Essential Gardening Tasks for November

• Mulch Perennials and Shrubs: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of perennials, roses, and shrubs to insulate roots from winter temperature swings.
• Plant Spring Bulbs: If the ground hasn’t frozen yet, there’s still time to get tulips, daffodils, and other bulbs into the soil.
• Final Harvest and Cleanup: Pull up any remaining vegetables or annuals. Compost healthy plant debris and dispose of diseased material to prevent overwintering pests.
• Protect Trees and Shrubs: Use burlap or protective wraps to shield younger trees and tender shrubs from windburn and heavy snow.
• Tool Maintenance: Clean, oil, and store garden tools for the winter. Drain hoses and irrigation systems to prevent freeze damage.

Creating a Garden Memory Box

Preserve the spirit of your 2025 garden by starting a garden memory box. Include dried flowers, photos of your favorite blooms, garden tags, notes on what you grew, and any lessons learned. This tactile, visual keepsake can be a great planning tool and a way to celebrate your progress. You can even add seed packets for next spring’s ideas.

November in Bedford is a time for slowing down and reflecting. By completing these tasks and starting small, meaningful projects, you’ll head into winter with your garden resting peacefully—and your gardener’s heart full.

The post November Gardening in Bedford: Tucking in the Garden and Savoring the Season first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Essential Gardening Tasks

• Plant Spring Bulbs: October is prime time to plant daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and other spring bloomers. Getting them in the ground before the first frost ensures they’ll root well and provide a burst of color come spring.
• Winterize Perennials: Cut back perennials that have died back and mulch around their bases to protect roots from freeze-thaw cycles.
• Harvest the Last Crops: Pick the final vegetables and herbs from your garden. Green tomatoes can be ripened indoors, and herbs can be dried or frozen for winter use.
• Lawn and Leaf Care: Rake fallen leaves off your lawn to prevent mold, but don’t toss them all away—shredded leaves make excellent mulch or compost.
• Tool Care: Clean, sharpen, and oil tools before storing them for the season.

Decorating with Nature

October is also the perfect month to get creative with natural decorations from your garden. Pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, and even bundles of dried herbs or flowers can be used to create festive displays on your porch or around your home. You might even save colorful leaves to press and frame, preserving autumn’s beauty indoors.

By combining practical garden prep with seasonal creativity, Bedford gardeners can enjoy the richness of fall while ensuring their outdoor spaces are ready for winter and primed for spring renewal.

The post October Gardening in Bedford: Preparing for Winter and Celebrating the Season first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Key Gardening Tasks for September:

• Plant Fall Crops: Start or transplant cool-season vegetables like lettuce, kale, spinach, radishes, and turnips. Bedford’s early fall offers enough warmth for these crops to take root before frost arrives.
• Divide and Transplant Perennials: Early September is the perfect time to divide crowded perennials such as daylilies, hostas, and coneflowers. Doing so rejuvenates plant health and gives your garden fresh structure.
• Plant Spring Bulbs: While it may seem early, planting bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths now ensures a colorful display come spring.
• Compost and Clean Up: Remove spent annuals and clear out garden debris to reduce disease and pests. Add the organic matter to your compost pile to enrich your soil for next season.

Fun Gardening Add-On: Garden Photography for Mindfulness

Take time this month to document your garden’s transformation. Whether with a smartphone or a camera, snapping photos of fall blooms, buzzing pollinators, and changing leaves can help you slow down and notice the beauty in transition. Create a digital garden journal or scrapbook—complete with notes on what worked and what didn’t.

This practice not only preserves your progress but also helps you cultivate presence and appreciation, turning your Bedford garden into not just a growing space—but a source of personal reflection and joy.

September in Bedford offers more than just practical gardening—it’s a chance to deepen your connection with nature and carry that peace with you into the quieter seasons ahead.

The post September Gardening in Bedford: Planting with Purpose and Preserving the Season first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

August Gardening Tasks:

• Watering and Mulching: The summer sun can dry out soil quickly. Deep watering a few times a week is more effective than frequent light watering. Replenish mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Harvest and Preserve: Continue harvesting vegetables like tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, and zucchini. Explore new ways to preserve your bounty—through canning, freezing, or even gifting extras to neighbors.
• Pest Patrol: August can bring an uptick in pests. Keep an eye out for aphids, Japanese beetles, and hornworms. Use natural remedies when possible to protect pollinators.
• Plan for Fall: Start seeds indoors for fall crops like kale, spinach, and broccoli. Remove tired annuals and prepare garden beds for a second wave of planting.

