November is when the landscape starts settling in for its Winter rest.

It’s a good month to take a slow walk through your garden and tidy up beds and containers as you go. Don’t worry if some of your perennials seem to have disappeared. Many are herbaceous, which means the foliage dies back to the ground while the roots stay dormant underground. They’ll be back in Spring.

And mark your calendar now: our Christmas Open House is Thursday, November 5th. (More on that below.)

Bulbs first. Daffodils, tulips and hyacinths can still go in the ground this month. They’ll pay you back with a cheerful burst of color come Spring.

Trees and shrubs, too. Our soil is still warm enough for roots to get established, so November is a solid month to plant. Just keep an eye on the weather. New trees and shrubs need the equivalent of 1 inch of rain each week, so water them yourself whenever the sky doesn’t deliver.

Then mulch. Two inches insulates roots, holds moisture in the soil and keeps weeds down.

Pansies, snapdragons and ornamental cabbages will add welcome color to beds and containers through Fall and Winter. One tip: go with larger transplants, like quart or 6-inch pots. A bigger pot means a bigger root system, so your plants settle in faster and hold up better through Winter.

Research shows that time in nature can lower stress, lift your mood and support your overall well-being. That matters even more once the days get shorter. So think about the view from your kitchen window or front porch. Do you want something soothing and restorative? Or bold and dramatic? Either way, our plant pros can help you choose the right plants for your style.

All those leaves and spent plants don’t have to go to the curb. A compost pile turns them into something your garden will love.

Setting it up. A plastic bin or a wooden structure works fine as a container. Put it somewhere convenient, like near your vegetable or flower garden. Aim for about a half day of sun. Too much sun dries the pile out, and too much shade slows everything down.

What goes in. A healthy pile balances nitrogen-rich “greens” with carbon-rich “browns.”

Greens: disease-free plant material, vegetable peelings, crushed eggshells, coffee grounds and tea leaves

Browns: fallen leaves, shredded paper and cardboard

The ideal mix is 3 parts brown to 1 part green. Leave weeds out, though. Their seedheads can sprout, and you’ll end up spreading them around your garden.

Keeping it going. Turn the pile once a week. That adds oxygen, which helps the microorganisms break everything down faster. Once it’s properly aged, your compost improves soil structure, helps the soil hold moisture and adds valuable organic matter to your beds.

Our annual Christmas Open House is Thursday, November 5th, and the barn is all decked out. Come see our Christmas displays, seasonal décor, fresh greenery and unique gifts, and leave with plenty of ideas for your own home. We’ll have giveaways, seasonal refreshments, live music, and a special 15% off one item promotion from 10 AM – 3 PM.

Check out our website for November classes, gardening workshops and special events to keep you inspired through the holidays. December classes will be posted as soon as possible.