Volume 10: Issue 18AAA5AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA September 23, 2026



Your Local Source for Green Inspiration and a Deeper Connection to Nature!

 

Today is the first full day of Autumn - the start of one of the most beautiful seasons for our region. While we might be sad to see summer go, we're also excited for crisp mornings, spectacular fall colors, football season, and the opportunities the season brings to enhance and enjoy outdoor spaces.


I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported our 21st Annual YardScapes Quad-Am Golf Classic benefiting Pratt Nature Center. The generosity of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and participants helps ensure the continued success of this important community event and the preservation of a local treasure. -Shayne

FALL IS FOR AERATION

While overseeding (discussed last issue) often gets the spotlight, aeration is the foundation of a healthy lawn. Over time, soil becomes compacted from foot traffic, mowing, pets, and even heavy rainfall. Compacted soil hinders the flow of air, water, and nutrients to grass roots, making it difficult for lawns to thrive.


Core aeration removes small plugs of soil, creating channels that allow oxygen, moisture, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the root zone. The result is stronger root development, improved drought tolerance, and a thicker, healthier lawn.


Fall is the ideal time to aerate cool-season grasses because lawns are actively growing and can recover quickly. Aeration also helps reduce thatch buildup and improves overall soil structure, setting the stage for vigorous growth next spring.



If your lawn feels hard underfoot, struggles during dry periods, or has areas that remain thin despite regular care, aeration may be one of the most beneficial services you can provide. Think of it as giving your lawn room to breathe before heading into winter.

NATIVE PLANT OF THE MONTH


As summer fades into autumn, Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) begins its seasonal show. This native prairie grass is found throughout Connecticut and much of North America, prized for its year-round beauty, adaptability, and ecological value. While its blue-green foliage is attractive throughout the growing season, fall is when Little Bluestem truly shines, transforming into brilliant shades of copper, bronze, orange, and red that can light up the landscape.


Beyond its beauty, Little Bluestem is a champion of sustainable landscaping. Its deep root system helps improve soil health, reduce erosion, and increase drought tolerance, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens and naturalized landscapes. It thrives in full sun and performs well in poor soils where many other plants struggle, requiring little supplemental watering once established.


Consider incorporating Little Bluestem into perennial borders, meadow gardens, pollinator plantings, or foundation landscapes. Its upright form and rich autumn color pair beautifully with native fall-blooming perennials such as goldenrod, asters, and Joe-Pye weed, creating a vibrant display that benefits both people and pollinators.

THANK YOU to all our sponsors & donors!


PLATINUM SPONSORS

LANDCARE

HMS Foundation

GOLD SPONSOR

RC3 Electric

SILVER SPONSORS

Carl Profita & Sons Plumbing

New Milford Fitness & Aquatics

Parker Medical

Rancho Mesa Insurance

Tidbury Creek Farms

TEE SPONSORS

Advanced Turf Solutions

All American Waste

Allegiance Trucks

Aspetuck Animal Hospital

Discover Danbury & Candlewood Lake

Dobson Pools

Litchfield Ford

M & H Equipment

Mitchell

My Tree Guy

Pasnau Investment Management

Rogo Fastener Co.

Source Construction

State Rep. Bill Buckbee Re-Election Committee

CART SPONSORS

Action Computer Service

Candlewood Animal Hospital

Coldwell Banker - Chris LaCava

Jennings Oil & Propane

Litchfield Magazine

Hudson Valley Preservation Corporation

Plan B Tires

SPG Productions

Valley Golf Center

PROGRAM SPONSORS

Fiorita Kornhaus & Co CPAs

Joe's Salon & Spa

Universal Body & Equipment


DONORS

Action Wildlife

Apex Detailing Co.

Aquila's Nest Vineyards

Michael Atieh

BUDR Cannabis

Chick-fil-A

D. Lorraine Aesthetics

Danbury Hat Tricks

Elicit Brewing

Golf Ranch Brookfield

Housatonic Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Hartford Yard Goats

The Iron Rail

Greg Kaiser

Lake Compounce

Lesser Evil

Litchfield Distillery

M & H Equipment

Kat Egeneberger - Mary Kay

Nerf Dog Toys

New Fairfield Press

New Milford Tennis & Swim

O'Reilly's Auto Parts

Poncho Outdoors

Speedi-Sign

Warner Theater

White Silo Farm & Winery

VOLUNTEERS

Gary Bates

Greg Kaiser

Jeff Kilberg

Tom Marino

Shayne Newman

John Oviatt

Matt Pleshaw

Kerri Roberts

Dawn Rotella

Diane Swanson

Owen Swanson

Brenda Vaughey


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YardScapes Landscape Professionals(860) 350-2737 18 Aspetuck Ridge Road New Milford, CT 06776 US

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