When I was applying to be a Master Gardener in Pennsylvania over 22 years ago, there was an interview process along with a written test. There were a lot of people interested in the program and the Penn State Extension Office staff needed to be sure to pick gardeners that would be willing to commit to classes each week for the entire winter as well as volunteering through the year. I seem to remember the test being challenging but not impossible. It was the interview I was worried about.
Of course, worrying did nothing to help my preparation, but I allowed myself some reflecting time as I wondered what types of questions the panel would ask and what my answers would be. My main worry was the result of a rumor that we would be required to know the botanical names of plants in addition to their common names. Turns out I needn’t have worried as the botanical names would be something we could learn during the classes. I did fine on the test and must have passed the interview as well as I was informed a few days later that I had made it into the class.
But there was one question that I was asked in the interview that I remember to this day: “In what time of year do you like to garden most?” I immediately answered, “The Fall is my favorite time for gardening.” I’m not even sure why I said that, but because it came so easily
it must have been true. And over the years I have realized my answer was accurate. I do like to garden in the fall best.
Of course, the Pennsylvania summers were often brutally hot and humid so I did look forward to cooler weather to work outside. But even after moving to Oregon, I still enjoy fall gardening the best. “Why?” you ask? Let me count the ways!
I love the colors of the fall when the Japanese and vine maples start to turn deeper reds or yellows. I love the crunch of the dried alder leaves underfoot and I love raking those leaves. It’s such a calming task that I really don’t need to think about too much; a job where I can allow my mind drift to other topics.
I love to watch the migrating birds return on their ways south for the winter. Especially the pelicans and their graceful flight across the bay.
I like cleaning out the potting shed and getting rid of broken or cracked pots. I like straightening up the potting shed, too, and getting rid of pots, implements and tools I won’t use. And I like sorting through my tool bucket to see what will need to be repaired or replaced before next spring.
I love to explore nurseries when they are having fall sales and find a shrub or a perennial to plant now so I won’t have to water them all summer.
I even love sweeping the cobwebs from around the front door to my house. Before I did that the other day, I was starting to feel as if we were living in a haunted house. I don’t feel too badly about destroying the webs because the spiders are quick to weave new ones that I will no doubt walk into the very next morning.
But I love fall gardening mostly because I love to make the garden look tidy once again. I love to cut back the dying hosta to the ground. I love to prune the roses for winter. I love to cut back the Shasta daisies and the Japanese anemones. I love pulling out browned crocosmia leaves and cutting off dead hellebore leaves. I love clearing annuals from the pots so I can wash them and stack them in the newly cleaned potting shed. I love to watch my compost pile grow and grow knowing the winter rains will compact all the debris into usable mulch by next year.
And as I am working so hard in my fall garden, I love to daydream about my gardens next year. For I know gardens are always better next year.
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