed Maintenance
With many plants settling into dormancy, this is the ideal time to tidy garden beds, removing weeds before they can spread seeds and preparing the stage for fall-blooming highlights. -
Seed Collecting
September is a month of abundance. Staff carefully collect seeds from select perennials and annuals, preserving Bloedel’s plant diversity and ensuring fresh material for future plantings. Some seeds will be dried and stored, while others will be sown directly for natural reseeding. -
Bulb and Plant Orders
Fall is prime time for planting woody shrubs and trees, as well as spring-blooming bulbs. Orders placed now ensure that the gardens will burst with blooms come spring, while also strengthening the backbone of the landscape with thoughtfully chosen woody plants. -
Tree Care
Late summer often brings a flush of unwanted water sprouts and suckers. Removing these now helps maintain tree form, encourages healthy structure, and reduces stress as trees prepare for winter dormancy. -
Seasonal Traditions
Beyond horticultural tasks, the Reserve prepares for community traditions that celebrate the spirit of fall. The Squash Hunt, a family favorite, is just around the corner in October—inviting children and adults alike to experience the whimsy and joy of the season in a garden setting.
Looking Ahead to Autumn Splendor
These efforts set the stage for autumn’s unfolding beauty. Visitors will notice the deepening colors, the crisp air, and the shifting textures that make fall at Bloedel Reserve such a beloved time of year.
