In the Garden with Grace: Enjoy the Charms of November
Grace Peterson
50plus Magazine
In November 1997, when my husband and I purchased our house, three billowing Sweet Gum trees (Liquidambar styraciflua) dominated the front yard. Their foliage was just beginning to turn orange, gold and burgundy, soon to carpet the lawn and driveway. Sweet Gum must have been the IT tree when our neighborhood was developed as there are several in the area. They are timeless beauties, especially when backlit by autumn sunshine and blue sky.
November is prime time for observing fall foliage. Driving through town or country, every blushing tree and shrub grabs my attention. If I see something particularly lovely, I might pull over and grab a picture for later research. A gardener can never have too much plant knowledge!
As November daylight fades ever earlier, it can be difficult to find time to get outdoors. For many of us, weekends are the only time it’s light enough to see, so, garden chores can easily be ignored or postponed. If the weather is friendly and you’re fortunate enough to get time outdoors, be sure to enjoy the subtle and not so subtle changes fall brings. And maybe even tackle a few tasks.
I probably needn’t mention leaf raking. Although some experts now advise leaving leaves to decompose, this isn’t always practical, and it isn’t pretty for long. A good alternative is to pile leaves in an obscure area of your yard. They will slowly decompose and supply you with plant-friendly, weed-suppressing mulch and soil amendment next year.
If your yard looks anything like mine, spent perennials are begging to be trimmed and tidied. However, I hold off on the majority of cleanup until late winter and early spring. I’ve found that the spent foliage on plants gives them a layer of insulation that helps protect them from the effects of cold temperatures. Instead, I focus on keeping pathways tidy so I can get around without getting whacked in the face with a rain-soaked branch. Experience is a good teacher!
For many reasons I always have at least a dozen plants that need to be moved. Some grew too big, others not big enough due to needing more sun or shade. Fall is the best time to relocate these contenders. The advantage of fall planting is having a ready supply of rainwater and warm soil to help them settle in. The plants will be way ahead of the game next spring.
If you’d like a bit of seasonal color, a visit to the nursery will get you inspired. Sasanqua camellias, fall blooming heathers and many other candidates are ready to be planted and often discounted, making them all the more alluring. And if you’re not sure where to plant them, a pot on the patio can be an attractive temporary measure. While you’re there, check out the selection of spring blooming bulbs and enjoy this beautiful season.