September, 1998
find out what is growing in Ann Marie's garden, located in Austin, Texas
Things with wings
Hummingbirds are buzzing away, dragonflies sit perched on horsetails, and birds serenade from sunup to sundown, but where are the butterflies?  Horsetail Haven is missing its fluttering friends.  Only one Giant Swallowtail has been spotted laying eggs on the potted Citrus plants Texas Crescentspotand visits by other swallowtails have been few and far between.  The shrimp plants (Justicia brandegeana) are totally intact, normally this favorite food of Texas Crescentspot larva is green lace during the summer.  Pure speculation is that the heat and dry weather may have limited the number of butterflies, or perhaps, they are too busy enjoying the butterfly garden in the Zilker Garden Center.  Fortunately, the hummingbirds are keeping us amused with their fierce protection of the feeders and their enthusiastic visits to the Turk's Cap (Malvaviscus drummondii) and white flowered Salvia gregii.
Fall Gardening
The cooler weather that arrives in October makes autumn gardening a pleasure, September is the time to start planting a patchwork of salad greens, broccoli, and brussel sprouts.  Now is the time to sow cilantro, parsley, dill and fennel seeds.  Remember to keep the newly planted seeds moist and be patient.  Folk lore holds that parsley goes to the devil and back seven times before it sprouts.  Speed this along by soaking the parsley seeds overnight in dilute seaweed (kelp) solution.  This year Ann Marie will be sowing radicchio for the first time.  Another favorite winter green is arugula, also called roquette.  It adds a peppery bite to salads and brightens the spring garden with its pretty flowers.  Arugula reseeds itself in the Austin garden.   Ladybugs seem to be attracted to the arugula at Horsetail Haven.  Early fall is also the ideal time to plant hardy perennial herbs such as thyme, oregano, mints and lemon balm.  Planting in September allows the plant to become established enough to survive that first cold front that traditionally blows in at the end of November.  Herbs can continue to be harvested throughout the fall but avoid a harsh pruning, this will stimulate new growth which might be too tender to survive cold weather.  Remember, basil turns black at the mere mention of a freeze.  Realize that most basils won't survive temperatures much below 40 degrees.  For a supply of winter basil, try keeping one of the small forms, such as spicy globe, in a pot on a sunny windowsill.  Root your favorite basils in a glass of water.
Blooms
Roses, datura, butterfly pea vine, salvias, ox blood lilies...well...perhaps a picture is worth a thousand words....
ox blood lily
Ox Blood Lilies proved true to their alternate name of 'School
House Lily' and bloomed the week Austin's children returned to class
 
 
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