A free seminar for people who want to learn more about fall planting will be offered at Swansons Nursery on Saturday, Sept. 19 titled “Shrink Your Lawn, Grow Your Garden.”

Greg Rabourn of KUOW’s Greendays Gardening Panel and KCTV’s Yard Talk, will discuss how to convert some or all of your lawn into a beautiful landscape featuring native plants and attractive perennials.
 
When fall rolls around, many people start putting the garden tools away – the planting season as they know it is over. But what they often don’t realize is that fall is also a great time to plant, according to gardeners as Swansons.

The fall is the time of year when plants and trees turn their energy from growing leaves and flowers into growing roots.   Cooler autumn air and increased rainfall are the perfect conditions for developing strong roots ahead of dry summers.

Healthy roots make for more drought-tolerant and disease-resistant plants. Plus, gardeners can take advantage of “free” autumn rains to water young roots instead of using a hose. 
 
Also, July’s record-breaking heat wave has created an opportunity for people to see the effect extreme temperatures have on their garden, to look at which plants did not fare so well, and which plants have continued to thrive. Because fall is when nurseries have big plant sales, this is a great time to restock the garden with more resilient varieties.

“Right plant, right place” is an important consideration when choosing plants and Seattle Public Utilities and the Saving Water Partnership have created some great resources for gardeners, including a comprehensive guide and list of plants: http://savingwater.org/outside_garden.htm.

Also, a free newsletter, the Savvy Gardener is available here.
 
Shrink Your Lawn, Grow Your Garden

Tired of spending time, money and effort to maintain your lawn? Want to add color to your landscape and invite wildlife into your yard? Learn how to convert some or all of your lawn into a beautiful landscape featuring native plants and attractive perennials. You'll be amazed how your newly converted landscape will be packed with birds and keep pests in check.

Swansons Nursery at 9701 15th Ave. N.W.
Phone: (206) 782-2543
Saturday, Sept. 19, 10 to 11 a.m.