The following column was written by the late Joanne Young, garden expert and coach, and was originally published in the Oct. 5, 2023 edition of The Lake Report.

“Make sure that you take some time outside this week and soak in everything that nature has to give you,” wrote Joanne Young.

“There is always something special about sitting out in the garden in the evening watching the glittering lights on the surface of the water,” writes Joanne Young.

From turtleheads and asters to Joe Pye weeds and toad lilies, these fall-blooming flowers can be added to your garden to keep the beauty and interest going even as the summer season comes to an end.

“It is so rewarding to be able to grow your own food. I grew up on a farm — every year, we planted a large garden that would feed my family of eight for the entire winter,” writes Joanne Young.

“Studies show that being around trees and green spaces improves your overall mental well-being,” writes Joanne Young. “Spending time with trees is time well spent.”

“Whether planted in garden beds or containers, they can lose energy and appear tired or leggy — especially during hot, dry weather,” writes Joanne Young.

“Grasses can be used as focal points in the garden. Many of the tall or dramatically coloured grasses can be used to draw the eye and anchor garden beds,” writes Joanne Young.

“Harvesting tomatoes at the right time and in the right way ensures the best flavour and extends the productivity of your plants,” writes Joanne Young.

“No matter the season, there are always plants that are ready to show off the beauty that lies inside of them and summer is no exception,” writes Joanne Young.

“Just like any garden, you need to have something that will catch and capture your attention and cause your eyes and mind to rest. Let your imagination go when dreaming of what your focus will be,” writes Joanne Young.

“With careful selection and thoughtful placement, yellow foliage can transform your garden into a vibrant and welcoming outdoor space,” writes Joanne Young.

“We typically think of a hedge being kept trimmed to maintain a certain shape or height, so a more formal style. For a more relaxed or informal look, you can also let the plants grow into the shape and size that they want to be,” writes Joanne Young.

“By removing the flowers as soon as they are done, the plant produces more flowers to produce more seeds. So, deadheading produces more blooms,” writes Joanne Young.

“But as we move into early summer, we start to lose some of that magic of spring and need to add in some shrubs that will extend interest and colour into summer,” writes Joanne Young.

“Their bold foliage, which comes in a variety of greens, blues and golds, makes them ideal for creating structure and contrast in shade gardens,” writes Joanne Young.

“The longevity of a plant is partially determined by how well a plant has been pruned over the years. Most evergreens need pruning yearly to stay within the size and scale of most landscapes,” writes Joanne Young.

“Whether you live in a bustling city apartment, a suburban home or out in the country, container gardening allows you to create vibrant, green spaces with minimal fuss,” writes Joanne Young.

“A decline in earthworm populations due to hammerhead worms can negatively affect agriculture, gardens and ecosystems. We need to be diligent in controlling this invasive species if we want to keep it at bay,” writes Joanne Young.

“Whether you’re creating sharp lines for a contemporary feel or soft curves for a more natural look, a well-edged garden shows attention to detail and care,” writes Joanne Young.

“After the winter that we had, they have never been more beautiful than ever. There is something about seeing those fresh, green leaves start to push through the ground, only to be followed by the brilliant shades of yellows, reds, pinks and purples,” writes Joanne Young.