As summer comes to a close and crisp autumn weather takes the place of hot and humid weather, I can’t believe that another season has flown past. For many people, fall is all about cleaning up the garden, but don’t forget to pause to enjoy the beauty of Mums, Asters, and Plumbago in full bloom or to watch the deciduous trees change color. Fall is the time to evaluate your garden and think about what you loved and what you want to change next year.

* Once again, make a list or map of any bare or boring areas. You can fill in the areas with fall bloomers now, or wait until next spring. If you don’t want to plant now, place potted plants, such as ornamental kales and cabbages, in the bare areas for instant pizzazz.
* Dead-head mums to keep the blooms coming.
* Divide and move any perennials you didn’t have a chance to move in the spring.
* After the first hard frost, dig bulbs and tubers of tender plants. Store them carefully in a cool place until spring.
* As foliage begins to blacken and wither, gather dead plant material for your compost pile. You can keep a light layer of leaves on your plants for winter protection, but don’t let the leaves pile up, since they can become dense, impenetrable mats.
* Check your plants for insect infestations and diseases. Prune out damaged stems or pull diseased plants and throw the plant material away. Do not compost diseased plant material, since it could spread disease.
* Prune your summer blooming bushes now.
* Add a layer of fresh mulch to your garden beds to help protect your plants from heaving out of the ground during the winter months.