Fall is a great time to garden.

It is not too hot (in fact it may be raining), the garden centres are not busy, and they often have great deals on trees and shrubs.  Be thoughtful with your design and shop the garden centres – is an economical way to spruce up your yard.  But one hint - Consider how long you have until the first frost. Plants need several weeks to become established.   Now let’s talk gardening! Buy some new specimens There are some great deals in the nurseries.  Do your research. Sometimes the best source of information is the local nursery. They know the local conditions and what will thrive.   And they will direct you to some great selections.  PS:  Ask for advice on plant locations and technique. Plant fall bulbs Refresh your garden with perennial. Get some bulbs in the ground now but map out your garden.   This will help you remember so you will not forget where they are and dig up what you’ve already planted! Transplant The best conditions to transplant are now when the soil is cool and wet. The fall is a great time for dividing plants, like hostas.  Use a sharp shovel and cut right into them. Replant them in the garden right away or share with a neighbour. Compost When it comes to composting leaves, grass clippings, weeds and dead plants mixing these together to help them break down better, or using them as mulch to protect the soil over the winter. Some Fall Do’s and Don’ts

DO cut back perennial foliage which can harbour pests and diseases but not too early.  DON'T cut back perennials too early. Leave some standing through winter, as seed heads and coloured foliage can be beautiful, while seeds feed migrating birds.

DO rake and remove leaves from the lawn every week; grass needs sunlight in fall for strong growth in spring.  If possible, shred leaves first using a lawn mower and cover flower beds with bare-mulch (fallen leaves.)  Winter mulch will help the soil maintain a more even temperature.  Lay cut up boughs from trees on beds to trap snow that might otherwise blow away.

DO continue to water if the weather is dry; perennials and woody types-especially newly planted ones, and evergreens moisture to survive winter.

Cover up

Once the snow flies and we are into winters grip, wrap your evergreens and rose shrubs with burlap.  This will help them survive what winter will throw at them.

With these chores undertaken, you can relax for the winter and wait for another successful gardening season.