Plants in Flower:

Sasanqua Camellia and Japonica Camellia

Plants with Colorful Berries:

American Beautyberry, Burford Holly, Chinese Holly, Foster Holly, Nellie Stevens Holly, Nandina,and Pyracantha.

What to Fertilize:

--None. Use wood ashes from the fireplace or wood burning stove around the vegetable garden, bulb beds and around non-acid loving plants.

What to Plant:

-- Deciduous or leaf losing trees and shrubs can be transplanted after their leaves fall in autumn.
--Plant one year old asparagus crowns in the vegetable garden this month.
--Continue planting spring flowering bulbs like daffodil and crocus this month. Be sure to mix lime and a balanced fertilizer into the planting soil.

What to Prune:

-- Trim existing asparagus foliage. Cut to the ground after the foliage is killed by frost.
-- No pruning should be done on shrubs or trees at this time.

Pest Outlook:

-- None.

Lawn Care:

-- Mow newly seeded cool season lawns (tall fescue or bluegrass) as needed.
-- Keep tree leaves from collecting on your lawn.
--Tall fescue and bluegrass turfgrasses will benefit from a third and final fertilization.

Propagation:

-- Water your cuttings in the coldframe as needed
-- You may want to try your hand at air layering on some of your house plants like dieffenbachia or dumb cane.

Specific Chores:

-- Soil test results should be back if samples were sent in September or October. Apply recommended lime to the areas in need of liming. Wait and fertilize in the spring.
-- Check with the local county Extension center for the recommended fruit varieties for the area.
--Order fruit trees and grape vines this month for a February or March delivery and planting.
-- Remember to water your evergreen trees and shrubs thoroughly before winter sets in, particularly if weather conditions have been dry this autumn.
-- Look to see if screens or windbreaks are needed around your home.
-- Continue filling the compost bin with the fallen leaves.
-- Look for yuletide plants as gifts. Remember, some plants like poinsettias should be placed in the sunniest room in the house.
-- Consider giving your family gardener a holiday gift to use in the garden.