Contrary to popular belief, there are still a great many things to do in the garden during the fall and winter months. Autumn is the ideal time to divide and move many perennial plants, as the cool temperatures and plentiful rainfall allow them plenty of opportunity to re-establish themselves before the onset of winter. I also like to build, dig and amend new beds during these seasons, as it allows soil amendments some time to break down and become readily available for spring plantings.

Mulching can be done any time there isn't snow on the ground, and is often a much easier task when herbaceous plants have died-back and leaves have fallen from deciduous trees and shrubs. It makes it much easier to see where to spead the stuff! For mulch, I generally use the composted bark available from various trucking companies on the North Shore. Delivery generally costs about $60, and the product sells for around $30 per cubic yard. Annual applications are well worth the cost for almost all gardens.

I also continue making compost throughout the year. Even in sub-zero temperatures, I find that a large, well-assembled pile can be convinced to heat-up and begin decomposing. Free manure is available year-round on the North-Shore, and it serves as an excellent compost-starter. A combination of fall leaves and fresh horse manure results in terrific black-gold for garden beds.

Planning planting schemes and ordering seeds occupies much of my time during the few weeks of the year that we have frozen ground and snow. It also allows for quiet recollection of the previous growing season, and eager anticipation of the coming spring. I am availale year-round to help in your garden, and always willing to drop-by for a chat. Don't hesitate to give me a call or send me an e-mail.