This is the ideal time to work on all your bulbous plants. Thin out day lilies by digging out the entire root. Fan out the plants and pull the bulb sections (root and all) apart. Find sunny spots to replant and as the attached leaves decay, turn them into the surrounding soil as feed for next year’s plants. Purchase new bulbs for spring and summer and store them in the refrigerator for about a week before planting. Choose well-drained, sunny spots for best results with almost any type of bulb.

Most native grasses will survive the cold and come back in full force when spring arrives. Plant grasses where they will not be overwatered. They come in many textures and colors and can be a beautiful background plant for any garden setting. Pampas grass is one of my favorites with beautiful five foot tall seed spikes. Plant these in sunny areas. Colorful Japanese forest grasses like shade. Smaller in height, they make an excellent border plant and add lots of exotic color in leaf and seed. Blue oat grass will be a standout all alone in an attractive urn–like planter. These are great for shaded areas like front porches or entry ways.

It is time to get out and get busy making your fall garden ready for its winter rest. Investing time now is a way to gather the family together in a place of natural beauty. Raking, clipping and digging are always more fun when done with lots of hands—and it is quicker too. That leaves time for a cup of hot chocolate around the fire pit in a well-groomed yard, and then a well-deserved winter rest for all—nature included. Be thankful for her bounty.