BACK TO THE GARDEN: Late Fall is a Time for New Flower Beds
By Jim Daw
As we wrap up this year’s gardening season, it’s a perfect time to start planning for next spring. If you’re considering transforming parts of your lawn into flower beds, a great place to begin is alongside the front walkway. Adding two beds of flowers or interesting plants can create a warm, inviting entrance for you and your guests.
If you’re new to making flower beds, it’s a straightforward task, and late October to early November is an ideal time to start. When planning your bed, avoid making it too large or too small; aim for just enough space to accentuate the walkway without an overwhelming amount of digging. For reference, an 8-foot-long by 2-foot-wide bed on each side of the walkway is a manageable size for beginners.
Preparing the Bed
Once you’ve marked out the area, start by removing the existing grass. Try lifting it in sections, digging underneath to bring up the roots along with the grass. These sections can be repurposed to patch bare spots on your lawn.
To improve the soil, dig about a foot down and mix in good garden soil with an equal amount of peat moss. Begin with smaller quantities (about 2 cubic feet of each) to avoid overloading yourself. A sturdy digging fork is an excellent tool for this task, and it’s one you’ll find handy for many other garden projects as well. Once the soil is loosened and enriched, your flower bed is ready for planting.
Although it’s late in the year for most plants, it’s still a good time to plant daffodil bulbs. They’ll bring cheerful color to your garden in the spring. During the winter, you can plan your permanent bed designs, and if you decide on plantings that might clash with the daffodils, you can always relocate them later. In a future column, I’ll share some ideas for good and not-so-good plant choices for these beds. But for now, get digging!
Investing in Quality Garden Tools
Having quality garden tools makes every job easier and more enjoyable. Good tools last for decades and can withstand tough tasks, unlike cheaper versions that tend to bend or break under stress. We purchased most of our tools over 40 years ago, and as you can see, many still have their original varnish and paint.
A digging fork is especially useful for tasks like preparing beds and can endure significant strain. Cheap forks often bend and have weak handles, while high-quality ones will serve you well for years. I recommend visiting local garden stores for quality tools—they carry sturdy, reliable options that big-box stores often lack. Supporting these stores also helps ensure they remain part of our community.
A Reminder on Safety
For eye protection, I use Rocky the Flying Squirrel goggles, which have proven durable and provide full coverage. While they’re intended for workshop use, I also wear them while gardening, especially when pruning thorny plants like roses. Along with sturdy gloves, goggles are essential when handling anything with sharp ends—protecting your eyes is always worth the extra effort.
In gardening, careful preparation, the right tools, and safety measures can make a world of difference. Enjoy your fall preparations, and happy planting!
