Western Mountains and High Plains
Remove Dead Annuals
Pull dead annuals from the ground and replace them with cool-loving pansies, violas, and flowering kale. The burst of color will brighten the landscape.
This is the last call to lift and divide crowded iris clumps. Use a spading fork to lift the clumps and separate them into new divisions. Discard the center hollow or mushy rhizomes. Add fresh compost to the soil where the iris will be relocated.
Though the lawn needs less frequent mowing, it's a good idea to mow over the fallen leaves. This will chop them into smaller pieces so when you add them to the compost pile, they will break down more quickly. Plus, it will tidy up the lawn.
Amend the Soil
Bare spots where annuals have been removed will benefit from more compost. The organic material will improve soil structure and help replace nutrients. Turn the organic amendments into the soil to a depth of 4 inches or more.
Recycle Coffee Grounds
Add used coffee grounds to the rose garden. They are a good source of organic matter and add some minor nutrients to the soil. You can also add them to the compost pile, scattering them between layers so they help feed the microorganisms that breakdown the organic materials.