Resist the Urge to Clean Up Your Landscape

This is the time of year many people feel compelled to “clean up the landscape.” On the latest episode of You Bet Your Garden, host Mike McGrath counts the many reasons you should NOT be cutting back roses, figs, or any other plants in the fall. Plus, your fabulous phone calls!

Question of the Week:

I have two butterfly bushes—one of which is a new growth from an older bush. What do I need to do to prepare them for winter? I also have a rose bush in the back. It did not bloom this year but did grow and seems to be very healthy and strong. How do you prepare this bush for winter? Lastly, I have a sunflower which did very well this year. The stalk is beginning to bend; how do I prepare this plant for winter?
—Ruth in Dayton, Ohio

Mike’s advice for fall pruning »