The Garden Website for November
Amanda's Garden Consulting Company
A colourful Japanese maple lights up a November landscape.
November Garden Chores
A Japanese maple turned scarlet in autumn.
In This Issue
A Japanese spirea dons its autumnal dress.
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November Garden Chores
Gardening in the Rain - Planting Spring Flowering Bulbs Finish Transplanting & Planting - November Lawns - Storing Mowers November Pruning - Tucking in Garden Beds Those Darned Leaves! - After a Storm Melt Ice Safely - November Roses Prep the Veggie Garden Jerusalem artichokes, Rhubarb, Garlic, Brussels Sprouts Raspberries & Blackberries Saving Dahlias, Tuberous Begonias & Other Summer Bulbs Protect Trees from Insects - Preparing for Winter Palm Trees, Tree Ferns & Bananas Putting Stuff Away for Winter Seasonal Planters - Slugs & Snails Ponds in Winter - Weeds & Composting Christmas, Thanksgiving & Easter Cactus Birdies & Hummingbirds in Winter Plant of the Month: Japanese Zelkova Videos: Planting Fall Bulbs & Planting a Fall Planter |
A November sunset.
Fellow Gardeners..
A foggy November evening.
Hello Fellow Gardeners,
There's something rather magical and mysterious about November on the wet coast of B.C. I blame it on the fog. It silently creeps and engulfs the morning sun as it rises. It's both eerie and beautiful . The mist is so heavy with moisture, it soaks everything it touches. The garden inevitably succumbs. Plants wither and retreat to their dormant selves. Winter is on its way. Be bold and brave out there and may November be good to you and your garden. Cheers, Amanda Plant of the month
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Garden Videos
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November Garden Stars
Heavenly bamboo, Nandina domestica, broadleaf evergreen, June flowers, orange berries, sun, shade, 3-8’ x 2-4’. Zones 8 to 10. Click on pic for more.
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Pampass grass, Cortaderia selloana, herbaceous perennial ornamental grass, 8-10' x 4-6', sun, drought tolerant. Zones 8 to 10.
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Tulip tree, Liriodendron tulipifera, deciduous tree, 60 – 90’. x 30 – 50’, summer flowers, sun. Zones 4 to 9.
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Parthenocissus quincefolia, Virginia creeper, woody deciduous vine, 30ft, white flowers, blue berries, sun to part shade. Zones 3 to 9.
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Strawberry tree, Arbutus unedo, broadleaf evergreen, 10’-20’ tall & wide, fragrant, Oct to Dec. Zones 7 to 9. Click on pic for more.
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Witch-alder, Fothergilla gardenii, deciduous shrub, 1.5ft to 3ft x 2ft to 4ft, fragrant white flowers, sun to part shade, good fall colour. Zones 5 to 8.
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Guernsey lily, Nerine bowdenii, perennial bulb, 14-18”x 3-6”, sun, fall flowers, well-drained soil. Zones 8 to 10.
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Winterberry, Gaultheria procumbens, evergreen groundcover, 6” x 1’, summer white blooms, part shade, shade. Zones 3 to 8. Click on pic for more.
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Acer saccharum, sugar maple, deciduous tree, 40-80’ x 30-60’, sun, part shade. Zones 3 to 8.
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Japanese Stewartia, S. pseudocamellia, deciduous tree, 20 - 40' x 10 - 25' , sun part shade, attractive bark, white summer flowers. Zones 5-8. Click on pic for more.
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Glossy abelia, Abelia x grandiflora, fall flowers, broadleaf evergreen shrub, 4 - 6’ x 5’, sun to part shade. Zones 6 to 9. Click on the pic for more.
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Firethorn, Pyracantha coccinea, deciduous shrubby vine, 6’ – 18’ tall & wide, May white flowers, sun, part shade, thorny. Zones 6 to 9.
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Beautyberry, Callicarpa bodinieri, North American deciduous shrub, 6-10', sun to part shade. Zones 6-8. Click on the pic for more.
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Maidenhair ornamental grass, Miscanthus sinensis, 4-7ft x 3-6ft, sun to part shade. Zones 5-9
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David viburnum, V.davidii, broadleaf evergreen, 2-3’ x 3-4’, white blooms spring, sun ,part shade. Zones 7 to 9. Click on pic for more.
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Royal Purple smokebush, Cotinus coggygria, deciduous shrub, purple summer foliage, fall colour, 10-15’ x 15’- 20’. Sun, part shade. Zones 4 to 8
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Maidenhair tree, Ginkgo biloba, deciduous tree, sun to part shade, 50 -80’x 30’-40’. Zones 3 to 8. Click on pic for more.
