Gold in the hills.

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

-Anne, Anne of Green Gables (Lucy Maud Montgomery)

I may be as delighted as Anne about the vibrant colours of fall, but I woke up this morning and realized it was October 3 and I still have a million things to do yet in the garden. I was a little…um…ENTHUSIASTIC during recent trips to the garden centre and while perusing the mail order catalogues and so there are quite a few packages of snowdrops and muscari and a pound of garlic (am I crazy?) yet to plant. I also bought some tarda tulips, which I’ve never grown before. I have really high expectations for these little beauties, and I’m already eager for spring to see how they do! Unfortunately, time doesn’t seem to be on my side…we’ve had some pretty serious frosts here and the soil is already hardening. I have to get moving!

While I dally, autumn speedily rolls along….

Photos taken at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, Cochrane, Alberta – 24 September 2014

Tomorrow is our fall clean up day for members of the community garden – it feels like we collectively blinked and summer was over, but apparently, we had enough time to have a fairly productive season (early snowstorms notwithstanding). If you’re interested in seeing what we’ve been up to over the summer, you can check out the garden’s blog here; I’ve posted a bunch of photos I took over the growing season. The diversity of crops is amazing to see: gardeners grew everything from asparagus peas to zucchini!

What garden successes have you recently celebrated?

Do you plant spring-flowering bulbs? What are your favourites?

Posted by:

Sheryl @ Flowery Prose

Sheryl Normandeau is a writer and gardening enthusiast living in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in the foothills of the spectacular Rocky Mountains.

50 responses to “Gold in the hills.”

Deb

October 3, 2014

Great fall images.

Is garlic always planted in the fall? Another intriguing thing to grow.

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1. Sheryl @ Flowery Prose
  
  October 3, 2014
  
  You don’t have to plant it in the fall, but it’s typically done for hardneck varieties, in particular. The bulbs have more time to plump up and become more flavourful. Softneck is better when planted in fall as well, but you can also plant it in spring.
  
  Reply
  1. Deb
    
    October 3, 2014
    
    Now I have another question (of course! LOL!) , what is the difference between the hardnecks and softnecks, and which store better?
    
    Reply
    1. Sheryl @ Flowery Prose
      
      October 3, 2014
      
      The softnecks store better, for the most part, but I’ve so far only grown hardneck and have had good luck with storage (you do have to cure it first). Softnecks are the soft-stalked ones that you sometimes see braided; the hardnecks are the stiff-stalked ones that produce scapes. There is some good information on The Old World Garden Farms blog: http://oldworldgardenfarms.com/2013/07/02/how-to-grow-cure-and-store-your-own-garlic/.
      
      Reply
      1. Deb
        
        October 3, 2014
        
        Thanks for the info. I know they grow garlic out on the island as there is an organic garlic farm really close to our house. I think I am tempted to try growing it.
        
        Reply
Patti

October 3, 2014

I have the tarda tulips in my garden. They are very pretty in the spring! Nice community garden!

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1. Sheryl @ Flowery Prose
  
  October 3, 2014
  
  I am so excited to try the tarda tulips – I just love the way they look!
  
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Stephi

October 3, 2014

Beautiful photos. Fall is definately settling in here. I always have trouble finding time to plant fall bulbs, but this year I’m going to plant garlic. Have everything ready to go, just need to decide where to put them. BTW I just love Anne of Green Gables. Alltime childhood favorite.

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1. Sheryl @ Flowery Prose
  
  October 3, 2014
  
  I so adored the Anne books when I was a child; my copies are definitely well-loved! Might have to dig them out for a revisit…. 🙂
  
  I like the fact that with the hardneck garlic you have the scapes as well. That’s such a wonderful bonus. Enjoy planting your garlic!
  
  Reply
b wanhill

October 3, 2014

Beautiful photos Sheryl! I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one still visiting garden centres at this time of year. If you have squirrels in your area do you put down protection for your bulbs? I’m finding the squirrels have been digging up the odd one of mine. Planting garlic tomorrow. Happy autumn. : )

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1. Sheryl @ Flowery Prose
  
  October 7, 2014
  
  Thanks so much and happy autumn to you as well!
  
