Falling Leaves, Temperatures Highlighted by Great Wind

Overview-evaluate entire landscape from tools, hoses, arbors, trellis, water garden pumps, of course all plants (yes even weeds) though beginning to slow down, how much (mental and physical) time was spent trying to compensate for bad decisions made either long ago or last growing season, make smart decisions related to these and take action as needed, example I planted ornamental sweet potato vine in coconut fiber hanging basket, thinking 'potato' reservoir would keep watering routine reasonable, yikes was I wrong, beyond heat of day wilting, growth / foliage disappointing-2009 coconut fiber basket sidelined or planted with drought tolerant succulents   

Do Not Put Hoses Away or Shut Down Irrigation Systems-Water-essential keeping moisture available for roots to uptake which in turn keeps veins, leaf and flower buds healthy and resilient, especially all evergreens, i.e. azalea, magnolia,  holly, pines, cypress spruce

Great Planting Time-Why-warm ground encourages root growth, slower soaking rain 

Annuals-color for containers or beds-pansy, kale, ornamental cabbage water and fertilize regularly

Bulbs-spring bloomers require excellent drainage (or rot will occur during winter) add compost, traction sand or pea gravel to area (small amount of bulb booster or bone), water after planting  moisten area, indoor forcing-fill bottom 2" of pot with potting mix (not potting soil), place bulbs, water, sit refrigerator or bury pot outdoors for 8 weeks, remove, water, place in sunny window, bloom few weeks, Summer i.e. canna, elephant ears, etc. dig, dry, place in paper bag or cardboard box and store in dry location that doesn't freeze 

Falling Leaves-rake, remove ASAP minimizing moisture retention-fungus, bacteria problems

Fertilizer-only cool season lawn-blue grass, fescue, rye or cool season annuals and vegetables,

Ground Covers-evergreen, set mower blade high, mow over to chop fallen leaf debris

Ground Hornet-aggressive activity with shorter days / temperatures dropping

Houseplants-moving inside purchase new saucer, get spot ready near window or glass door, then check everywhere (pot underside / drainage holes-slugs, snails, spiders) all stems / leaves for bugs, mildew / fungus, determine severity of problem, remember unhealthy plants get worse indoors

Lawn-mow (blade height 2-3") any actively growing, fertilize only cool season type with winterizer / seed starter, patching areas sod recommended over seeding

Moles-underground digging birthing dens cause unnatural mounds, surface tunnel feeding continues setting multiple traps along active runs best option to trap

Mulching-NO if ground is warm, will prevent natural soil cooling delaying plant dormancy process, could cause winter damage later

Perennials-divide / relocate, gather seed from self-seeding varieties

Pesticides--Herbicides, Insecticides, and Fungicides-becoming less effective as temperatures cool, weeds / bugs activity will slow, chemical storage-do not allow liquids to freeze or granular products to get wet either could alter future effectiveness.

Pruning-wait until foliage turns colors or begins to drop, remember never more than 25% of branch length to make sure active buds are present for next growing season, cutting spring bloomers reduces flower count for next spring, cut browning perennials, none to roses or ornamental grasses

Soil Preparation-designate area, rototill once, add amendments (2 cu. yds. per 100 sq. ft.) 2" at a time, rototill, repeat until all amendments are gone, rake to level (slant away from buildings), ready for planting (be sure to water in all plants, eliminating any air pockets in ground) cover surface with 2-3" of mulch or allow area to sit until next planting season

Soil Testing-YES, take sample at this time-then use results to make necessary adjustments for 2009

Water-1" needed every 10 days either from rain or hose / irrigation, don't forget pots / container

Water Gardens-clear out any debris and cover with netting preventing falling leaves from collecting can be toxic to fish, keep fountains going to aerate water beneficial to fish

Enjoy grand colors- burning bush, dogwood, purple ash tree, or yes sweet gum tree, evergreens pop out as deciduous and herbaceous die back / loose foliage, clear blue skies, temperatures-from here  to there, cool season lawns become emerald, crabapples, holly berries sparkle in dew, birds are out, dogwood, forsythia, magnolia buds are fattening, visit corn maze, pumpkin patch-Have Fun