Collier's Garden Scoop

September 2017


'Ember's Wish' Salvia

September's arrival means that summer is coming to an end. The cool temps and low humidity of autumn are already creeping into the air, which gives every gardener the urge to get their hands dirty once again. Our inventory will expand this month as we approach the fall planting season, and we hope you will visit the nursery and enjoy with us the transition from one season to another during September.

September Hours

Monday - Saturday 9 to 5

Closed Sundays


watering can planter with marigolds ($14.99)

What's In-Store for September

Fresh blooms have arrived for early fall. Spruce up outdoor spaces with pockets of color that will last until pansy-planting time. Take a look below at a few of the flowers available this month. Not pictured, but also in stock now: angelonia, blue daze, cosmos, cleome, euphorbia, fanflower, gomphrena, pentas, vinca, zinnias and several varieties of salvia.

We have a great selection of herbs right now. Basil, chives, parsley, rosemary, sage and thyme are in stock and ready to spice up your garden (cilantro arrives later this week)!

Shrubs & groundcovers have begun to arrive in anticipation of the fall planting season. Take advantage of the mild temps and moist soils we've been blessed with this summer and get a head start on landscaping projects during September.

Cool season veggies will begin to arrive within the next two weeks!


Asters Spring and fall blooming perennial with white, pink, blue or purple flowers (cut back after spring bloom). Grows best in full or partial sun.	Marigolds Will tolerate a light frost. Marigolds contain a chemical that is known to deter insect pests, so are ideal companion plants for herbs and veggies.	Million Bells Mini petunia-like blooms grace this pretty 'spiller' that comes in a wide variety of colors. Enjoy these during September and October.


Mums Chrysanthemums are the go-to fall flower. Their full, round habit and profuse blooms in autumn hues make them simple to use in containers to decorate for the fall season.	Petunias Like marigolds, petunias will tolerate a light frost and so can be enjoyed late into fall. Trailing varieties are great additions to cool-season container gardens.	Purslane We have received a fresh shipment of this summer survivor in six different colors! Purslane is a bulletproof spiller for container gardens in part to full sun.

Favorite for Fall

Container Gardens:

'Sunshine' Ligustrum

The vivid golden foliage of this compact-growing ligustrum is perfect for adding bright color to container gardens this fall. Since it is evergreen, it will last through the winter as well and can be under-planted with pansies later in the fall. Of course, it can also be used in the landscape as a foundation plant or low hedge. This is a sterile cultivar that does not produce seeds and so is not invasive. Also, it does not bloom so won't bother allergy sufferers like other ligustrums are known to. Pictured here: 'New Gold' lantana and purslane with a 'Sunshine' ligustrum.

September Blues

Bluebeard

Caryopteris is a perennial that adds stunning blue flowers to the late summer and fall garden, which pair perfectly with yellow, orange and red blooms of fall favorites like marigolds and mums. Bluebeard has a woody, shrub-like habit and grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. It thrives in full or partial sun (3 hours or more each day). Many gardeners are aware of how difficult it can be to find reliable perennials with blue flowers, so Caryopteris is a must-have for the perennial garden!

Porterweed

Also known as Brazilian Tea, this Stachytarpheta species is native to Florida and is grown as an annual in central Alabama. Tiny cobalt-blue flowers open along whip-like spikes throughout summer and fall, and attract both butterflies and hummingbirds. With a large, sprawling habit from 18 to 36 inches tall and nearly as wide, porterweed makes an excellent height accent in container gardens or flower beds, and thrives in full or partial sun.

September Lawn Care

Apply fertilome For All Seasons

to Zoysia, Bermuda & St. Augustine lawns in early September

Collier's Nursery

205-822-3133

info@colliersnursery.com

2904 Old Rocky Ridge Road

Birmingham, AL 35243