With Fall comes the onset of cooler weather, changing weather, and thus the need to start thinking about winterizing those gardens! Just like us, the flora we love all spring and summer long deserves some TLC before settling for a long winter\u2019s nap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ve gathered a few of our favourite tips to help you prepare for the cold weather:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#1 Water Well!<\/strong> It may feel counter-intuitive as it\u2019s about to get very wet out there, but watering your garden well a week to 10 days before the first frost is a great way to ensure the soil locks in much-needed residual moisture to keep it going all winter long. <\/p>\n\n\n\n #2 Protective coverings. <\/strong>Gently tying up fragile-branched trees and shrubs with twine will help them to withstand heavy snow, then cover with burlap, canvas, or even old sheets, securing them on the ground with stakes, rocks, logs, or bricks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n #3 Mulching<\/strong> Think of mulch as an insulated blanket! Mulch is another key to protecting the roots of sensitive perennials and newly planted shrubbery or trees from extreme temperature fluctuations, as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n How to mulch: After the first hard freeze, apply two to four inches of organic mulch, or mulch alternatives such as straw, pine needles, hay, compost, leaves, or bark chips evenly around the plants you\u2019re protecting. Keep a two-inch perimeter around the plant clear to prevent rot.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n #4 Now\u2019s not the time for fertilizer and pruning. <\/strong>Encouraging new growth right before winter isn\u2019t wise, as the weather will most likely be damaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pruning dead material is different; you\u2019ll want to remove weak or dead limbs from trees and bushes now, as they could pose hazardous during windy conditions and break under heavy snow.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n #5 Pre-plan for spring. <\/strong>Now\u2019s the time to pay attention to what holds up well in your garden over winter, and prepare for the next one by planting enduring evergreen shrubs and perennials in the spring. A winter garden is possible! Once you know what withstands the weather, put it on your spring shopping list. Check with your local greenhouse about what grows best in your area, but options like Robin Holly with it\u2019s ivy leaves and bright red berries, tall evergreens, the seasonally-appropriate colour palette of Purple Pixie Loropetalum, and even certain bulbs that herald the onset of spring are our top picks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n #6 Be patient. <\/strong>Despite best efforts, not everything always survives. And sometimes, our beloved plants simply take a little longer to shake off winter and revive themselves in spring depending on how long and deep winter was. Know you\u2019ve done your best to protect your garden!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" With Fall comes the onset of cooler weather, changing weather, and thus the need to start thinking about winterizing those gardens! Just like us, the flora we love all spring and summer long deserves …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":70,"featured_media":5931,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[50,10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5930","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-tips-for-seniors"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n