In spite of our recent heavy snowfall, it seems winter is still to come in some areas. Others have already been blanketed with a heavy snow that will likely be here until spring. For those who still want to get out in the garden for the last few days of warmish weather there are a few chores that may still be possible to achieve.
Decorative clay pots, concrete ornaments and wooden furniture should be protected from the ravages of our long winter. Some items can easily be tucked into a corner and covered with tarps to protect them from the sun and keep off the snow and rain. As I find it is difficult to find adequate storage for all the garden things we seem to acquire, some of it becomes part of our living space. Wicker or cedar garden furniture looks great with bright cushions, iron tables and bird baths look spiffy when adorned with glass tops and houseplants can be arranged attractively in outdoor pots with the odd frog ornament nestled in amongst the foliage. It is a much better investment to use those seasonal items for longer than a few months each year. Now if only we could find a use for the combine off-season!
Perennials are, I am sure, finished for the year and those that have little winter aesthetic value can be cut back anytime. Remember seed heads, grasses and other perennials can be quite attractive during those long winter months. Another consideration is whether or not you wish to trap a little bit more snow in your border. Anything vertical will help to keep the snow on your beds providing much-needed moisture for early next spring.
Roses are always one of those plants that might warrant some extra protection for the winter. Hardy shrub roses that are established don’t really need any extra help, but if you like to grow tea roses or other roses that are less hardy here, it is good to prepare those for the upcoming winter. Those tender grafted roses need to be mulched over the crown with soil, mulch or other insulating material. A few inches of mulch can raise the temperature as much as 5 C or 10 C. One word of caution if you have a rodent problem, mulch once the ground has frozen. In the spring, remove the mulch as early as possible once the snow melts.
Thanks to Mother Nature this year we likely have been saved from one fairly major chore. For newly established woody ornamentals and perennials you can give them a big helping hand to survive the winter. Watering in anything tender or newly planted will keep that soil temperature more constant thus keeping them happier while they rest. As we likely are not going to get warm enough temperatures to have to water later, it is now relatively safe to drain those hoses and put them away for the winter!
Last but not least ensure that all your tender summer bulbs are tucked away for winter storage. Check and label plants as needed, set your trap line for rodents, dig your root crops and add compost everywhere it is needed! Enjoy the last days of mild temperatures prior to winter!
— Hanbidge is a horticulturist with the Saskatoon School of Horticulture and can be reached at 306-931-GROW(4769); by email at growyourfuture@gmail.com or check out our website at www.saskhort.com.
