1. Etobicoke Master Gardeners Humber Arboretum www.etobicokemastergardeners.cawww.etobicokemastergardeners.ca www.humberarboretum.on.cawww.humberarboretum.on.ca 1 Presented at: Humber Arboretum Prepared by: Etobicoke Master Gardeners Putting Your Garden To Sleep!

2. Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 2

3. 3

4. Session Topics  Lawns  Bulbs  Rhododendrons  Vines  Cuttings & Seed Saving  General Cleanup  Winterizing Container Pots  Water Gardens Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 4  Annuals & Perennials  Roses  Trees, Shrubs & Evergreens  Veggie & Herb Gardens  Soil Improvement  Cleaning Tools  Evaluate Your Garden  Let’s go for a walk!

5. Putting the garden to bed for the winter is an annual necessity! Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 5

6. Lawns Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 6

7. Lawns  Keep cutting & watering  Fertilize with low nitrogen, high potash product  Aerate if thatch is more than 1\2 inch  Seed any bare or thin spots  Keep it clean by raking up leaves Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 7

8. Perennials  Cut back now or in the spring??  Divide\transplant  Label\mark plants  Dig up tender perennials to over winter  Mulch beds for winter protection Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 8

9. Annuals Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 9

10. Annuals  Remove and compost annuals  Do not remove all annuals, some are tender perennials and may survive a mild winter  Some annuals can be over- wintered indoors  Lift tender bulbs such as dahlias, tuberous begonias Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 10

11. Bulbs  Now is the time to plant spring-flowering bulbs  Available in a wide range of shapes and colours  Provides the first sign of spring in your garden Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 11

12. Bulbs  Where to plant your bulbs for best impact  How to plant bulbs  Some tips for discouraging pests Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 12

13. Roses  After the ground has frozen, hill up the soil to cover the crown where the graft is located.  Use friable soil left over from an annual basket or retained in a warm place.  Cover with more soil, damp sawdust, leaves or hay  Do not use manure or compost  Hybrid tea, floribunda and grandiflora roses  cut back to about 18″ to avoid wind damage and possible upheaval of roots in strong winds.  All shrub roses including David Austin roses can be cut back to about 2 or 3 feet  Climbing roses, secure or remove branches to avoid possible wind damage. Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 13

14. Rhododendrons  Why rhododendrons require winter protection. Sensitive to:  Very low temperatures  Sun and wind which can dry out their leaves  How to prepare them for the winter  Water  Cover  Mulch Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 14

15. Trees, Shrubs, and Evergreens Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 15

16. Trees, Shrubs, and Evergreens  Trees & Shrubs  Wrap trunks of young trees or fruit trees to protect from sunscald  Sun damage or south-west injury causes the bark to split exposing the tree to insect damage and disease  If severe, sun damage can cause the tree to decline or even die  Wrapping tree trunks will also protect against rodent damage  Remember to remove the wrap in the spring Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 16

17. Trees, Shrubs, and Evergreens  Evergreens  Leaf desiccation commonly shows up in late spring as brown foliage.  To reduce the possibility of desiccation, water regularly and abundantly until freeze-up.  If the weather is dry, water deeply once every seven to 10 days.  An anti-desiccant can be sprayed on evergreen foliage  Layer fallen leaves around the base of evergreens.  Wrap evergreens with burlap, if exposed to prevailing winter winds or salt spray. Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 17

18. Vines  Prune summer and fall flowing trees and shrubs in the dormant season  Prune the three D’s  Dead, Diseased, or Damaged  Prune every year, so that plants regenerate Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 18

19. Vegetable Garden  Harvest your vegetables (and enjoy!)  Cover some with mulch for later harvest  Compost dead annual plants (discard diseased stems)  Pull out weeds and compost them (no seeds!)  Till to disturb harmful insects/eggs  Plant cover crops  Apply a top-dressing of compost. Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 19

20. Vegetable Garden Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 20 ‘Lasagna’ Garden

21. Herb Garden  Harvest herbs for culinary use.  Wash and store them.  Bring in those herbs you wish to grow on a sunny windowsill  Trim them and repot in new, clean soil.  Rinse the plant thoroughly to remove insects and eggs  Monitor the indoor herbs closely Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 21

22. Water Gardens Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 22

23. Cuttings  Consult a reliable source!  Cut stems in the morning, when they are full of water.  Immerse the cutting in a bucket of water  This takes care of any stubborn insects.  Note: Cuttings generally do not need to be large (3 to 6 inches is fine). Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 23

24. Cuttings  Prepare the cuttings.  Put the cutting in bright, indirect light  Fluorescent lighting is good for rooting cuttings  Mist regularly or cover the cutting.  When the cutting has rooted new leaves will appear.  Then monitor for pests and disease.  Transfer to a bigger pot when required. Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 24

25. Saving Seeds  Wait until seed pods have dried and are about to open  Collect the seeds into any suitable container  Do not seal the container!  Once dry, place into the refrigerator for storage.  This keeps the seeds viable for longer  Do not freeze!  Add silica gel sachets or corn starch to absorb moisture. Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 25

26. Saving seeds  Some seeds need to be processed before storage or use  Consult a reliable source!  Many native perennials need to be ‘stratified’.  Research spring treatment of the seeds you have stored.  Special germination instructions. Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 26