  I’m definitely going to put down some plastic mesh over top of my bulbs – I’ve lost all of my tulips in the past to the squirrels, so I’m not going to take a chance this year. Chicken wire would probably work better but I don’t want to buy and store a big roll. I find the squirrels don’t touch the muscari…and this will be my first year planting snowdrops, so maybe I had better cover those as well.
  
  Which varieties of garlic are you planting this year? I had good luck with ‘Legacy’ this year…and I had a red Spanish one as well that was really nice. I’m giving ‘Music’ another go this year – I planted it two years ago and it performed fairly well.
  
  Isn’t it nice to go to the garden centres at this time of year? – it’s so fun to browse, when it’s quiet. Gets me in planning mode for the next year! 🙂
  
  Reply
Cathy

October 4, 2014

Those views look lovely Sheryl. The autumn colours are just getting started here too. Good luck with bulb planting. I got some of mine in early, but still have a boxful… it’s hard to pick a favourite, but I do love the species tulips. Have a great weekend!

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1. Sheryl @ Flowery Prose
  
  October 7, 2014
  
  We had such a sudden shock with that snowstorm in early September and the fall colours aren’t as pronounced as they sometimes are here…but it’s still lovely to see! Your colours will be so much more gradual and you’ll be able to enjoy them much longer. 🙂
  
  There is something really special about the species tulips, isn’t there?
  
  Reply
zipcoffelt

October 4, 2014

Love the Anne of Green Gables quote – one of my all time favorites. And your fall photos are gorgeous. As for tulips, won’t deer eat them? I’m going now to look them up. I planted tulips last fall and crossed my fingers. I should have depended on my dogs. They promptly scent marked that area – no self-respecting deer would go near that little plot of tulips and I had wonderful flowers this past spring.

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1. Sheryl @ Flowery Prose
  
  October 7, 2014
  
  Having dogs would definitely help with the deer problem! I think deer would go after tulips even more readily than the squirrels will. I’m so happy the deer stay away from my little garden – they hang out up on the hill nearby, but never come down into this neighbourhood. They are beautiful creatures to watch but I wouldn’t want them near my plants!
  
  Reply
KerryCan

October 4, 2014

Fall is zipping by us, too, and I have so much to do! And I’d forgotten all about my resolution to plant more bulbs until I read your post. I really, really should get out there and do it . . .

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1. Sheryl @ Flowery Prose
  
  October 7, 2014
  
  I sure hope you get a chance to do so! Time is flying by – I don’t seem to have a grasp on it at all…. 🙂
  
  Reply
diversifolius

October 4, 2014

Great images! I wouldn’t be without October either 🙂 In redoing my garden I’m digging up and replanting some bulbs and tubers – I recommend Corydalis solida to everyone – a superb early spring display (and no mess afterwards).

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1. Sheryl @ Flowery Prose
  
  October 10, 2014
  
  Wow! – I did some checking on Corydalis solida: http://torontobotanicalgarden.ca/news/bulb-of-the-month-corydalis-solida/. Turns out I can grow them in zone 3, which I’m thrilled about. Next year I will track down some bulbs – they seem to be readily available via mail order from eastern Canada. Thank you so much for the recommendation – judging by the photos, they are true showstoppers, aren’t they?
  
  Reply
  1. diversifolius
    
    October 11, 2014
    
    For sure they are and you can grow them with no problem in zone 3. In Europe they grow in many similar regions with yours (winter-speaking).
    Fraser Thimble Farms has some (mail-order).
    
    Reply
clarepooley33

October 4, 2014

Beautiful photographs! I have grown Tarda tulips and they are so lovely – bright sunshiny flowers. I grew them in a tub which I kept in the cold greenhouse over winter which protected them from too much wet and squirrels. I could also move them about and put them in any sunshine there was. They lasted for some years. Haven’t been able to do much gardening recently and no visits to garden centre so nothing new for next year.

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1. Sheryl @ Flowery Prose
  
  October 10, 2014
  
  That’s a great idea to grow the tulips in a tub – I like the idea that you could move it whenever you wanted to (and keep it away from the squirrels). I haven’t thought to try them in containers – if I had a deep enough tub, maybe I could overwinter them. A greenhouse might be the ticket to success, however, even unheated.
  