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Dwarf winged burning bush, Euonymus alatus 'Compactus', deciduous shrub, 9 to 10' tall and wide, sun to part shade. Zones 4-8. Click on pic for more.
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November Garden Chores
Click on the coloured links to be redirected.
Let's Get Dirty!
Put on your wellies, there's gardening to be done.
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Sort out the garden before winter arrives.
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Gardening in the rain is not recommended.
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Avoid touching wet plants.
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With the last gasps of autumn upon us, it’s time to get down and dirty in the garden. So, put on your wellies (rubber boots), a jacket and some gloves as the garden awaits.
Gardening in the Rain: Make the most of fair weather days as gardening in the rain is not a good idea, no matter how tempting it is. Wet ground is slippery and becomes compacted so roots, air and water can’t penetrate. Garden tools are difficult to grasp and to hold on to. Wet plants are also a breeding ground as diseases are easily spread just by touching them.
Gardening in the Rain: Make the most of fair weather days as gardening in the rain is not a good idea, no matter how tempting it is. Wet ground is slippery and becomes compacted so roots, air and water can’t penetrate. Garden tools are difficult to grasp and to hold on to. Wet plants are also a breeding ground as diseases are easily spread just by touching them.
Don't wait to get bulbs in the ground.
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Dust bulbs with cinnamon.
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Plant bulbs in pots for convenience.
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Click on the pic for the video.
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Spring Flowering Bulbs: Get tulips, daffodils and other bulbs and in the ground as soon as possible. Plant bulbs in odd numbered groups instead of in rows for more impact. Plant them in pots for portable displays which can be moved to less prominent locations after they have flowered. Click on Spring Flowering Bulbs.
Finish Planting
Check out plant nurseries for end of season sales.
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Don't wait for spring to plant.
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Transplant existing plants to their new locations.
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This tree was incorrectly planted.
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Plant & transplant: Visit garden centres for plant sales and seasonal stunners and plant them asap. Transplant existing plants to other parts of the garden. To turn your brown thumb to a green one, learn the correct methods to plant trees, shrubs and perennials click on Planting Know How.
November Lawns
Clear leaves from the lawn before a snowfall.
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Lower cutting height for the final cut of the season.
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A winterizer fertilizer boosts winter hardiness.
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Keep off frosty lawns.
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Fix patchy lawns.
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Keep the lawn free of leaves by raking them into nearby beds. Apply a potash winter fertilizer, with a high last number: 8-4-10. Try to mow the grass when it is dry and frost-free. For the last cut of the year set the mower no lower than 1.5”. Even though it's late in the year, the cool wet weather are perfect conditions to renovate and install new lawns. Here's more on lawns: Lawn Basics - Lawn Reno, Seed & Sod - Lawn Maintenance Schedule
Putting Mowers Away for the Season
Service mowers before storing.
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Remove batteries from electric mowers.
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Clean & sharpen blades
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Winterizing Lawn Mowers: Clean and sharpen blades, replace if needed then remove all debris from the mower deck with a putty knife. Store mowers in a dry location, preferably where it’s frost free, and secure so mice and other rodents cannot chew on the wires.
Gas mowers: Remove the gasoline as old petrol creates residue that damages engines. Add one ounce of fuel stabilizer to two gallons of fuel to the gas tank. Run the mower to distribute the mixture through the engine, then turn it off and let cool. Siphon of the excess fuel into a can then run the mower to burn any lingering fuel. Drain the oil, install a new air filter. For riding mowers, remove the battery to prevent corrosion. Take out spark plugs, drain the oil and remove air filters.
Cordless electric mowers: Remove and charge batters to 40% to 60%, Store and charge every few months as partially charge lithium batteries if the dip below 20%. Park riding mowers with built-in batteries that cannot be removed, in a garage or at lease a car port. Remove batteries before cleaning the mower deck. Do not get the batteries wet.
Gas mowers: Remove the gasoline as old petrol creates residue that damages engines. Add one ounce of fuel stabilizer to two gallons of fuel to the gas tank. Run the mower to distribute the mixture through the engine, then turn it off and let cool. Siphon of the excess fuel into a can then run the mower to burn any lingering fuel. Drain the oil, install a new air filter. For riding mowers, remove the battery to prevent corrosion. Take out spark plugs, drain the oil and remove air filters.
