Time Flies. And Butterflies Do, Too

By Jim Sollecito

I don’t like those “Save the Date” announcements. I just never know what to do with them.

If I place magnets on the fridge, it gets tedious to be reminded every time I open the door. Put it away in a drawer and I’ll probably forget all about it. I say this because I recently received a notification from a local funeral home reminding me that my expiration date is approaching and I should budget accordingly.

I pose this question: how do
they know?

But one thing is certain, my favorite time of year, autumn, is flying in fast.

Anticipating the lovely fall planting time, when our landscape plants literally thank us for placing them into their new home.

There is no question that the climate is changing. There is emphasis on plants that provide not only fall foliage colors, but also seasonal flowers during September and October.

In addition to the many varieties of panicle hydrangeas (we carry at least 27), other plants such as Tianshan autumn lilac, Denim ’n Lace Russian sage, Pure Joy sedum, Rozanne cranesbill and, of course, Purrsian Blue catmint are some of the most durable and visually exciting late-blooming plants you should have in your landscape.

Although we see most activity in spring and summer, many varieties of butterflies, such as the red admiral, still require sustenance. Butterflies that live in more northern latitudes migrate to the southern states to continue finding food resources in the winter. You can help by offering butterflies their last meals before their next big adventure.

When it’s time to replace a plant, it’s important to analyze what’s been happening. It may have not been your fault. More likely, something was amiss. Sometimes, it’s merely age. Other times conditions change and that plant just couldn’t tolerate it. So don’t replace with the same variety. Try something different. Particularly now, when garden centers like ours are bringing in next spring’s nursery stock. We used to say the best selection was in the spring, but not so much anymore. The best time is probably right now. Stocking a garden center isn’t the same as it used to be. If we don’t get our fresh material now, it may not be available in April. That’s the new normal.

The ground is warm. Ample rainfall hydrates. Shorter days offer moderate temperatures for plants to settle into to their new surroundings. Plus, the only plant part that grows now is their essential roots. The larger and healthier the root system, the better overall vigor for the entire plant.

It’s just flat out easier to dig in autumn and you usually don’t have to water as frequently. Take home some flowering shrubs or perennials. It’s perfect timing for you — and the butterflies.

Jim Sollecito is the first lifetime senior certified landscape professional in New York State. He operates Sollecito Landscaping Nursery in Syracuse. Contact him at 315-468-1142 or jim@sollecito.com.