Seed heads can serve as a valuable food source for wildlife such as birds; plants like Echinacea. However, make sure to remove any plants with foliar diseases, as these diseases will winter over in the soil. Hollyhock rust for instance, should be removed and thrown in the trash.*** If you are forcing bulbs for Christmas, get them started now.
Add ornamental kale or cabbage to your gardens and planters to extend color into the holiday season. These plants will provide color longer than other fall flowers and easily last through Thanksgiving.
If you are planning on saving non-hardy bulbs, dig up once the foliage of tender bulbs such as Dahlias, Caladium and Cannas has been blackened (this occurs after a frost or repeated cold weather), Dig up and shake off any excess soil. Allow the bulbs to dry thoroughly before storing for the winter. Store in a dark, cool place (40-50 degrees). We recommend storing in sand or shredded newspaper. Bulbs should be removed in early spring and started in pots indoors and then moved outdoors in mid-May.