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Get out, enjoy robust routines of fall

This routine is getting old and more of a challenge with every passing year. Although it feels like “all good things must come to an end” — fall is still my favorite season. I hope it is yours, too. And, I hope my list inspires you to get out and enjoy the beauty this season has to offer.

I love the colors, the food, the crisp fall air, and the cozy, warm clothes. I don’t like dealing with millions of leaves, spent perennials and annuals.

But I do, what choice do I (we) have?

• I like my grass, so the accumulating leaves need mulched or composted.

• At the start of my fall schedule, I figure out from which plants I want to save seeds and tag the plants I want to save seeds for next spring. Early fall is the best time to divide and plant perennials.

• These days I am more likely to invite gardening friends over for a dig party. Then, the gathering and the drying of seeds begins. I inevitably end up mixing up seeds for a spring surprise. I then package up and store the seeds.

• At least one day I take a “color” drive, looking at the leaves. I like to go to Amish country.

• Before nasty weather sets in, I’ll clean up the deck.

• Outdoor furniture and outdoor decorations need to go to the storage shed. Hoses must be put away. I want to clean my garden tools so they are ready for a busy spring. No matter how much I want to procrastinate, I just focus on being ready when spring comes to the Mahoning Valley.

• Windows need to be washed — just so I can watch the birds and enjoy the winter views. Bird feeders need to be cleaned, too.

• If I want some new bulbs for spring, now’s the time to order and plant them ASAP. I’ll check out some websites that are selling seeds at a discount for next season. I also try to visit local nurseries, looking for deals on perennials.

• Next comes a big decision. Do I want to make some new beds or do I just want to let some beds go to their final rest? If I make new beds, I will sow some perennial seeds post-first frost.

• I’ll dig up the gladiolas and cannas, prepping them for overwinter storage. I also need to dig geraniums and store them for the winter. I don’t have enough light in my house to support plants like begonias or ferns, so I gave up years ago.

• Back to leaves — I fret over all the fallen leaves every year. We mulch the grass and leaves back into the yard. But most of our trees are pin oaks; they don’t shed their leaves until late in the season.

Some years we have had leaves on at Christmas. The spring clean-up then becomes quite an ordeal. Nevertheless, we spend hours riding around in the yard mulching leaves. It is worth the view and worth being outside one last time at the end of the season.

If we are lucky, we will hire some teenagers to help with all the fall chores. That is not as easy to do these days, but worth every penny.

Then I can enjoy the holidays and begin sweet dreams of next spring!

McKinley is an Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer in Mahoning County.

Starting at $2.99/week.

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