Cultivating Growth—Literally and Figuratively

Gardening isn’t just about tending plants; it’s about tending ourselves. Use time in the garden as a chance to unplug, reflect, and be mindful. Try:

• Journaling Garden Moments: Write about what’s growing well—or not. What does your garden teach you about patience or resilience?
• Sharing the Harvest: Bring some joy to others by sharing flowers or vegetables with friends or community centers.
• Learning Something New: Experiment with a new plant, composting method, or cultural garden tradition. Growth doesn’t have to stop with your plants.

August in Bedford is a time to nurture what you’ve planted—and to nurture yourself in the process. Happy gardening!

The post August in the Garden: Nurturing Growth in Bedford—Plants and People Alike first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Mid-Summer Gardening Tasks:

• Water Wisely: With hotter days, deep and consistent watering is essential—preferably early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.
• Weed Control: Stay ahead of fast-growing weeds to prevent them from competing with your plants for nutrients and moisture.
• Deadheading and Pruning: Remove spent flowers to encourage continued blooming, especially in annuals and perennials.
• Harvesting: Pick vegetables and herbs regularly to promote more growth and prevent overripening.
• Mulching: Replenish mulch to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Creating a Butterfly and Bee-Friendly Garden:

Adding a pollinator garden to your Bedford backyard is a beautiful way to support local ecosystems and enjoy a sense of natural freedom.

1. Choose Native Plants: Opt for native wildflowers like purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, bee balm, and milkweed. These plants are well-suited to the local climate and highly attractive to pollinators.
2. Plant in Clumps: Group the same species together to make it easier for bees and butterflies to locate food sources.
3. Provide Water: A shallow dish with pebbles and water gives pollinators a safe place to drink.
4. Avoid Pesticides: Use natural pest control methods to keep your garden safe for bees and butterflies.
5. Add Host Plants: Include plants like milkweed for monarchs to lay eggs and for caterpillars to feed on.

By focusing your July gardening on maintenance and pollinator-friendly additions, you’ll keep your Bedford garden vibrant, purposeful, and buzzing with life all summer long.

The post July Gardening in Bedford: Mid-Summer Tasks and Creating a Pollinator Paradise first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

• Summer Lunch | 12:00pm-1:00pm | Cuyahoga County Library Bedford Branch

Mondays:

• Family Storytime | 6:00pm-7:00pm | Cuyahoga County Library Bedford Branch

Friday, July 4th:

• Independence Day, City Hall Closed

Monday, July 7th:

• Council Meeting | 7:00pm-8:00pm | Bedford City Hall

Wednesday, July 9th:

• Ellenwood Book Discussion | 2:00pm-3:00pm | Ellenwood Center
• Teen Wellness Wednesday (DIY Spa) | 6:00pm-7:00pm | Cuyahoga County Library Bedford Branch

Friday, July 11th:

• Computer Basics | 9:30am-10:30am | Cuyahoga County Library Bedford Branch

Wednesday, July 16th:

• Chagrin Valley Christian Women’s Connection July Luncheon | 12:00pm-1:00pm | Chagrin Valley Athletic Club
• Mobile Pantry | 1:30pm-3:30pm | Cuyahoga County Library Bedford Branch

Saturday, July 19th:

• Black History and Photographic Memories | 11:00am-12:00pm | Cuyahoga County Library Bedford Branch
• Summer Festival Hosted by Messiah International Ministries | 11:00am-4:00pm | Messiah International Ministries

The post Next Month in Bedford — July 2025 first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

1. Japanese Zen Garden Elements: Introduce a sense of tranquility with a Zen garden corner featuring sand or fine gravel raked into calming patterns. Add a few rocks and simple, clean-lined plants like Japanese maples or bamboo to capture the essence of a meditative space.
2. English Cottage Garden Touches: Plant densely packed flower beds with a mix of perennials and annuals to achieve the charming and bustling look of an English cottage garden. Foxgloves, hollyhocks, and delphiniums are perfect for adding height and drama.
3. Italian Herb Garden: Dedicate a section of your garden to aromatic herbs commonly used in Italian cooking such as basil, oregano, and thyme. Use terracotta pots for a Mediterranean feel, and perhaps include a small fountain or statue to complete the theme.
4. Regular Gardening Tasks: June is also a time for essential gardening tasks in Bedford. Ensure your plants are well-watered during warmer days, mulch garden beds to retain moisture, and keep an eye on plant health to tackle pests or diseases early.
5. Pollinator-Friendly Plants: Incorporate plants like lavender, salvia, and zinnias, which are attractive to bees and butterflies. Not only do these plants add vibrancy and life to your garden, but they also support local ecosystems.
6. Vertical Gardening: Utilize vertical spaces by installing trellises or growing vines. This can be especially useful for small gardens, and you can choose plants that reflect a specific cultural aesthetic, such as wisteria for a Japanese-inspired garden or ivy for an English look.

