Fall in the Dye Garden

Pat Doran

Fall comes to the garden slowly, almost imperceptibly. The zinnias are producing fewer blooms just as the goldenrod is beginning to bloom. We will harvest until first frost, and the intrepid gardeners are wondering when that will be. Does an extended growing season allow plants to produce more seeds for next year, or are a finite number of blooms produced according to nature’s design? This nature lover is observing with interest.

An enemy to nature’s reproduction, the deer which inhabit the farm at Awbury, are again nibbling on our garden. The carrots planted to replace the ravaged safflower are under siege, their delicate foliage falling prey to the deer. This predator serves no known purpose, although I hear that venison is delicious.

We had visitors of another sort in the garden. Students from Wyncote Academy came to gain inspiration and information for their own recently installed garden. Seniors and juniors learned about bloom cultivation and harvesting as they work toward an understanding of the dyeing process. They are also exploring links to math, chemistry, history, crafts and art, a good reminder for all of us who love and cultivate gardens.
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