This is the sixth in a series of columns prepared by the staff at the award winning West Seattle Nursery. 

The Nursery is open for shopping, following COVID guidelines and they offer an array of trees, shrubs, bedding plants, garden supplies, decor and gift items. They are located at 5275 California Ave SW and you can find them online at https://www.westseattlenursery.com

Yes, we say that every autumn, but in this era of climate change it is more important than ever. Our seasons are changing along with the climate. Summers are longer, hotter, and drier. This summer, we set a record for high temperatures, topping out at 108 degrees. We went 51 days without rain, tying a record set in 1951. 

As a result, a lot of plants installed in late spring died. Even well-established ones struggled to survive. 

We don’t know what the coming year holds, but to give trees and shrubs their best chance, consider planting now, instead of spring. We’ve had some good, soaking rains lately that have added much needed moisture to the soil. Whatever is planted now will grow slowly over the fall and winter, and start getting established before the frenzy of the spring growing season arrives. 

Most nurseries have a good supply of trees, shrubs and perennials that are ready to find a home. So dream a little dream of spring, and start planting now.