Do you need some Zone 8 gardening tips for October?
I’ve teamed up with a great group of girls to give you a glimpse into our October gardens.
If you are stopping by from Down Shiloh Road, welcome. I am so glad you are here.
Let me share a few things I do in October when I am puttering around in my gardens.
My Tip on Ferns

First up, my ferns…..
The girls (all 14 of them) get their last dose of fish fertilizer for the growing season.
Click here to read about the process and watch the step by step tutorial.
My girls have about a month before they head to the greenhouse for their winter vacation.
Right now, we are getting 90 degree temps during the day and cool nights.
So, my ferns are in heaven.
A little dose of magical medicine, keeps them happy, lush, and green.
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Mulch
After I clean up all my beds in preparation for winter, I put a fresh 2″ layer of mulch in all my beds.
Mulching makes my flower beds look neat and tidy…… until the leaves start falling.
In addition, mulching adds organic matter and nutrients to the soil for all my plants to enjoy.
And, mulching helps my flower beds retain moisture.
This is a big plus for me as Mother Nature is not giving us any rain here in The Hill Country.

Tip on Ornamental Grasses

I planted a plethora of different grasses in the rock gardens.
This is the time of year when they are blooming their heads off.
I cut and I cut…..and then I cut some more.

These stems are wonderful in arrangements all year long.
I give the stems away. I keep some for myself.
Ornamental grasses are the gift that give all year long.

Plant some….
Some Tips to Plant, PLant, PLANT
Speaking of planting…..
I live to dig in the dirt. I love to dig in the dirt. It is my therapy.
Fall is a FABULOUS time for zone 8 gardenistas to plant shrubs, trees, perennials, bulbs, and annuals.
So knock yourselves out!
Here’s what is on my October agenda in the planting department:
I am dying to add some pansies to my garden for some cheery fall, winter, and early spring color.
But, right now it is just too hot. Pansies don’t like hot weather.
So I will need to wait until the end of the month to get a few trays of these happy faced annuals.
I am also planted my iris rhizomes I have temporarily potted up in my greenhouse.

In September, I purchased new varieties that are going in the back garden beds.
I also bought some more white iris for my courtyard.

When I plant my iris rhizomes, I dig a hole about 4 inches deep and 4 inches wide. I place the rhizome in the hole. Then, I cover it with dirt. But, I leave a small portion of the rhizome exposed.
I make sure that I do not cover the exposed portion with any dirt or mulch.
This ensures that the rhizome is not planted to deeply and will bloom the following spring.


The Black Squirrels
Last but not least, I have to mention my black squirrel problem.
Those little rats have destroyed the two mandevilla I traditionally plant every spring on either side of the entrance into our courtyard.

I threw in the towel. Bye Bye mandevilla.
But, if you think I gave up completely…..think again.
I purchased two NEW vines. This solves a few issues for me.
- The black squirrels are not fans of this vine.
- This is a perennial vine so I won’t need to re-plant each year.

So, I would give me a point for this win.

The score right now…….
Squirrels – 100000
Jennifer – 1
That’s all my tips for zone 8 gardening in October!
Update on Meredith, My Forever Feral
Here are a few photos of Meredith, my forever feral. She pretends she hates me.

For the last three years since I brought her home, it has been my goal to get my hands on her. I really hope that one day she will sit in my lap and tell me she loves me.
That is NEVER going to happen.
But, she does follow me all over the yard. She wants to know exactly what I am doing.
Meredith even jumps in the greenhouse through the back window to supervise me.


If you checked out my tips for September, you know that I recommend pruning your roses one last time if you live in zone 8.
Here are mine one month after I gave them a massive haircut.

Happy Fall Y’all!
This gardenista is off to find some dirt.
Head on over to The Flowering Farmhouse to see what Jen is up to in her gardens.
Also, don’t forget to check out these blogs for even more inspiring garden ideas.
Want to know where I got the gardening bug? Click here.
Looking for some great recipes?
Cecilia
October 17, 2020 1:24 pmThese are great pruning and planting tips, Jennifer and I enjoyed seeing your lovely garden! Pinning! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
Stacy
October 17, 2020 2:44 pmI love seeing what’s going on in your garden! Since I’m in zone 6 its so neat to see how different it is! Your gardens are so pretty Jen! I’m a huge fan of the grasses too! xoxoxo
JENNIFER GULIZIA
October 17, 2020 2:49 pmThese are all great gardening tips! Your ferns are so healthy looking! I just planted iris and can’t wait to see them bloom next year.
Jennifer Williams
October 23, 2020 11:41 amThank you so much!
Kelly Radcliff
October 18, 2020 2:57 amJennifer thank you for all of your tips. I need all the help I can et with my ferns. You have done a beautiful job with your garden!
Jennifer Williams
October 23, 2020 11:39 amYou will love the fish fertilizer. I swear the ferns green up right in front of your while you are feeding them!
Amber Ferguson
October 18, 2020 11:53 pmI loved reading about your fall gardening tips! Great idea for outsmarting those pesky squirrels with the Mandeville vine!
So happy to discover your blog via this tour! I can’t wait to check out more posts.
Happy fall!
Jennifer Williams
October 23, 2020 11:38 amThank you Amber. The squirrels were driving me crazy. I’m hoping they don’t decide they like any of my other plants!
Kristin
October 19, 2020 12:01 amI love grasses and yours are beautiful!! Love them inside in the vase too!
Jennifer Williams
October 23, 2020 11:36 amThank you! I have really enjoyed cutting ours for arrangements all year long.
Tammy Jones
October 24, 2020 3:09 amJust found your IG account… making my way through your blog. Love it! Love all the great tips too. Gardening in Texas is a challenge.
Donnalynn
October 31, 2020 9:43 pmYour home is so beautiful and even though it’s large you have a way of making it nice and cozy. Thank you also for all the information that you share with us on your blog and on Instagram. You’re a doll.