By integrating these tasks and cultural elements into your Bedford garden in June, you can create a uniquely personal and culturally rich garden space. This approach not only enhances the visual appeal of your garden but also makes it a more enjoyable and reflective place to spend time.

The post June Gardening in Bedford: Infusing Cultural Flair into Your Garden Projects first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

June 19 | City Hall Closed-Juneteenth

Library Events

Summer Lunch – Kids ages 18 & younger
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Monday through Friday during the summer we collaborate with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to provide children with free healthy lunches at select branches. The Summer Lunch program is open to all kids ages 18 and younger. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Family Storytime – All ages with caregiver
Monday, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – 6:00 PM
Join us for stories, songs and fingerplays.

Disasters on the Lake Erie Islands – Adults
Tuesday, June 3 – 7:00 PM
Beautiful and deadly, the Lake Erie islands off the coast of Ohio have seen their fair share of disasters. The Victory Hotel on South Bass Island at Put-in-Bay was once the largest hotel in the nation. But the grand residence was reduced to ashes after a spark quickly became a raging, uncontrollable inferno. Reports of smallpox on Pelee Island resulted in mass hysteria and the quarantine of an entire island. At the Toledo Harbor Lighthouse, one light keeper was frozen in for days with his deceased colleague until he could make a desperate escape. Wendy Koile chronicles the fiercest calamities to shatter the tranquility of these solitary shores. Wendy Koile is fascinated with obscure Ohio and maritime history. She has authored four books focusing on lost tales of Ohio including Geneva on the Lake: A brief History of Ohio’s First Resort, Legend and Lost Treasures of Ohio, Disaster of Ohio’s Lake Erie Islands, and Lake Erie: Murder and Mayhem. Book sales and signing to follow event. MUST REGISTER

Google Sheets – Adults
Friday, June 6 – 9:30 AM
Learn how to enter, modify and organize data using Google’s free web-based spreadsheet application. (Please note, a Google account is needed to participate in the class). MUST REGISTER

Ellenwood Book Discussion – Adults
Wednesday, June 11 – 2:00 PM
This book discussion is held on the second Wednesday of each month at 2:00 PM at Ellenwood Center. The Ellenwood Center is located at 124 Ellenwood Ave, Bedford, OH 44146. Copies of the books are available at both Ellenwood and the Bedford Library a month before the discussion date. June 11: The Fury by Alex Michaelides

Teen Wellness Wednesday (Yoga) – Teens (Grade 6–12)
Wednesday, June 11 – 6:00 PM
Join us for yoga with Little Zen Yoga! Yoga mats are provided. A release form must be signed by a parent/guardian prior to the event. Release forms are available here or at the reference desk. MUST REGISTER

Mobile Pantry – Free, fresh produce distribution
Wednesday, June 18 – 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Cuyahoga County Public Library is collaborating with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to distribute free, fresh produce to those in need. First come, first-served basis, adults of any age, zip code, income level. Each vehicle can have up to 4 “families” (such as if single seniors are riding together). Vehicles are preferred over walk-ups, for safety reasons.

The African American Authors Book Group – In-Person or Virtual – All Adults Are Welcome
Thursday, June 26 – 7:00 PM
The African American Authors Book Group meets the last Thursday of the month. All Adults Are Welcome. June Title: In A League of Her Own: A Novel / Kaia Alderson. This historical fiction novel is based on the untold story of Effa Manley, a black businesswoman in the male dominated baseball industry in the 1930–1940s. Currently she is the only woman inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. She co-owned the Newark Eagles baseball franchise in the Negro leagues with her husband Abe Manley from 1935 to 1948.

