Hibiscuses and asters and chrysanthemums, oh my!  Last night, we had the pleasure of hosting certified Master Gardener Susan Kelly of Reynolds' Farms Nursery as she reminded us that Fall is a wonderful time to tend to the garden and try out some new plants that crave the cooler, crisper weather.

In addition to commentating a slide show of over 30 different types of breathtaking fall flowers, plants, and grasses, Susan provided us with tons of great tips for planting, such as when to prune, which flowers love sunlight, the best choices for a rock garden, and how long plants usually take to reach full, picturesque bloom.  Want to make the most of your garden, even in economically trying times?  Susan suggests inviting all of your friends over for a garden trading party, where everyone shares whatever plants they have an abundance of in their own backyards!  Trying to figure out what went wrong with your geranium bush this year?  Susan recommends keeping a gardening journal of what has and has not worked for you each season.

Two of our Master Gardener's favorite resources are The Well-Tended Perennial Garden and The Well-Designed Mixed Garden, both by Tracy DiSabato-Aust. Each book contains hundreds of color photographs and takes you from basics to more advanced techniques. DiSabato-Aust's books are unique because the author thinks outside the box (er...outside the garden?) when arranging her plants and flowers, and it translates into an incredible display that is at first risky, but always well-rewarded.

For more information about Connecticut's Master Gardener Program, which combines horticulture training with outreach to the community , click here.  Also, check out the new gardening books we have at Darien Library.