Putting the Garden To Bed

Leo Keeps A Watchful Eye

We had an unusually warm couple of days in the Northeast, and I took full advantage of them. Leo was by my side to supervise.

Now is the time to cover roses with a thick 6"-12" blanket of soil. When the ground freezes, add a layer of shredded leaves or bark mulch for insulation. If using bark mulch, do not let it touch the canes.

After the first hard frost and leaves blacken, it’s time to dig the dahlias. Cut all but a couple of inches of stem, shake off the dirt and set the tubers out in a cool place to dry for a few days. Then pack them in containers, cover with peat moss, seal and label. Place them in a dry spot with a temperature range of 40-50°. Check periodically during the winter. If it’s too warm, they will shrivel or too cold, they will freeze.