All of November

Continue watering evergreens until the ground freezes. Soils must not be dry when winter arrives. 

Remove the spent flowers and foliage of perennials after they are damaged by frost.

November 1 – 15

Fallen, spoiled or mummified fruits should be cleaned up from the garden and destroyed by burying.

Plant tulips now.

November 15 – 30

Set up bird feeders. Birds appreciate a source of unfrozen drinking water during the winter.

Mums can be cut back to within several inches of the ground once flowering ends. After the ground freezes, apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of loose mulch such as pine needles, straw or leaves.

Roses should be winterized after a heavy frost. Place a 6 to 10-inch deep layer of mulch over each plant. Top soil works best. Prune sparingly, just enough to shorten overly long canes. Climbers should not be pruned at this time.

December 1 – 15

Hairspray works well to keep seed heads and dried flowers intact on wreaths and arrangements.

Apply mulches to bulbs, perennials and other small plants once the ground freezes.

Hollies may be trimmed now and the prunings used in holiday decorations.

Holiday poinsettia plants do best with sun for at least half the day and night temperatures in the 50s or 60s. Keep plants away from drafts, registers and radiators and let the soil dry only slightly between thorough waterings. Be sure to punch holes in decorative foil wraps to prevent soggy soil conditions.

Events

October 29 – November 4 

Tree week at Missouri Botanical Garden

November 3 and 4

Doris I. Schnuck children's garden seasonal closing

November 6 – December 29

Winter jewels at the Butterfly House

November 17 –  January 1

Garden Glow

November 17 –  December 30

Victorian Christmas at Tower Grove House

December 2

Chanukah: Festival of Lights at the garden

December 8 

Saturday with Santa at Missouri Botanical Garden

November 17 –  January 1

Gardenland Express

December 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 

Supper with Santa at Butterfly House