~Written by Mike Darcy.
Once September arrives and school starts, I consider summer over. I realize it is not “officially” over yet, but September is a time to relax and enjoy the garden and perhaps a time to scale back. Living here in the Pacific Northwest, some people will say that we had no summer, but we did, it just arrived late. Our spring was so wet and cool, it seemed as though summer did not happen until July. The spring weather frustrated many gardeners as we could not readily work our soil since it was so wet. We also could not plant tomatoes, basil, and many other summer vegetables until much later than what would be a ‘normal’ planting time.
As I walk through my garden in September, it is bursting with color. The fuchsias, salvias, and abutilons are in full bloom and all are hummingbird magnets. A relatively new plant in my garden is Cuphea micropetala. While it is technically a perennial, I do not think it would be winter hardy here and so I am growing it as an annual; if it survives the winter than I will be pleasantly surprised next spring. This Cuphea has been in full bloom since mid July and shows no signs of stopping. My plant is in a large pot and gets hot afternoon sun which it seems to love. With its tubular flowers, it is also a great hummingbird attractant and this is a plant I would suggest to add to your list for planting next spring.
Outdoor living spaces have become very popular and in my garden, we have tables and chairs on our deck for eating outside in the evening or just enjoy sitting in the morning with a cup of coffee. Just having a quiet space tucked away in the garden can create a feeling of relaxation. This can be relatively simple with a small table and two chairs and especially if it is in the shade on a sunny day, it can be a welcome place to sit. Or it can be elaborate such as the outdoor seating area at the home of Portland Garden Designer, JJ DeSousa. Her space is very welcoming and inviting for conversations. When I have been at functions in her garden, this is the place people gravitate to. The photo (below) of her back garden seating area might look deceiving; it is not a large space as her home and garden are on a small city lot.
September is also a good time to walk through your garden and look at areas that could be improved; plants taken out, plants added, new garden art, or plants that need to be re-arranged. The Bruce Wakefield/Jerry Grossnickel garden is well planned with something of color during all seasons. 
I think we all make mistakes and this is a good time to correct them. In my own garden, I have plants that have grown too tall for the space they are in and need to be transplanted to a different location. I also have some bare looking spaces and that is a reminder that I need to get some plants that will look good in this late summer season.
Another feature that I have seen in other gardens and have incorporated into my own is the use of large pots. At one time, I thought having a pot meant that it needed to be planted. This is not the case. Do not think that all pots need to be planted. Many can be considered pieces of garden art and can make a wonderful addition as a standalone piece.
As I write this column in early September, we are having temperatures in the 80’s and it is what I consider perfect fall weather; warm days and cool nights. However along with the warm days, there have been some drying winds. With hot sun and drying winds, all parts of an above ground pot are exposed and can quickly dry out. This will result in plants stressing from lack of water so be certain to continue a watering schedule. I am very thankful that I used Black Gold Natural and Organic Potting Soil because it makes a huge difference is helping the roots hold moisture.
As I look at the soil in my garden beds, there is a big difference in the areas where I worked in Black Gold Soil Conditioner and those areas I did not. The soil in the areas without the conditioner is very hard, dry, and with cracks throughout. The areas where Black Gold Soil Conditioner was added are without the dry cracking on the surface and these areas have required much less water.
Consider September as the month to review what was good in your garden and what was not so good. Take pictures to help remember. I am going to do that as I continue to improve and make changes in my own garden.