Cordless electric mowers: Remove and charge batters to 40% to 60%, Store and charge every few months as partially charge lithium batteries if the dip below 20%. Park riding mowers with built-in batteries that cannot be removed, in a garage or at lease a car port. Remove batteries before cleaning the mower deck. Do not get the batteries wet.
November Pruning
Prune trees in winter when plants are dormant & not in leaf.
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Cut off branches that are in the way.
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Remove suckers from trees.
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Take it easy. This is not the time to be chopping plants back. It’s best to wait until plants when plants are fully dormant in the winter. In the meantime, remove suckers, dead, diseased and broken branches from trees, shrubs and vines. Overly long branches may be cut back or removed. Refrain from pruning wet plants as it's unsafe and spreads diseases. Here’s more on Pruning.
Tucking in Garden Beds for Winter
Cut back perennials once they yellow.
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Cut back perennials to a couple of inches.
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Leave organic debris on the ground.
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Mulch gardens for the winter.
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Keep handsome ornamental grasses.
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Don’t be too clean! It is a huge mistake to rake gardens clean of fall foliage and other organic debris (except for veggie beds, but more on that later). While it may appear untidy, it provides shelter for overwintering beneficial insects and it enriches the soil as it breaks down.
Perennials: Cut stems back to within 2 to 4 inches above the ground. Chop up discarded stems and place them around and on top of plants to provide winter protection. Discard all infected and infested stems.
Ornamental grasses: Cut back droopy, untidy grasses to 6 inches, but leave those that are still looking good. Their seeds provide food for birds, while their seed heads dress up winter gardens. Here’s more on Preparing the Garden for Winter and Fall Garden Chores.
Perennials: Cut stems back to within 2 to 4 inches above the ground. Chop up discarded stems and place them around and on top of plants to provide winter protection. Discard all infected and infested stems.
Ornamental grasses: Cut back droopy, untidy grasses to 6 inches, but leave those that are still looking good. Their seeds provide food for birds, while their seed heads dress up winter gardens. Here’s more on Preparing the Garden for Winter and Fall Garden Chores.
Oh, Those Darned Leaves!
Frost covered fall foliage provides a protective mulch.
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Lay fall leaves on top of plants to protect their crowns.
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Clear fallen leaves from shrubs.
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Leaf mould is a nutritious soil amendment.
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When will the deluge end? I hope not before I cover all my garden beds with a thick layer of the stuff. They essential for a healthy and happy garden without needing fertilizers. As they decompose, they add nutrients, feed earthworms and beneficial microbes. It breaks up clay particles, binds sand particles, and increases the soil’s capacity to retain moisture.
Instead of raking leaves off the lawn, mow and bag them and use to mulch garden beds. Insulate hardy crops with a layer of leafy mulch on top of the ground inbetween the plants.
Fall leaves may be used as the carbon/brown layer in compost. Save a bag of leaves to add to the compost when needed. Make leaf mould by shoving leaves into a garbage bag with a few holes poked in. It takes a year for them to break down into a rich, black humus. Do remove leaves that have fallen on top of evergreen shrubs, including hedges to prevent them from rotting in situ.
Instead of raking leaves off the lawn, mow and bag them and use to mulch garden beds. Insulate hardy crops with a layer of leafy mulch on top of the ground inbetween the plants.
Fall leaves may be used as the carbon/brown layer in compost. Save a bag of leaves to add to the compost when needed. Make leaf mould by shoving leaves into a garbage bag with a few holes poked in. It takes a year for them to break down into a rich, black humus. Do remove leaves that have fallen on top of evergreen shrubs, including hedges to prevent them from rotting in situ.
After a Storm
Hire a certified ISA arborists for the big jobs.
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Remove broken branches asap.
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Use a broom to knock off heavy snow.
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Don't prune near power lines.
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Storm Damage: Before traipsing out into the garden after a spate of bad weather, protect your feet and hands by donning garden boots and gloves. After a storm take videos or photos to document any damage for insurance purposes.
Hire a fully insured and certified ISA arborist for pruning large trees and jobs. Stay clear of utility lines; no closer than 10 feet. Notify the utility company of any downed lines immediately and do not approach. Use a broom, pole or hockey stick to knock off heavy snow on crushed plants. Replant any shrubs and trees that have been uprooted.
Hire a fully insured and certified ISA arborist for pruning large trees and jobs. Stay clear of utility lines; no closer than 10 feet. Notify the utility company of any downed lines immediately and do not approach. Use a broom, pole or hockey stick to knock off heavy snow on crushed plants. Replant any shrubs and trees that have been uprooted.
