Autumnal equinox and harvest moon
Two great dates we need to celebrate every year, usually in September. The harvest moon may fall in early October, but not this year.
You have already missed the autumnal equinox which passed Wednesday, Sept. 24. You had to be up at 4:21 a.m. in order to welcome it, so don’t feel too badly if you missed it.
Two things should now be in progress – longer nights and cooler weather. Longer nights are noticeable but cooler weather is not happening. It may take another three weeks to feel like fall in Lee County.
I remember some very muggy, hot days in mid October, as well as some strong storms. We just cannot have our way with Mother Nature.
You can be more enlightened about why, when and where the autumnal equinox, appears yearly by going to the library or your home computer. Lots of good explanations there. Like the word “equinox” is derived from Latin in which “Equi” means equal, and “nox,” night. How would the human race be so superior without our Latin?
The yearly harvest moon will happen on Sept. 27-28 and will be special this year as it will be passing through a total lunar eclipse, causing it to appear red. The extra color is because as the moon travels the deepest part of the Earth’s shadow, it begins a glowing red with the sunset light that is refracted by the Earth’s atmosphere.
The closest time the event will be ready for good viewing will be about 9 p.m. Sunday.
We have to realize, will our area have cloudy skies, will there be a sneaky haze? Watch the weather channels and news for an up-to-the minute call on weather conditions.
Right now things look good. However, if you have lived in Southwest Florida for awhile, you understand how fickle the weather can be.
The connection to gardening and harvest time is due to the fact that harvest time is important to farmers as they must gather all foodstuffs from their fields to prepare for the long, cold season ahead. Gardeners, even in this area, have to adjust their gardening chores to the cooler temperatures and shorter days ahead. This does not mean anyone stops gardening, they just adjust.
The coast of Africa seems to have slowed down its development of storms, however now there is always a chance for storms developing to the west of us. Always stay alert for a few more weeks.
Some flowers like Pentas are looking pretty leggy right now. You can cut them back and if not too severe a cut is needed, they will bloom again in the next couple of months. My Caladium’s still going strong but a large colorful leaf looks great as a cut flower in a small vase. They just need water and will last for about a week. They will slowly die back and disappear. Just leave them alone and next spring. When they decide it is warm enough, they will pop back up again.
Time to start looking for some fall flowers to replace the worn-out summer blooms. More about that next week.
I would like to mention that a fun way to enjoy the upcoming harvest moon/lunar eclipse, next week will be to join others at the Edison Ford Estates in Fort Myers. Registration for its lecture and program on the 27th is at 6:30 p.m. It all begins at Pinchers, in the Marina Room Bar, on the river’s edge. The evening includes a Moonlight Garden Walk and lunar viewing. Cameras, etc., are encouraged. Space is limited and reservations may be made by calling 334-7419, Leeanne Criswell.
I know the lecture and program will be excellent, I have my fingers crossed for a beautiful, clear evening.
Happy gardening till we meet again.
H.I. Shields is Past President of the Garden Club of Cape Coral.