Fall Garden Preparation 101 for Knoxville and East Tennessee Gardens
Anna Montgomery
Fall is the ideal time to prepare your garden for spring.
Plant spring-flowering bulbs in early fall (September-November) before the ground freezes
Bulbs are available for purchase at Stanley’s and other local nurseries and garden centers in late summer and early fall.
Plant daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, narcissus, jonquils, and so on. Bulbs need several months of cool winter weather to develop strong roots for spring bloom.
When planting, place bulb with root down and tip facing upward. Follow grower instructions on label regarding planting depth; water thoroughly after planting.
Add spring-blooming shrubs to the landscape
Azaleas, rhododendron, viburnum, and roses.
Shrubs planted in the fall develop strong root systems during winter months and benefit from winter rains.
Do not prune spring-blooming shrubs in the fall (this removes flower buds). Azaleas, hydrangeas and viburnum should be pruned following their bloom time.
The City of Knoxville conducts regular leaf pick up from November through February. During this period, the normal two-week brush schedule is suspended and all Public Service Department resources concentrate on collecting leaves. Leaves are collected separately from garbage and recycled into mulch. Plastic bags used to hold bagged leaves compromises the mulching process so all leaves should be loose. Rake leaves into rows at the edge of the street in an unobstructed area for easy collection. Leaves raked to alleys are collected last.
Dogwood Trees – according to the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture’s Plant Science Department, December is the ideal time to plant dogwood trees. You can purchase dogwood trees at Stanley’s Greenhouse or other local garden centers, or order trees from Dogwood Arts through the Bazillion Blooms tree program at the following link: www.dogwoodarts.com/bazillion-blooms/
If you are on a Dogwood Trail, fall is a perfect time to clean up and prepare your trail entrance beds
Fall garden work prepares your garden and landscape for a beautiful spring!
[This information is adapted from information prepared by the Dogwood Arts Trails Committee as dictated by Dogwood Arts Board Advisor Lloyd King.]