Now is the time to pot up amaryllis and paper white narcissus for holiday bloom. Water the bulbs, but don’t over water as the bulbs can rot. Keep them in a bright, warm location for strong flower stems. Check the garden centers and catalogs for new varieties including miniature and double amaryllis.

Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium purpureum) is a wonderful fall blooming perennial if you have the space – they can grow 6 – 10 ft. tall and wide. Hardy in zones 3 – 9, they like moist soil and will tolerate wet areas. It makes a stunning backdrop to other fall bloomers like Rudbeckia (Black Eyed Susan) and asters. The spectacular purple flowers start in late summer and attract bees, butterflies and birds to feed on the nectar.

When placing mulch around trees, do not pile it high around the trunk like a mulch volcano. This can smother tree roots and hold unwanted moisture close to the trunk providing a breeding ground for fungal problems. A layer of mulch 2-4” deep is appropriate. Just make sure to keep the mulch at least 4" away from the trunk.

The authors have received training through Colorado State University Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.

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This page updated:  November 1, 2006