Next general meeting
October 14th, 2025. 9:30am-11:30am
LFP Third Place Commons (near the stage).

Why I Like October in the Garden October has always been one of my favorite months in the garden. There’s a calmness in the air, a sense that the hard work of summer is behind me, and now the garden is settling into its quieter rhythm. The light softens, the colors deepen, and everything feels touched by a golden glow. While much of the garden begins to fade, I find that October is far from an ending—it’s a season of preparation and gentle renewal. I love October for the way it invites both reflection and action. I can take time to simply enjoy the crisp mornings, watching mist rise from the grass, or the way leaves crunch underfoot. But I also look forward to the gardening tasks unique to this time of year—jobs that not only tidy the garden now but set the stage for success in spring. Here are some of my favorite October garden rituals and tips: 1. Planting spring bulbs. This is the month to tuck daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and hyacinths into the soil. There’s something deeply satisfying about planting bulbs in cool earth, knowing they’ll surprise me with color after the long winter. 2. Mulching and composting. October’s falling leaves are a gift. I gather them for mulch or add them to the compost pile, where they’ll break down into rich material for next year’s beds. It feels like the garden is giving back to itself. 3. Cutting back and clearing. I trim spent perennials, remove annuals that have finished their show, and tidy borders. This not only keeps the garden neat but also helps prevent pests and diseases overwintering. 4. Protecting tender plants. As nights grow colder, I take the time to bring in pots of tender plants or cover them with fleece to keep them safe. It’s a small act of care that makes a big difference. 5. Sowing cover crops. Bare soil benefits from a blanket of green manure or cover crops like clover or rye. It improves soil health and ensures the beds aren’t left exposed over winter. Even as I work, I pause often just to notice the beauty of October—the low sun filtering through amber leaves, the last blooms of chrysanthemums, or the cheerful presence of robins and blackbirds gathering food. October feels like the garden’s way of reminding me that every ending is also a beginning. And that’s why I love this month so much: it combines the quiet joy of reflection with the promise of future growth, all wrapped in autumn’s golden light.