Blooms That Don't Quit

From your porch to the ends of the earth

by Diana Pierce

October 1st, 2025

Fall finally feels like it’s arriving here in Minnesota, even though our leaves are still behind in their fall plumage.

On Friday, when I looked for local events to put into Fresh Cuttings, I saw that Gertens in Inver Grove Heights was offering a fall planter workshop. So, I jumped at the chance to attend.

Gertens' Cindy Wellman demonstrating where the soil level in the pot needs to be when completed. Photo: Diana Pierce

Working with Gertens’ Cindy Wellman, who’s been leading these workshops for over 20 years, I finally understood why my previous fall containers always turned into sad, droopy disasters after two weeks. Cindy has this completely figured out. Step by step she led our group through the simple steps to doorstep beauty.

Cindy’s best tips?

Use time-release fertilizer—it keeps feeding for weeks without you having to remember anything.

Time-release fertilizer created by Gertens. Photo: Diana Pierce

And here’s the part that surprised me: don’t break apart the roots when you’re transplanting. Just pop them in as-is and let them stay strong.

Cindy Wellman pointing to where the soil level needs to be when flower goes into the pot. Photo: Diana Pierce

Here’s what went into my 10-inch pot:

• “Gigi Orange” Garden Mum - for that bold autumn punch

• “Toto Gold” Rudbeckia - because bees go absolutely crazy for those golden daisies

• “Red Rooster” Ornamental Grass - for height and low maintenance

• “Blue Henry III” Aster - for late-season purple magic that attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

  

  My plant choices about to go into my container. Photo: Gertens

  The real magic happened before I even got to my car.

  Two bees had already discovered the rudbeckia and were working those golden blooms like they’d been waiting all season.

  Plus I made two new gardening friends at the workshop, Kris and Keri, and we have photographic proof that the best part of gardening is often the people you meet along the way.

  

  Diana, Kris and Keri, all with different fall planter options. Photo: Kris W.

  Underground Orchid Drama

  

  Underground Orchid in Australia. Photo: Kingsley Dixon

  From the BBC: Speaking of impossible plants, there’s an orchid in Australia that blooms underground in complete darkness. Some years only three exist worldwide. Some years, none at all. It’s ghostly pink and both miraculous and heartbreaking. Check here to learn how Nature keeps her best secrets buried deep.

  Also, a big thanks to subscriber Lise Spence-Parsons for seeing this link and sending it to me. Whenever you see an article you think I might need to include in Fresh Cuttings, please send it to me.

Arctic Strawberries

Strawberries north of the Arctic Circle. Photo: Renaud Philippe, New York Times

From the NYT: In Gjoa Haven—155 miles north of the Arctic Circle where bread costs $9.29—they’re growing fresh strawberries year-round in converted shipping containers powered by wind and solar. At minus 40 degrees.

Go here to read how one elder dances every time the produce truck arrives, and honestly, wouldn’t you?

Whether it’s bees finding your brand-new porch pot, flowers blooming in darkness, or strawberries thriving where no trees grow, life finds the most surprising ways to flourish.

Which story made you smile this week? I love hearing from you.

And, finally…

Quote of the Day

“People bloom at different stages of their lives, and often more than once.”

​-Lauren Graham-

#bloomwithme

Diana

My 2026 calendar fresh from the printer. Photo: Scott Bemman

P.S. I’ve now picked up my 2026 Bloom With Me calendars from the printers this week. Behind me is Alina and I got her stamp of approval! If you want one, now’s the time to speak up and send me an email. I’ll put your name on my list.

© 2025 Diana Pierce

11330 57th Ave. N., Plymouth, MN 55442

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