Winter Landscaping Tasks

Landscaping Tasks

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Periodically we like to update the task list for those of you who appreciate a bit of "neat and tidy" around the common areas. Winter is actually an ideal time for many landscape tasks and often winter temperatures are mild so it is very pleasant to be outside. Also, remember that extra benefit of exercise and an opportunity to work off those extra turkey/tofu, pumpkin pie pounds.

	1. As Karen suggested in a previous email, we need lots of those fallen leaves to mix with the green kitchen waster to make our compost. Put them behind the garden shed. Under the metal composter is a good spot. Just be sure not to block paths and access to the compost bins.
	2. Remove the dead blossoms from chrysanthemums and any other flowering plant that is going to sleep for the winter.
	3. Weed whack weedy in highly visible areas before first frost (see Lora Lee, Karen or Patricia for areas in need of attention).
	4. Put the piles of wood chips to the drip line and around the big trees in a circle about 3 inches thick, no more. Do not pile wood chips immediately adjacent to the trunk of the tree. It causes disease.
	5. Prune out any dead branches from trees and shrubs.
	6. Pick a big tree with English ivy reaching its crown (there are loads of them behind the dumpster and recycling bin area in the forest) and cut the ivy at the base. This will prevent the tree from toppling over on a windy day from the weight of the ivy.
	7. Help plant a tree or shrub. Some of us are no longer able to do the heavy digging. It you need some exercise and can do a little heavy work, see Patricia Lee or Pete Pages for some suggestions. We have some small native trees and shrubs aching to be put in the ground.
	8. Shovel some compost that is finished behind the garden shed into a wheel barrow and spread it around trees and shrubs on common ground. This is yummy stuff!
	9. And, there is always weeding to do. See anyone on the Garden Committee for areas requiring attention (Pete Pages, Lora Lee Schroeder, Karen Skellie, Patricia Lee).
	10. Purchase some white plastic plant markers (you will be reimbursed) and write the name of the plant on them and place them near the plant. A visit to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens will demonstrate how to do this.
	11. Tidy up curbs by sweeping the leaves up in piles, bagging them and putting them near the composters for use. Also, sweep sidewalks (this is also a safety issues since clean sidewalks, prevent tripping on debris such as stones, sticks, etc.)
	12. Whatever you are doing in the landscape, take a bag with you for picking up trash.
	13. Remove English ivy from areas on the ground adjacent to trees and plant beds. Bag the ivy and put it in the trash (pieces of ivy left on the ground put down roots and begin to grow again).
	14. Offer to help a neighbor tidy up the common areas near their house. This will likely be very much appreciated.
	15. Bring areas of common ground which need attention to anyone on the Landscape C. You eyes will help us focus on areas in greatest need of attention.
	16. Plan a pod cleanup day with hot chocolate and cookies to follow.

THANKS A BUNCH FOR ALL YOUR HELP. Lora Lee Schroeder Landscape C. P.S. Karen, please post in usual places.