Re: winter prep

Depending on the amount of time I have available, I will try to get the
worst of the leaves off the groundcover and other perennials who maintain
winter foliage and cut back the dead stalks that get on my nerves. 
Otherwise, I leave it all to spring cleanup for two reasons:  1) I have a
massive amount of mature oaks who continue to drop leaves until bud break
in the spring, so trying to clear the leaves completely is a losing battle
and 2) the dead foliage and leaf cover protect the perennial crowns over
winter.  Spring clean up takes care of everything at one time.  I do go
around in very early spring and check on emerging growth and pull back
leaves and debris so that it doesn't smother -- but carefully and gradually
with a sharp eye on the weather reports to guard against late frosts.  If
the frost warnings appear, I'll go scrabble the litter back over the new
foliage for protection.

Some years I have not had the time to do even this and the plants were fine
the next year.  Foliage that is covered with leaves and debris may be a bit
white when it finally gets uncovered, but it soon greens up.  Have not
noticed any particular problems with fungi or disease as a result of this
practice, but gardeners in moister and warmer climates may need to do a
fall cleanup to keep plants healthy.

Best way to deal with voles is a cat.  I've had cats for years and when my
original crew went to cat heaven, I had horrible vole problems.  Crowns
eaten out of huge hostas and more.  Got another cat and no vole problems
anymore.  I generally encourage wildlife in my gardens, figuring they live
here, too...but I DO NOT love voles! *&^%$#@! little plant munching
rodents!

Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@clark.net
Editor:  Gardening in Shade
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Wishing everyone on the List who celebrates Thanksgiving as happy and
lovely day.

----------
> From: ginny <vhw95@fast.net>
> Date: Tuesday, November 25, 1997 10:37 AM
> 
> Hi all,
> 
> Have been cutting back furiously the last few weeks taking advantage of
the
> nice weather.  Looks like the rest of this week will bring temps in the
high
> 40s, low 50s here in Zone 6.  Usually, I leave much standing for winter
> interest, however, I have had zillions of voles and have lost a number of
> choice plants.  So, this year I thought I would redo the habitat of those
> nasty little critters to see if that discourages them.  I do feed the
birds
> humongous amounts of seed throughout the winter, so I don't feel too bad
> cutting things back.  This way I can also see the bones of the garden,
which
> is helpful in the overall design of the gardens.
> 
> Anyway, I would be interested in how others treat putting gardens to bed.
> When do you do it?  What do you leave standing?  Why?  Please share your
> thoughts.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Ginny
> vhw95@fast.net
> 
> 
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