  Reply
  1. clarepooley33
    
    October 10, 2014
    
    Because we have great trouble from mice, voles and squirrels I often put some fine chicken wire about an inch below the surface of the soil. The plants can grow up through it but the rodents can’t dig down. Tubs I often wrap in bubble-wrap as extra insulation when it gets very cold.
    
    Reply
The Canadian Cats

October 4, 2014

Beautiful shots of the changing colours in the forest and that path….wow!…I can see me walking along it with mom and Kali. We don’t like autumn cause it means the cruel winter is coming but you have captured some of the beauty of fall. Thanks for the glimpse.

(((Shoko)))

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1. Sheryl @ Flowery Prose
  
  October 10, 2014
  
  Autumn is the perfect time to go out on a walk in a beautiful forest and then return home to curl up and take a little cat nap in the sun! 🙂
  
  Reply
Crooked Tracks

October 4, 2014

It seems this summer went so fast, we saw a few snowflakes yesterday, I am adding more tulips to my garden 🙂

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1. Sheryl @ Flowery Prose
  
  October 10, 2014
  
  Yes, summer just flew by, didn’t it? I feel like I didn’t quite get outside to enjoy it as much as I should have.
  
  I hope your snowflakes were not numerous, and didn’t last long. 🙂
  
  Do you have any secrets to keeping the squirrels away from your tulips? I used the netting this year and I am hoping it will work!
  
  Reply
  1. Crooked Tracks
    
    October 10, 2014
    
    I have no idea, I would be very interested to know if the netting works.
    
    Reply
colorpencil2014

October 4, 2014

Kindred spirits, Sheryl! The world is so pretty now. I ma happy the snow is gone for yuo for a while. yes, time for spring bulbs: I love daffodills, especially since the deer don’t love them;0) But I have to get some more snow dropps! Have a lovley weekend!

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1. Sheryl @ Flowery Prose
  
  October 10, 2014
  
  I am so happy we’ve actually had a proper fall after that horrible snowstorm! I’m really enjoying the colours…and I finally have a tiny bit of spare time to go out walking!
  
  I’m not sure why I waited so long to plant snowdrops – I was trying to build up my collection of muscari, I guess, and I haven’t been buying huge quantities every year. I’m excited to finally have the little beauties in my garden – I hope they do well!
  
  Daffodils are so wonderful as well but for some reason, I’ve never had much luck with them…I do have a few miniature ones, though, which I love.
  
  Have a lovely weekend – I just found your latest post in my inbox and it looks like you’ve been busy crocheting and knitting some beautiful cosy things! Enjoy! 🙂
  
  Reply
bittster

October 4, 2014

You’ve really captured the beauty of the open scenery, what an amazing landscape but I wouldn’t want to traipse across it in February! I need to get the garlic in too plus more daffodils! I can never have too many daffodils 🙂

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1. Sheryl @ Flowery Prose
  
  October 7, 2014
  
  You’re right, it’s not so nice to walk there in the winter, especially if the wind is howling off the mountains. There are a few trees near the river for protection, but the south side of the park is wide open prairie.
  
  And I totally agree about the daffodils! – it’s definitely not possible to have too many. And – bonus! – the squirrels leave them alone! Hmmmm….maybe I need to make another trip to the garden centre…. 😉
  
  Reply
Time With Thea (@TimeWithThea)

October 5, 2014

Your photography is stunning. Yellows and golds really do make pretty fall colours. I just finished getting the garden ready for Winter. Phew…

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1. Sheryl @ Flowery Prose
  
  October 7, 2014
  
  I know – such a lot of work, isn’t it? 🙂 I got a bit done on the weekend but there is still a great deal left to do…it looks like we’ll have some good warm days yet for the rest of this week, so maybe I’ll have a chance.
  
