Gardening Projects for Late Fall
What’s in the Garden:
Have you planted your spring-blooming bulbs? There is still time to get them in the ground, and we have a fine assortment available at sale prices. Quality Tulips, Daffodils, Crocuses, Hyacinths, Alliums, and more await you.
This year, protect your plants from “winter burn” that affects broadleaf evergreens such as Rhododendrons, Hollies, and Camellias. We recommend a spray-on anti-desiccant (transpirant) like Wilt Pruf or Wilt Stop. These products cover leaves with a transparent coating that prevents water loss (and the resultant “burn”) that can occur during the winter.
Burlap wind breaks can also be applied to help prevent winter injury.
If you have not already done so, apply a 2-3” layer of mulch to help conserve moisture and moderate the root zone temperatures below the soil surface. It is also a good idea to make sureyour plants have been adequately 
watered before the ground freezes, especially if we have not received adequate rainfall prior to the arrival of the ground freezing temperatures.
Late fall is a good time to fertilize your trees and shrubs before you put them to bed for the winter. A half-strength surface application of granular fertilizers (Holly-tone for evergreens, Plant-tone for deciduous trees and shrubs) is recommended.
Roses, especially Hybrid Teas, Grandifloras, and Floribundas can be protected by hilling or mulching around the canes of the rose plant at least a foot high up the canes. This will help protect the buds on the lower part of the canes from becoming desiccated during the winter.
Plants that have been brought indoors should be inspected for insects or diseases. General houseplant sprays can be applied at this point even as a preventive measure to avoid pests like aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs that can crop up during the winter. Organic treatments are available, including insecticidal soaps, natural oils, and products containing neem.
If you missed Santa’s visit last weekend, remember to stop by on Saturday or Sunday between 10 and 4 and say hello! Even though this is Santa’s busiest time of the year, he always has time for a friendly conversation. Children receive complimentary pictures with the Big Guy along with candy canes and coloring books. We hope to see you soon. (Santa will be here every Saturday and Sunday through December 18th.)
As always, feel free to stop by the nursery and ask for advice for keeping your plants healthy and happy in the garden, house, or landscape.
Next week: Get an insider’s tips on caring for live and cut Christmas trees and keeping Poinsettias going strong well beyond the holidays.