Greetings from Earthen,

 

October is here, bringing crisp mornings, golden landscapes, and the comforting rhythm of fall. Our October skies are a stargazer’s dream, with crisp air, clear nights, and minimal light pollution in stunning spots like Sunriver, Smith Rock, Pine Mountain Observatory. October also has two meteor showers: the Draconids and Orionids. The Full Hunter’s Moon is on October 17, casting its bright glow in homage to its namesake.

 

Migratory birds like sandhill cranes, geese and swallows are making their way south, often stopping at wetlands and open fields to rest and refuel. Meanwhile, the Blue-Winged Olive autumn hatches provide a feast for trout in the Deschutes and Crooked. These small, significant mayflies are most active during cool, overcast days. 

 

Some Gardening Thoughts & What’s on Our List:

1. Fall Cleanup: Leaf removal to prevent mold and pests but continue to leave a little mess in tucked-away areas to support overwintering pollinators and beneficial insects. Pick up any fallen fruit and compost with the picked-up leaves.

2. Preparing for Winter: Mulching perennials, insulating garden beds, and clearing annuals. Protect asparagus and rhubarb beds with a layer of compost (or manure) to shield them from freezing.

3. Tool Maintenance: Clean, sharpen, and oil our tools before storing for winter. Proper maintenance now ensures they’ll be ready for action in spring.

4. Pest and Disease Prevention: Remove diseased plants and those prone to pests or mildew to reduce overwintering issues.

5. Harvest and Store Crops: Gather remaining squash and pumpkins.

6. Soil Test: Test soil nutrient levels and pH. Based on results, incorporate organic matter or lime to prepare the soil for planting next season. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/soil-compost/how-do-i-test-my-garden-soil

 

October Botanical Spotlight: Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow is a versatile native perennial that thrives in our rugged landscape, offering beauty, resilience, and ecological value. Known for its feathery, fern-like foliage and clusters of flat-topped flowers, yarrow continues to bring subtle bursts of color in October, supporting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

 

Central Oregon’s native yarrow often blooms in creamy white, although cultivated varieties come in shades of yellow, pink, red, and even soft lavender, offering options for every garden style. The native variety’s understated hues blend seamlessly with the natural high desert palette, making it a perfect choice for regional landscaping.

 

Yarrow thrives in poor soils, full sun, and dry conditions, making it an ideal plant for xeriscaping, naturalized gardens, and borders. Its drought tolerance ensures it remains vibrant even in the toughest climates. The low-maintenance perennial pairs beautifully with other Central Oregon natives like goldenrod, rabbitbrush, and purple aster to create a harmonious fall palette. Its fine, textured foliage also complements taller grasses like Idaho fescue or compact plants like globe mallow, adding depth and movement to a landscape.

 

Even as its peak bloom fades from summer, yarrow offers lasting value through fall and winter. Leaving spent flower heads intact provides seeds for birds like finches and shelter for overwintering insects. These dried clusters also add texture and interest to winter gardens.

 

Yarrow is also a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional lawns in sunny, low-traffic spaces. Its low-growing foliage requires significantly less water and maintenance than grass, thriving in sunny areas with minimal effort. Yarrow lawns are drought-tolerant, but they require some extra care during establishment, like mowing to encourage growth. When mature, yarrow lawns can even stay green in dry conditions. 

 

Beyond its visual and lawn-replacing appeal, yarrow has a long history of medicinal use. Traditionally used in teas and poultices for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, it remains a symbol of resilience and utility. We will always encourage incorporating yarrow into your Central Oregon landscape—whether as a pollinator haven, a low-maintenance garden feature, or a drought-tolerant lawn alternative—you’ll enjoy its beauty, ecological benefits, and timeless charm.

 

October can be the perfect blend of productivity and celebration. We hope your month is filled with the best it has to offer.

 

Stay Grounded,

Mike