What to do this fall
in the garden


In the fall, the garden takes on singularly intense colours, particularly as the sun sets over the horizon. Asters offer rich tones of purple and crimson, and dahlias dance until the first frosts arrive. And who can ignore the foliage of the different maple varieties, which display incredible hues ranging from yellow to red, and which entice us to spend as much time in the garden as possible. In the fall, leaves, fruits and berries take centre stage. Fall flowers prolong colours in borders and perterres until the first frosts.

Potted Plants
  • Plant spring-flowering bulbs in pots.
  • Bring plants that you want to keep over the winter into the house.
  • The seasons for spectacular fall plants like decorative cauliflower or chrysanthemums can be prolonged by potting them.

    Foundations and borders
  • Remove grass regularly.
  • Plant spring-flowering bulbs.
  • Clean up flower beds before the first frost.
  • Divide perennials which flowered in the spring.
  • Protect perennials that are less hardy than required for your climactic zone and those that you planted or divided in the fall.

    Lawn
  • Sow grass seed or lay sod.
  • Mow the lawn until its stops growing. Lower the height of the mower to 3.5 cm for the last cut.
  • Plant spring-flowering bulbs in the lawn.
  • Apply a fertilizer to help your lawn get through winter.
  • Rake fallen leaves.

    Trees and shrubs
  • Plant trees and shrubs with exposed roots.
  • Before the first frost, spread a layer of mulch around the bottom of your trees and shrubs to protect their roots.
  • Install the winter protectors.
  • If you have climbing plants, make sure that the lattice is in good condition and protect them, if necessary.

    Ponds
  • Move the plants to the deepest part of the pond.
  • Remove dead leaves form the surface of the water.
  • Clean the pump and store it for the winter. The pump should be stored in a water-filled container to prevent corrosion.
  • If you have fish, make sure that the pond is deep enough for them to survive. If not, they must be taken inside and kept in an aquarium.

    Perennials
  • Divide and transplant the perennials. Give some to your friends and neighbours.
  • Many perennials need to be cut back 15 to 20 cm from the ground once their growing cycle is over.

    Vegetables
  • Harvest the late varieties before the first big frost
  • Keep vegetable roots as cool as possible: from 1ºC to 2ºC. ______________________________________________

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