The post Next Month in Bedford — June 2025 first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

1. Rainwater Harvesting: Set up a rain barrel system to collect rainwater from your roof. This water can be used for irrigating your garden, conserving water, and reducing your water bill.
2. Composting: Begin a compost pile with yard waste and kitchen scraps. Composting enriches the soil, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, and decreases methane emissions from landfills.
3. Native Plant Garden: Plant native species that are well-adapted to Bedford’s climate and soil conditions. Native plants require less water, fewer fertilizers, and provide essential habitat for local wildlife.
4. Pollinator Garden: Designate a section of your garden for pollinator-friendly plants such as milkweed, lavender, and bee balm. This supports the local bee and butterfly populations which are vital for pollination.
5. Organic Mulching: Use organic mulches like grass clippings, straw, or shredded leaves around plants. Mulching conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and adds organic matter to the soil as it decomposes.
6. Solar-Powered Garden Lights: Install solar-powered lights to illuminate pathways or highlight garden features. These lights are energy-efficient and reduce your carbon footprint.

By implementing these sustainable gardening tasks in May, Bedford gardeners can enjoy a lush, productive garden while contributing to environmental conservation. These projects not only make your garden more sustainable but also encourage a healthier local ecosystem.

The post Sustainable Gardening in May: Eco-Friendly Projects for Bedford Gardeners first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

May 5 | First Council Meeting of the Month

May 19 | Second Council Meeting of the Month

Library Events

Kids Café – Ages 18 & Under
Monday–Friday, 3:00PM – 4:00PM
Kids ages 18 and under can get a free lunch provided by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, while supplies last.

Student Success Center – Grades K–8
Monday–Thursday (school days), 4:00PM – 6:30PM
Since 2002, our free Student Success Center program has helped thousands of students in grades K–8 improve their grades and subject comprehension. Available at 10 branches. Homework help is offered in language arts, math, reading, science, and social studies. Must register.

Engineering Hour – Grades 1–5
Thursday, May 8 & 22, 3:30PM
Bring your creativity and dexterity for an hour of building!

Google Apps Basics – Adults
Friday, May 9, 10:00AM
Explore Google’s web-based apps: Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Organize files in the cloud using Google Drive.
Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent experience. Preferred: Google account with password. Must register.

Bike Safety Fun – Grades K–5
Friday, May 9, 4:00PM
Receive a free helmet and learn bike safety from the experts at University Hospitals. Helmets available first come, first served while supplies last.

Self-Care Saturday – Grades 6–12
Saturday, May 10, 2:00PM
Ease your mind with calming activities including art, yoga, writing, and more.
A parent/guardian must complete a release form prior to participation. Must register.

Magic Tree House Mondays – Grades 2–4
Monday, May 12, 7:00PM
Explore Mary Pope Osborne’s classic series. May’s title: Mummies in the Morning. Whether you finished the book or not, join us for discussion and fun. Must register.

Who Were the Buffalo Soldiers? – All Ages
Tuesday, May 13, 7:00PM
Learn how the 9th and 10th Cavalry, known as the Buffalo Soldiers, helped expand the West and laid the foundation for the National Park Rangers after the Civil War.

Kindergarten Countdown – Children entering kindergarten & caregivers
Wednesday, May 14, 10:30AM
Build kindergarten readiness skills with a program aligned to Ohio’s Early Childhood Standards. Must register.

Ellenwood Book Discussion – Adults
Wednesday, May 14, 2:00PM
Held at Ellenwood Community Center, 124 Ellenwood Avenue. May’s title: The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat by Edward Kelsey Moore. Copies available one month in advance.

Black Barbie: Documentary Screening and Discussion – Adults
Monday, May 19, 6:00PM
This film traces the origin of the first Black Barbie doll and explores the impact of representation. Must register.

Mobile Pantry – All Adults Welcome
Wednesday, May 21, 1:30PM – 3:30PM
In partnership with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, free fresh produce will be distributed. First come, first served. Vehicles preferred for safety. Up to 4 “families” per vehicle allowed.

Mason Jar Luminaries – Adults
Saturday, May 24, 2:00PM
Transform Mason jars using stencils and faux etched glass paint. All materials provided. Must register.

African American Authors Book Group – Adults (In-person or virtual)
Thursday, May 29, 7:00PM
May’s title: Swift River by Essie Chambers. A multigenerational novel about identity, belonging, and uncovering family truths. Available in print, CD, eBook, and eAudio.

Preschool Prom – Preschoolers & Families
Saturday, May 31, 2:00PM
Join us for a fun afternoon with crafts, snacks, and music. Dressing up is encouraged. Don’t forget to sign up for Summer Reading! Must register.

The post Next Month in Bedford — May 2025 first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.