Please note that this is NOT the time to prune the spring flowering perennials, like azaleas, rhododendrons and lilacs, as they will have already formed buds for next year. As a rule of thumb, it is always best to prune all shrubs directly after they have finished blooming.

Now is also the time to plant your spring bulbs for next year. A little effort now will bear stunning results come spring! Bulbs are readily available at Home Depot and local nurseries, as well as on-line. Select from snowdrops, iris’, daffodils, tulips, crocuses, grape hyacinths; there are a bewildering variety of all these bulbs available and they are all well worth the effort. They look best planted in groups of 5-10 bulbs, but the design element is yours to choose. Plant bulbs around four to six inches deep in the soil, the deeper for the larger bulbs like tulips and daffodils.

Once you have pruned and planted, add some organic fertilizer and mulch to your garden so that the nutrients will be there for the plants to absorb when spring comes around. The mulch will also help prevent weeds from spreading rapidly.

Finally, consider swapping out your annuals and planting some mums. They come in a stunning array of colors and really brighten up the outdoor space for the Halloween and Thanksgiving holidays.