Gardeners know that fall days are made for successful planting. Cooler conditions and warm soil temperatures combine to encourage strong root growth. Improved rainfall eases watering requirements. And, as a bonus: many plants are discounted this time of year.

EVENTS CALENDAR

• Dividing perennial demonstration by Ann Fox, 7:30-9 p.m. Monday at the Springdale Community Center, 11999 Lawnview Ave. 671-7771.     • Perennial plants workshop, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Fee: $10. 559-7767.

        Besides planting new perennials, gardeners are planting annuals that thrive in cool temperature, such as dianthus, pansies, snapdragons, mums, dusty miller, ornamental cabbages and kale. Bulbs that will bloom in the spring can be planted before the ground freezes.

        This is also a perfect time for dividing and moving established spring blooming perennial plants, says Dave Maile of Greenfield Plant Farm in Maineville. Peonies, Oriental poppies and creeping phlox are just a few of the plants that can be divided or moved in the fall. He suggests marking where the new plants are placed so you'll know where to look in the spring.

        Dianne Woodyard of Yardscapes by Dianne in Northern Kentucky offers the following maintenance tips for the perennial garden:

        • Don't forget to water.

        • Remove diseased plant material. (Do not compost it.)

        • Ornamental grasses should not be cut back until early spring because the top growth serves as protection for the crown. Certain other perennials, including echinacea, rudbeckia, sedum spectabalis and perovskia also should not be cut back in the fall. They provide winter interest and seed for the birds.
       Contact Peg St. Clair by phone: 541-4680; Web site: www.gardenersnetwork.org.
       
       

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