Regional Reminders
November 5, 2009
New England
By Suzanne DeJohn
Cambridge, VT

One More Weeding
Go back into the perennial garden one more time for a final weeding. Once you've cleaned out unwanted plants, add a thin layer of fresh mulch to help smother any weed seeds and tidy up the garden. Next spring, you'll be one step ahead and can focus your efforts on planting.

Pot Up Amaryllis and Paperwhites
If you want to decorate your holiday tables with fresh flowers, pot up some paperwhites and amaryllis bulbs now. You can purchase the bulbs to plant in your own containers or buy kits containing everything you need. Don't wait, plant now!

Protect Trees from Deer Damage
During the winter, hungry deer look for young, tender growth to eat. Often this means the branches of your new tree or shrub. To protect your plants in winter, wrap the tree or shrub with burlap or netting, covering the plant or at least extending the covering 5 to 6 feet high around the plant.

Invite Winter Birds
Winter birds add some color and interest to an otherwise bleak winter landscape. To encourage birds to stay in your garden this winter, set out feeders near evergreen trees or shrubs so birds have winter cover while they feed. However, if you have bird-chasing cats, or if raiding squirrels are a problem, hang the feeders higher off the ground and away from trees and structures. Keep your birdbath ice-free with a birdbath heater and keep adding fresh water.

Drain Irrigation Systems
Before the hard freezes come, drain the water out of any irrigation pipe and rubber hoses. Water freezing in pipes and hoses can cause them to crack. Temporary PVC pipes should be lifted from the ground, drained, and stored in an unheated garage, shed, or basement. Rubber or vinyl hoses should be disconnected, drained, and hung up to be sure any excess water left in the hose drains out.