  Reply
LB

October 5, 2014

I love that quote!
Beautiful photos and good luck in these final gardening days! I spent most of the morning harvesting my remaining basil 🙂

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1. Sheryl @ Flowery Prose
  
  October 7, 2014
  
  Oh yum…basil! I didn’t have luck growing it outdoors this summer…it’s always hit or miss for me. I have better success if I grow it indoors, it seems. I’m always envious of anyone who can get a nice harvest of it – it’s my favourite herb! 🙂
  
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Donna@GardensEyeView

October 7, 2014

Lots of success in the veg beds this year and flowers are looking wonderful still but we are getting cold weather too. No bulbs this year as I am reassessing the gardens…but I expect some movement and bulb planting next year. Stunning foliage and your pictures are breathtaking…love the header too.

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1. Sheryl @ Flowery Prose
  
  October 10, 2014
  
  Thanks so much, Donna! You’ve had a really great gardening season…I’m so happy to hear that (and see all your wonderful photos on your blog! I still cannot comment on there for some reason – I believe my computer is on its last legs, so I’m sure the issue will resolve itself once I get the new one).
  
  Enjoy a wonderful weekend – I hope it’s full of sunshine!
  
  Reply
LadyPinkRose

October 7, 2014

Awesome photos! And for the first time this year I am planting bulbs. Yes, I have taken the plunge. Love, Amy

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1. Sheryl @ Flowery Prose
  
  October 10, 2014
  
  Thank you! What types of bulbs are you planting this year? I love all the variety to choose from! 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!
  
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  1. LadyPinkRose
    
    October 11, 2014
    
    I am planting something calledx Muscari. I start with these and go from there. (smile) Love, Amy
    
    Reply
    1. Sheryl @ Flowery Prose
      
      November 1, 2014
      
      Muscari is wonderful – I grow them as well and they’re reliable and such bright spots of colour in early spring!
      
      Reply
      1. LadyPinkRose
        
        November 2, 2014
        
        LOL I just bought about 200 bulbs ready for me to plant. Daffodils, Tulips, Crocuses …. I’m waiting for the weather to PALEEZE turn a wee warmer to do this. I may be doing this today. First I have to figure out on a piece of paper where I will be putting all these flowers. LOL I must work wisely because my gardens a bit full now as it is. LOL Yep, I am a sucker for flowers. (((HUGS))) Amy
        
        Reply
Melissa

October 16, 2014

Are all those your plants? Wow, these are amazing! You certainly have a green thumb. Nice scenery by the way! Where in Canada is this? I am actually looking for Canadian rocky mountain resorts but Google led me here, hehehe. I am from Germany and I really am interested to visit your country.

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1. Sheryl @ Flowery Prose
  
  October 17, 2014
  
  Hi, Melissa, I’m happy Google brought you to Flowery Prose! The photographs of the hills and trees in this post were taken in a provincial park called Glenbow Ranch, just outside of the small town of Cochrane, near Calgary, Alberta. We are located very, very close to the Rocky Mountains – just a 45 minute drive away!
  
  The photographs at the link were taken in the community garden where I have rented a plot. Not all of the plants shown at the link are mine – they were grown by all of the members of the garden.
  
  I hope you get a chance to travel to our province one day soon and enjoy the beautiful mountains – we truly have some spectacular scenery here and opportunities for recreation.
  
  Reply
Cynthia Reyes

October 17, 2014

I’m afraid we’ll have to “look the other way” this fall and pretend some of those garden chores and transgressions aren’t there. Sorry for my recent radio silence, but I think you understand from reading “Giving thanks” and “No Words” on my blog, Sheryl. I always like to visit your blog, but life overtook me.

My best for the fall. And I love October too.

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1. Sheryl @ Flowery Prose
  
  November 1, 2014
  
  Thank you, Cynthia – you’ve been through a great deal these past few months and I wish you all the best. I’m not always as up to date on my reading of blogs (or responding to comments), as I would like – but I’m so grateful for you and everyone else in the blogging community. Such a wonderful group to be a part of!
  
  Reply
Beauty Along the Road

October 31, 2014

I can so relate to all these ideas for the garden and then realizing how quickly time is dissipating 🙂

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1. Sheryl @ Flowery Prose
  
  November 1, 2014
  
  It is truly flying by! Hopefully we can take a few moments each day to enjoy the season! 🙂
  
  Reply
natuurfreak

October 24, 2016

Now it’s the moment to enjoy

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