Plus, turning falllen leaves into garden gold
October 7- November 6 - The Fall Tours & Master Series
The Preservation Society’s fundraising extravaganza includes “Piazzas and Garden Tours,“ as well as the “Master Garden Series” that has landscape architects, garden designers, and horticulturists guiding visitors through private green spaces. Locations, times, & prices vary. preservationsociety.org
October 14 & 28 - Gather & Garden: Mom Edition
A new partnership between Postpartum Support Charleston and the Charleston Parks Conservancy invites moms to break from the isolation of new parenthood by weeding, seeding, planting, watering, and harvesting with their babies and toddlers in tow. Registration is required. Medway Community Garden, 2069 Medway Rd. Thursday, 9-11 a.m. Free. ppdsupport.org/group-support
October 2 - Fall Native Plant Sale
Indigenous plants are vital to a healthy ecosystem, feeding wildlife and thriving in our local climate. Load up on grasses, perennials, trees, and more at the South Carolina Native Plant Society’s biannual sale, featuring goods from a variety of vendors. Charles Towne Landing, 1500 Old Towne Rd. Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon. Free. scnps.org
TIP: Instead of trashing fallen leaves, turn them into treasure. Rake the debris into an out-of-the-way pile, dampen it well, and let it sit for six to 12 months. Keeping the heap moist and turning it occasionally will speed the decomposition process, ultimately yielding a dark brown, crumbly substance known as “leaf mold.” While it isn’t nutritious like compost, this garden gold can be worked into beds or used as mulch, improving your soil’s structure and ability to maintain moisture.