Melt Ice Safely
Road salt contaminates soil and damages plants.
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De-icing salt not recommended for pets.
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There are numerous pet friendly de-icers available.
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Salt de-icers damage lawns and ruin concrete.
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Icy paths & driveways: Road salt is a popular de-icer but it’s so corrosive it disintegrates concrete. It’s not suitable for pets as it burns their paws and they become ill when they lick it off. The salt also contaminates soil, which injures and often kills plants that are situated next to paths and driveways. The melted salted ice enters storm drains, which pollutes waterways. Luckily there are safer alternatives that don’t contain salt plus there’s always sand, organic kitty litter and sawdust.
November Roses
There's still time to plant roses this month.
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Rose hips provide colour & feed the birds.
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Cut back or remove long canes.
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Protect roses by covering their crowns.
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Remove all infected foliage.
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Prune lightly. If you cut roses back too far in autumn, they may not make it through the winter. Go easy and just remove dead canes and overly long ones. Cut off the dead flowers but keep any colourful rose hips to brighten winter gardens and to feed overwintering birds. Secure climbing rose canes to their support or cut them back. Pick up all rose foliage from the soil and any infected leaves from the plant. For winter protection, mound soil, compost and/or fall foliage where stem and roots meet (the crown). To learn how to plant and take care of roses click on: Roses - Pruning Roses
Preparing the Veggie Garden
Remove all debris from veggie beds.
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Clean up cool season season crops.
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Fall leaves are a suitable mulch.
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A cloche protects winter crops.
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Prepare for Spring. To lessen overwintering diseases and insects, remove all debris from the ground. Keep broccoli, kale and other healthy cool season crops but remove any dead and unhealthy leaves from the remaining plants. After weeding, place 3 inches of straw, fall leaves or torn newspaper on top of the ground and around any crops. For added protection, cover existing veggies with a cloche.
Cover rhubarb with their cut foliage.
Dig up and store Jerusalem artichoke tubers.
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Plant garlic now for summer harvests.
Cut off raspberry canes that bore fruit.
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Stake brussel sprouts.
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Jerusalem artichokes: Cut off their stems then dig up the tubers and place them in a box of vermiculite or clean potting soil. Store them in a cool and frost-free location. Brussels sprouts: Support their long stems and pile up soil around their base to keep them stable. Rhubarb: Cut off their foliage and place it on top of the plant. Raspberries and blackberries: Cut off canes that produced fruit at ground level. Train remaining canes horizontally along a fence, wire or wooden frames. Garlic: Plant garlic to harvest in late spring, early summer. Select a sunny area where there’s good drainage.
Saving Summer Bulbs
Store dahlia tubers after curing.
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Begonias are dusted with cinnamon to prevent rotting.
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Initiate flowering on Christmas & Thanksgiving cactus.
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Dahlias, Tuberous Begonias & Tender Bulbs: Store cured tubers, corms and rhizomes in a dry frost-free, cool area. Inspect frequently and discard any rotten items. Here’s more on Dahlias and Tuberous Begonias.
Christmas, Thanksgiving & Easter Cactus: These seasonal tender succulents look very similar but there are subtle differences in their flowers, foliage and bloom time. To learn how to tell them apart and how to spur on blooming click here.
Christmas, Thanksgiving & Easter Cactus: These seasonal tender succulents look very similar but there are subtle differences in their flowers, foliage and bloom time. To learn how to tell them apart and how to spur on blooming click here.
Protect Trees from Insects
Control caterpillars without spraying or using chemicals.
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Tree banding stops insects in their tracts.
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A well protected tree.
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Prevent overwintering insects, including caterpillars, from crawling up trees by wrapping trunks with a sticky tree band. Purchase a tree banding kit or use plastic wrap then smear the plastic with Tanglefoot (available were garden products are sold). For more details lick on Plant Pests Part 2 - Controlling Insects.
Preparing for Winter
Use frost blankets to keep plants warm.
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Protect tender plants. New Zealand flax pictured.
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Bind certain evergreens with string.
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Protect vulnerable trees from frost cracks.