27. 27  Weathered rock material broken down over many years  Sand, silt and clay  Micro-organisms  Organic matter  Water and Air http://pnwmg.org/images/soilparticlesize.gif http://foodstorageandbeyond.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/types-of- soil.jpg Soil – What is it made of?  Weathered rock material broken down over many years  Sand, silt and clay  Micro-organisms  Organic matter  Water and Air Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca

28. What does soil provide to plants?  Temperature control during very hot/cold periods  Oxygen that roots need to breathe  Anchoring support to stay upright  Water that roots need to drink  Food, food and more food!!!  Temperature control during very hot/cold periods  Oxygen that roots need to breathe  Anchoring support to stay upright  Water that roots need to drink  Food, food and more food!!! Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 28

29. Composting: What are the benefits? Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 29  Reusing and recycling  It’s natural – occurs in nature!  Helps grow strong healthy plants  Good for soil health and structure  Adds micro-organisms to root zone  Reduces needs for synthetic fertilizers  Helps improve water drainage in clay soils  Helps improve water retention in sandy soils  Helps clean up contaminated soil (remediation) http://www.planetnatural.com

30. Greens vs. Browns  Greens are high in nitrogen or protein.  Greens help microorganisms to multiply fast in the piles.  Greens help internal temperatures in hot compost piles.  Browns are high in carbon or carbohydrates.  Browns supply the energy / food that soil organisms need.  Browns also help stop odours.  Browns help stop the nitrogen in the piles from leaching.  Browns are essential in the faster formation of humus Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 30

31. General Cleanup  Clean and put away furniture, pots, hanging baskets  Store clay and ceramic pots inside  Drain all hoses and store inside  Turn off outside water sources  Window boxes left in place can be used for holiday decoration Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 31

32. Cleaning Tools  Rakes – Flex or Fan Rakes - Straight or Rigid Rakes  Hoes - Trench hoe or Fork Cultivator  Shovels, Forks and Trowels  Secateurs – Bypass, Anvil and Ratcheting  Loppers – plain and extended handle  Saws – folding, pole saws Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 32 thegreatestgarden.com

33. Cleaning Tools Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 33

34. Winterizing Container Pots  Most containers are either clay or plastic  If not emptied and dried, can freeze and crack due to moisture and expansion  Empty pots, compost organic matter, wash pots with water & bleach mixture  Store pots upside down, with paper separations, in a sheltered area Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 34

35. Evaluate Your Garden Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 35 1 REVIEW the past 2 OBSERVE the present 3 PLAN for the future

36. Evaluate Your Garden  Garden Assessment Step 1 – Review  Keep a garden journal  Take pictures  Garden Assessment Step 2 – Observe  Microclimates in your garden  Moisture patterns in your garden or lawn  Garden Assessment Step 3 – Plan  Based on your review determine what you are changing  Prioritize your changes 1) Hardscaping, 2) Trees & Shrubs, 3) Plant Materials, 4) Vegetable patches, 5) Container gardens  Research plant materials  Map-it-out Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 36

37. Fall Gardening Checklist Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 37

38. Fall Gardening Checklist October  Transplant shrubs or young trees to new locations  Cut diseased areas out of perennials. Do not compost  Rake and compost any fallen leaves  Clean up garden debris. Remove all vegetable plants and fallen fruit  Remove dead annuals from the garden, after a frost  Cut back perennial foliage to discourage overwintering pests. Leave flowers with seeds for the birds  Continue watering trees and shrubs until the ground freezes  Sharpen lawn mower blade an pruners  Trim tall grass away from trees and corners of your home to discourage small rodents from creating nests  Dig up tender bulbs such as dahlia, canna and gladiola. Dry and store in cool, dark space  Prepare and see new lawns  Prepare and dig new garden beds and additions Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 38 September  Collect seed and herbs for drying  Add compost or manure to garden beds  Cover water features with netting to collect falling leaves  Check houseplants for pests, then start to move indoors  Plant new trees and shrubs, to give them at least 5 weeks before frost  Plant spring flowering bulbs, perennials, bi-annuals, and evergreens  Clean bird feeders, gardening tools  Continue watering trees and shrubs until the ground freezes  Bring in any clay pots  Pull weeds before they go to seed to reduce the number of weeds next year  Fertilize and aerate your lawn as required November  Fertilize your lawn  Divide spring & summer blooming perennial  Turn off outside water connections & drain garden hoses  Buy bulbs to force for winter  Continue watering trees and shrubs until ground is frozen  Wrap screening around fruit tree trunks to protect from small animals  Mulch rose bushes  Clean fallen leaves in downspouts and gutters

39. Upcoming Workshop  Planning Your Garden  November 7 th at 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 39

40. Let’s Get Walking! Etobicoke Master Gardeners www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca 40  Please feel free to ask questions during the tour  Any questions before we get walking?

41. Etobicoke Master Gardeners Humber Arboretum www.etobicokemastergardeners.cawww.etobicokemastergardeners.ca www.humberarboretum.on.cawww.humberarboretum.on.ca 41 Etobicoke Master Gardeners & Humber Arboretum Thank you! Questions?