November in the garden has a special charm. The days are getting shorter, the mists are rolling over the garden and the colorful leaves under our feet remind us that the season is coming to an end.
The garden is slowing down, but we gardeners aren’t completely hanging up our gloves just yet. Right now, we can give the plants the last care before the winter – hide them under a warm blanket of leaves, protect them from frost, or store them safely for the next season. November is not just a time to say goodbye to the garden. It is an opportunity to prepare the garden for the new beginning that will come with spring.
What about the leaves in the garden
Fallen leaves are not waste. Quite the opposite. In beds with perennials, you can use it to create a soft and fluffy duvet that will protect the plants from winter frosts. The leaves gradually turn brown or are buried in the soil by earthworms. Your soil will be more nutritious for plants next season. Rake them from the lawn and put them in the compost. Earthworms and microorganisms will take care of them, and over time they will create valuable humus. Do not throw them in the bio container, it would be a shame.
Tip: Beech leaves rot very slowly and are slightly water-repellent, which is why they are perfect as a protective cover for plants that are more sensitive to freezing.
How to care for roses before winter
Roses are the queens of the garden and deserve special attention to survive the frosty months in good condition. The most important protection is heaping up the compost – you create an insulating heap that protects the roses from freezing. You can also add dry leaves or aspen, which will strengthen the protection even more. I don’t cut roses in autumn. I keep the cut until early spring, I cut them vigorously when the golden rain blooms. In autumn, I allow myself only a little luxury – I cut the last flowers and put them in a vase. In the garden, I admire rosehips, which decorate roses until winter and are also food for birds.
Remove and store the gladiolus tubers
Do not forget to remove the gladiolus tubers, dry them well and clean them. Clean only when the skins rustle. Always remove the rest of the stems, discard damaged tubers. Before storage, it is advisable to stain the tubers against fungal diseases. Overwinter them at a temperature of 5 to 10 °C in a well-ventilated room. I personally recommend storing them in perforated plastic bags that you hang up – they will stay dry and in good condition.
Let blooming grasses decorate the garden
Do not cut ornamental grasses in autumn. Even dry vines and ears of corn can be a decoration of the winter garden, and they can also serve as food for birds. You can cut pampas grass into a vase, reed or dochan flowers are wonderful for autumn wreaths.
You could find this article in the magazine Recipe No. 11/25.
