The leaves are falling rapidly. Time to protect animals and plants against the cold, wind and rains.
Lawn
- Remove the fallen leaves from the lawn and throw them in the borders for protection against the frost.
- Do not walk on the lawn if it is frosty. Frozen grass can easily damage.
- Prevent waterlogging.
Planting and moving
- As long as the weather is mild you can still plant, divide and move perennials, trees and shrubs. If the trees and shrubs are more than a couple of years old, it is better to wait. It is more than likely that you will not be able to dig out enough roots for the plant to survive the winter.
- Also spring-bulbs can still be planted if the weather is mild.
- You can plant bare-root roses, plants, shrubs and trees if the weather is mild. They have to be planted promptly before they dry out. It is better not to plant new roses in areas where roses were previously grown because the diseases of the old roses may remain in the ground and infect your new roses.
- Plants, hedges, shrubs and trees in containers can be planted all year round if the weather is mild.
- Move tender plants into a greenhouse or conservatory.
Pruning
- Many deciduous trees, hedges and shrubs can be pruned as long as the weather is mild. It is easier to see what you are doing when the branches have no leaves. Be careful because the spent flowers, like those of hydrangeas, offer protection against the frost. It is best to leave those until after the danger of frost has passed.
- Evergreen trees and shrubs can best be pruned in spring.
- Roses can be pruned.
- Leave some garden areas uncut, a little longer, to provide shelter for wildlife in your garden.
Other
- Do not clean up too much in the garden. There many insects and animals that may want to hide under the leaves and between faded perennials to overwinter. The leaves and faded remains of perennials also help protect the perennials against the frost and they also provide nutrition for perennials, trees and shrubs as they rot.
- Lift tender bulbs, tubers and tuberous roots if you have not done that yet.
- Remove weeds.
- Remove stakes and other supports.
- Keep watching out for diseases.
- Cut off the water supply to outside water tap and let out the remaining water to avoid frost damage.
- Empty the garden hose and store it away.
- Remove the ice from the pond with care. If the ice is thick, use boiling water rather than a hammer. The shock waves from the hammer may kill the creatures beneath.
- Store the garden furniture.
- Empty the garden hose and store it away.
- Check if the tree ties are not too tight or too loose. It may storm.
- Protect tender plants and newly planted trees, hedges and shrubs from cold winds and frost. You can use straw mats or bubble wrap for example. Do not leave the materials for too long because that may cause rots. Dry mulch or dead leaves can be used to protect the roots.
- Put out food for birds and other animals. Regularly clean the feeding area with hot water to prevent the spreading of diseases.