| <~~BACK OCTOBER: After the foliage summer bulbs dies, cut back plants. When Dahlias turn brown, shorten stalks almost to their base. On woody perennials, cut back, just above a growth node. Cut back herbaceous perennials (like catmint) to just above new growth at base (the small gray leaves). Remove old or crossing rose canes. Cut back remaining rose canes by one-third to one-half, making cuts at 45 degree angles above outward facing buds. If perennials like daylilies have become crowded, dig each clump with a spading fork so the rootball comes up intact, then use a spade or knife to divide them. Replant immediately. Mulch. Prune trees once they become dormant. NOVEMBER: Plant anemones, bluebells, crocus, daffodils hyacinths, ranunculus, and tulips. Plant garlic for harvest next summer. Break the mother bulb into cloves, then plant each clove with pointed end up 1 to 2 inches deep in mild-winter climates or 3 to 4 inches deep in areas where the ground freezes. As early in the month as possible, set out peony roots; plant no deeper than 2 inches with reddish growth buds pointing up. DECEMBER: Plant trees and shrubs anytime the temperature is above freezing. (Good candidates: alpine fir, Douglas fir, noble fir.) Propagate evergreens: Scrap a dime-sized patch of bark off the bottom of a low branch of azalea, camellia, daphne, hydrangea, mahonia, or rhodie. Dust the wound with rotting hormone and without cutting the branch off, press the scraped area into a shallow depression in the soil. Firm a little soil over the branch, leaving its tip and leaves above ground, and use a brick or rock to press it into the soil. In the fall, you may separate. Prune roses. |