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Winterize: It’s not necessarily freezing temperatures that kills plants; it’s temperature fluctuations that does ‘em in. Insulate plants with frost blankets, old sheets and other fabric, but avoid plastic as it has no insulating value and it promotes rotting. To protect roots, place a thick layer of organic mulch (fall leaves are perfect) on top of the soil around the plants. Add extra mulch over tender plants, especially in northern areas and where there are Chinooks. To prevent heavy snow from disfiguring evergreens and small conifers, tie their branches together with string. Wrap thin-barked or young tree trunks with fabric, burlap, or frost blankets to prevent frost cracks.
Palms, Tree Ferns & Bananas
Protect the growing bud of palms and their roots.
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Caged tree ferns at VanDusen Botanical Gardens.
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Cut banana stems and lay on top of plant.
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There's no need to wrap banana stems and avoid plastic.
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Palm trees & tree ferns: To ensure Chinese windmill palms (Trachycarpus fortunei) and Australian tree ferns (Dicksonia antarctica) survive the winter, lay a 6 inch layer of fall leaves, straw or another mulch on top of the ground and surrounding area. Cage the plant and fill with straw or fall leaves. Alternately cover the plant from it's tip to the ground with a frost blanket or other breathable wrap. To protect palm trees, enclose the bud at the very top of the plant with burlap or another fabric. If that bud dies, the palm tree will also die. Palms and bananas are commonly grown under eaves for protection from the weather. Check on them regularly and water when needed.
Bananas: Bananas are not woody trees but are herbaceous perennials. Their stems are just temporary so there’s no need to protect them, however, the roots must be insulated. Cut back stems to 2 feet then chop the stems you’ve cut off into pieces. Place them on top of the plant followed by 6 inches of fall foliage.
Bananas: Bananas are not woody trees but are herbaceous perennials. Their stems are just temporary so there’s no need to protect them, however, the roots must be insulated. Cut back stems to 2 feet then chop the stems you’ve cut off into pieces. Place them on top of the plant followed by 6 inches of fall foliage.
Putting Stuff Away
Turn off outside water supply to prevent burst pipes.
Greenhouses need upkeep before winter arrives.
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Secure trampolines so they don't end up in outer Mongolia.
Remove frost sensitive products from unheated sheds.
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Ooops! Don't forget to move cushions indoors.
Clean storm drains to prevent flooding.
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There's just a few things to do outdoors before winter arrives. Cover the BBQ and place it out of the elements. Store outdoor furniture indoors, the garage or in the car port. If that’s not possible, cover with waterproof covers (check dollar stores) and secure with bungee cords. Bring cushions and other soft furnishing indoors to prevent them getting mouldy.
Remove hanging baskets, ornaments, unsecured trellises, and other knick-knacks that easily blow away. Anchor trampolines so they don’t get tossed around. To prevent flooding and ice dams, clear out all outdoor drains, as well as nearby storm drains. Secure the shed and greenhouse doors and windows. Dig out your snow shovels, brooms, snow removal gear and a good pair of gloves and have them at the ready.
Greenhouses: For unheated ones that are not going to be used during the winter, remove all plants. Disinfect surfaces, sweep and organize, remove anything that doesn't tolerate being frozen. Close the doors, windows and vents.
Drain and store garden hoses out of the elements once you no longer need them. For underground irrigation systems, contact the irrigation company that installed the system to blow out the lines. When all the planting is finished for the season turn off the water supply to all outside faucets to prevent water freezing in the pipes and bursting inside the walls.
Remove hanging baskets, ornaments, unsecured trellises, and other knick-knacks that easily blow away. Anchor trampolines so they don’t get tossed around. To prevent flooding and ice dams, clear out all outdoor drains, as well as nearby storm drains. Secure the shed and greenhouse doors and windows. Dig out your snow shovels, brooms, snow removal gear and a good pair of gloves and have them at the ready.
Greenhouses: For unheated ones that are not going to be used during the winter, remove all plants. Disinfect surfaces, sweep and organize, remove anything that doesn't tolerate being frozen. Close the doors, windows and vents.
Drain and store garden hoses out of the elements once you no longer need them. For underground irrigation systems, contact the irrigation company that installed the system to blow out the lines. When all the planting is finished for the season turn off the water supply to all outside faucets to prevent water freezing in the pipes and bursting inside the walls.
Seasonal Planters
Cold hardy plants update a summer planter.
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Goshiki variegated false holly, ornamental kale, mums & heather.
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Don't forget to add spring flowering bulbs.
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Seasonal Planters: Augment existing planters by adding seasonal plants available at garden centres such as winter heather, pansies, lenten roses (Hellebores), dwarf evergreen shrubs. Throw in a few tulips and other bulbs for a nice spring surprise. Add unusual branches and funky gourds for extra colour and interest. Here's more on Container Growing & Choosing a Container. Check out my video Amanda’s Fall Planter.
