LAWN SEEDING – September is the optimum time to start seeding and renovating fescue lawns. Fertilize lawns in September, November, and February for good root growth. Turf-type fescues varieties have finer textures than K-31, are more shade tolerant and make a dense green turf. Use a slow-release lawn fertilizer in hot weather, and a seed starter fertilizer when seeding a new lawn. Liming is a must for a good lawn.

AUTUMN COLOR IDEAS – Ginkgo trees (Maidenhair trees) are becoming an important source of brilliant yellow color. Among other good choices for foliage color from trees are: Sweet Gum, Red Maple, Southern Sugar Maple Japanese Maple, Sourwood, Crepe Myrtle, and chrysanthemums, contribute much to the colorful autumn scene. As autumn merges into winter, you’ll want to accent the landscape scene with berry color from such plants as pyracantha, nandina, viburnum, beautyberry, and many of the holly group. The ever-popular shade-loving aucuba has a dwarf form which appears to be more reliable regarding berry production. Don’t forget the brilliant red foliage of the burning bush (euonymous alata) or rabbiteye blueberries.

BULB PLANTING – If you are planning spring color from bulbs, now’s the time to order for late October and November plantings. For best landscape effect, plant groups of bulbs in between shrubs, or scatter bulbs in wooded areas to naturalize them; avoid planting in straight lines. Use a bulb fertilizer.

FRUIT TREES – Many well planned landscapes include fruit trees as seasonal accents to the front or side yard. A flowering pear, peach, apple, crabapple, or cherry is every bit as showy as a flowering dogwood in the spring.

GARDEN COMPOST – Of continuing importance is the gardening practice of composting leaves and other garden refuse. Never burn or throw them away. Grinders, compost hasteners, fertilizers, and lime all help to decompose the compost pile – making it available for garden use next spring,

CONTROLLING BLUEGRASS AND CHICKWEED is made simple by using pre-emergent herbicides applied in mid-September in the lawn and shrub plantings.

OVERSEED WARM SEASON GRASSES with rye grass in late September.

PLANT PANSIES and flowering kale/cabbage for fall color.

LATE IN MONTH divide peonies. Cover their buds with 2 Inches of soil, then mulch.

CONTINUE spraying roses.

COLLECT DRY SEED PODS, unusual leaves, rose hips, etc. for dry arrangements. Air dry those materials in a cool, dark location.

TREAT LAWNS FOR GRUBS. More than 5 grubs per square foot indicates a serious problem. Fall applications are preferred to spring treatments,