Mount Pleasant Magazine Sept/Oct 2019

79 www.MPMcalendar.com | www.BestOfMP.com | www.ILoveMountPleasant.com feature camellias and hydrangeas. The resounding “don’t” from all my experts was to not trim in the fall. This cuts the next spring’s blossoms. Jim Martin, director of horticulture at Charleston Parks Conservancy, said to add gardenias to the “don’t trim list” in the fall. Ranunculus, anemones, plumbago and crinum lilies – a.k.a. swamp lilies — all lead his “do list.” A huge fan of antique roses, Martin suggests blush noisette and climbing larmarque to add romance and texture. He also suggested to put bulbs in the ground for spring-blooming tulips, daffodils and irises and to make sure to plant your containers to allow the plants to root well over the winter to produce lush plants in the spring. JimMartin’sWord to theWise for Fall Gardening: “Use our mild fall weather as the optimal planting opportunity, guaranteeing success in the seasons to come.” No grass or garden to tend? Volunteer to be a Park Angel. Work alongside Jim Martin and his crew to plant and prune at one of the 150-plus Charleston County Parks. Sign up by visiting Charlestonparksconservancy.org. Planting is one thing, but how do you annihilate pesky insects from your camellias and moths from your lawn? Call Bob Dolan at 843-884-2551 at Royall’s Ace Hardware. His No. 1 customer question is: “How do I prepare for Crab Grass?” The answer: Weedx by Scotts or HALT to prevent springtime weeds. To control bugs and molds, he will create an Integrated Pest Management weekly spray program for you. Want an organic solution to the bug issue? Fill your garden with ladybugs, aphids, spider mites and praying mantis — or spray with neem oil solution that removes the bugs and leaves no residue. Bob Dolan’s Fall Tips: “Plant broccoli, cauliflower, cabbages and collards; divide bulbs like daylilies, tulips, Easter lilies and irises; and fertilize with ‘systemic soil drench’ around base of azaleas, camellias and hydrangeas.” Want foliage to cut from your garden? Naomi Wallace from Out of The Garden, a floral design and garden shop next door to Pitt Street Pharmacy in the Old Village, suggests fatsia, ivy and pittosporum for cutting at Christmas. Need help doing your planters? Wallace will come to your rescue. Reach her at 843-856-3581. The dog days of summer will soon be a distant memory as you relax in your blooming garden with a glass of wine and chairs full of friends enjoying the cool, crisp breezes of fall. Happy gardening! Farfugium. Marigolds. Masquerade ornamental pepper. Croton.