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.

To keep judging consistent, the club uses a simple point system (1–3 points in each category): Beauty (curb appeal), Creativity, Design, and Effort. Any front yard scoring 8 or higher earns a sign. Community involvement was strong as well, with 30 resident nominations; nominated homes receive extra attention during judging.

Looking ahead, the club plans to be a bit more selective next year to encourage clear, thoughtful design. Early 2026 meetings—starting in March—will focus on front-yard design, showcasing the home, and simple ways to reduce clutter so plantings stand out. As the club likes to say, sometimes less is more.

This year’s effort was led by Chairperson Paula St. John. Judges included Paulette Childs, Diane Dorko, Dot Schwende, Karen Reid, Cathy Slezak, Jeanne Sapir, Tina & Demi Stradiot, Shirley Pashall, Elizabeth Kaminsky, Paula St. John, and Kerri Vilt.

Additional thanks to Amy Huntley for graphic design and Curt Sebulsky for printing posters and flyers. The notice in the Bedford water bill was edited by Annie Zgrabik to fit the space.

Photos of five featured homes are included with this article.

The post Bedford Garden Club Announces 2025 “Bedford Beauties” Honorees 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.

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.

Get ready to kick off your gardening season at the 37th Annual Plant Sale hosted by The Bedford Garden Club! This popular event will take place at the Ellenwood Recreation Center, 124 Ellenwood Avenue, Bedford, OH, on:

• Friday, May 16 from 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM
• Saturday, May 17 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Shoppers can browse a vibrant selection of perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetables, and both sun and shade-loving plants—including deer-resistant varieties and more! Whether you’re planting a backyard vegetable garden or sprucing up your flower beds, there’s something for everyone.

“Kelley Eppich is chairing the 2025 annual plant sale.   Our goal is to put plants into the hands of residents to promote gardening as a family-fun thing to do and to make our city beautiful.  The Bedford Garden Club is calling the 37th annual plant sale a ‘Friend Raiser.'” ~ Dot Schwende, President, The Bedford Garden Club

Cuyahoga County Master Gardeners and Garden Club members will be on hand to answer your gardening questions and offer expert advice.

While you’re there, consider joining The Bedford Garden Club to help keep our city blooming! Club members work year-round on beautification efforts and community education.

Credit cards accepted (a 3% surcharge applies for card payments).

Don’t miss this chance to stock up on high-quality plants and support local beautification efforts.

Visit the plant sale for membership information!

💡 Mark your calendars! The next Garden Club meeting is Thursday, May 15 at 7:00 PM in the Ellenwood Gym. The topic is “Keeping the Unwanted at Bay” with guest speaker Donna Osgood, Master Gardener. Refreshments will be provided.

If you haven’t paid your Garden Club dues yet, please bring your registration form to the meeting or mail it in using the address provided on the form.

Note: Updated 5/13/2025 with comment from Dot Schwende, President, The Bedford Garden Club.

The post The Bedford Garden Club’s 37th Annual Plant Sale is Almost Here! 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.

1. Plant Cool-Weather Crops: Early April is ideal for sowing seeds directly into the soil for vegetables like peas, radishes, carrots, and leafy greens. These crops can handle the still-cool nights.
2. Prepare Soil and Beds: Continue to prepare your garden beds. Remove any remaining winter debris, turn the soil, and enrich it with compost or well-rotted manure to boost nutrient content.
3. Prune and Clean: Prune spring-flowering shrubs and trees after they bloom to maintain their shape and health. Also, clean up around plants to reduce the risk of disease and pests.
4. Start Transplants: Begin to harden off seedlings started indoors so they can adjust to outdoor conditions. Gradually increase their exposure to sunlight and outdoor temperatures before planting them in the garden.
5. Lawn Care: Rake to remove thatch and aerate your lawn to improve water penetration. April is also a good time to overseed any bare patches.
6. Mulching: Apply mulch around trees, shrubs, and beds to suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and regulate soil temperature.
7. Water Wisely: As the weather warms, begin a regular watering schedule, especially for newly planted seeds and seedlings that require consistent moisture to germinate and grow.

By diligently following these tasks, gardeners in Bedford can ensure their gardens are robust, healthy, and ready for the coming growth season. April’s efforts lay the groundwork for a lush and productive garden.

The post April Gardening Essentials: Cultivating a Thriving Garden in Bedford first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.