The first killing frosts have stopped visible activity in the garden. But many straightforward, warm days give the gardener an urge to dig.
This is good because digging the soil is one of the top things that need to be done in November.
Expose the earth to the freezing and thawing action of winter.
Garden Rebuilding
Now is the time to rebuild garden areas that did not please you last season.
If the patio or terrace has been too small, if you are not satisfied with the entrance and doorway plantings, and if the walks are inadequate, changes can be made or at least started now.
If you are unsure about the approach to take on these problems, call a professional landscape architect or designer.
Fall Clean-up
Investigate the possibility of getting a leaf mill for the chore of removing leaves.
These machines sweep leaves into a hammer mill machine that grinds them into a mulch and returns them in a fine layer to the grass.
Many such attachments can be used on lawnmowers.
If falling leaves pack in drifts on lawns, they can smother the grass. They have also fired hazards.
Investigate the new lawn dyes if you want a green lawn for the winter.
Applied according to directions, this material lasts all winter. A treated adequately in this way makes a good background for spring bulbs, especially crocus.
Attract Birds With Berried Shrubs
Many of our berried shrubs hold November 1959 fruits quite late and are very tasty for the birds.
Among the most popular are the following:
- Elderberry (Sambucus)
- Coralberry or Indian currant (Symphoricarpos)
- Firethorn (Pyracantha)
Being twiggy, these plants also provide some shelter.
A gardener can always attract birds to the garden by keeping a water supply available. However, in cold weather, this may become a problem.
Ideal Time For Tree Repair Work
November is an excellent time to begin significant tree repair work.
Removal of competing or severely damaged limbs should be done before ice season sets in.
Corrective bracing and cable work can correct many trees’ weaknesses.
Although somewhat a specialty, tree cavity work can be done due to the confined nature of the work and the favorable weather for it during November.
There are many books and periodicals on techniques of tree repair and care. In case of doubt, call a professional tree man for advice.
Late Chores
Dig, cure and store tuberoses following the first hard freeze.
Plant pansies for winter color; order plants in bud or bloom and mulch after planting with shredded barnyard manure. Plant the “true” lilies now gold, Philippine, regal, Henry, etc.
Please include a few of the new hybrids they are terrific! Dress window boxes with young evergreens and plant them in permanent locations next spring.
Continue planting spring-flowering bulbs this month.
44659 by Robert H. Rucker