Protect potted plants with fallen leaves.
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Bring terracotta pots inside.
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Place planters against the house for shelter.
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Bury planters in the compost or the ground.
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Protect planters from the bottom to the top.
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Place pots in a trench & cover with straw or fallen foliage.
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Potted Outdoor Plants: Plants that stay in containers over the winter are more prone to winter damage because they don’t have the thermal heat of the earth to insulate their roots. If possible, bury pots up to their rims or wrap their pots with insulation or bubble wrap. Top with straw or fall leaves. Wrap the plants with breathable fabric such as old sheets, burlap and frost blankets. Move planters that contain plants into protected areas. Move empty clay and ceramic pots indoors to prevent them from cracking and breaking.
Our Feathered Friends
Suet provides essential protein.
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Rotting seeds in a feeder.
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Feed overwintering hummingbirds.
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Birds need help in winter. Check feeders regularly as they easily become a mouldy mess in the rain and snow. Soak mouldy feeders in hot water with 1 part bleach, bit of dish soap, to 9 parts water. Rinse and dry thoroughly before refilling. Place suet cakes in suet cages and hang from trees and eaves, preferably out of the weather.
Hummingbirds in Winter: Not all hummingbirds migrate south. In British Columbia, Anna’s hummingbirds stay throughout the winter, so they need a steady supply of nectar. For nectar, mix ¼ cup white sugar with 1 cup boiled water and let cool. Only use white sugar as anything else is harmful. For tips on how to keep the nectar from freezing click on Hummingbirds in Winter.
Hummingbirds in Winter: Not all hummingbirds migrate south. In British Columbia, Anna’s hummingbirds stay throughout the winter, so they need a steady supply of nectar. For nectar, mix ¼ cup white sugar with 1 cup boiled water and let cool. Only use white sugar as anything else is harmful. For tips on how to keep the nectar from freezing click on Hummingbirds in Winter.
Snails & Slugs
Plop slugs in a cup of salty water.
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A slug tattered primrose needs help.
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A yogurt container becomes an economical slug trap.
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Copper mesh is also a good deterrent.
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Mollusks are hungry. As their food supplies diminish, slugs and snails quickly devour susceptible plants, particularly during periods of cool, wet weather. Hunt for them on rainy days and at night with a flashlight in one hand a cup of salty water in the other. To learn more click on Slugs & Snails.
Pond Winter Prep
Scoop organic debris from ponds.
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Prepare waterlilies to overwinter in the pond.
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Place netting over water features to catch falling leaves. Once overhead trees are leaf-free, roll up the netting and add the foliage to the compost or the garden. To reduce algae and mould, use a long handled net to scoop up any debris from the bottom of the pond.
Keep skimmer baskets free of leaves and remove all dead and dying leaves from pond plants and any at water’s edge. Move waterlilies to deeper part of the pond or overwinter in the compost pile. To retire water features during the winter, clean them thoroughly, blow out the lines and store any pumps indoors. For more info click on Ponds in Winter.
Keep skimmer baskets free of leaves and remove all dead and dying leaves from pond plants and any at water’s edge. Move waterlilies to deeper part of the pond or overwinter in the compost pile. To retire water features during the winter, clean them thoroughly, blow out the lines and store any pumps indoors. For more info click on Ponds in Winter.
Weeds & Compost
Keep a bag of fall leaves to add to the compost bin.
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Finish off the compost with a layer of fall leaves.
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Weeding is good, but don't put them in the compost.
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Composting: Cut up non-buggy and disease-free plants into smaller pieces before putting them in the compost bin. Avoid adding weeds and seedy plants. Meat, cooked foods, leftovers, dairy products, bread, pasta, rice attract rodents and smell foul. After adding kitchen veggie scraps etc. use a garden fork to turn the pile. Top it off with a thick layer of fall leaves or torn up newspapers. For more on composting, click here.
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THE GARDEN WEBSITE INDEX
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for the tropical Gardener
While working in Florida as horticultural consultant, it became apparent that there was a need for a book on tropical shrubs. There are so many wonderful shrubs to choose from, so I wrote a reference book to make the selections easier. Ornamental Tropical Shrubs includes pictures in full colour and information about the plants in point form. So if you live in the tropics and subtropics and need a reference book on tropical shrubs, or you just want to have a look-see click here.
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