And now a word from Mark Cullen

Mark Cullen says late August and early September are the perfect time of year to start a new lawn or thicken an old one. For a full rundown of details, visit his 101 Lawn Care Tutorial blog entry.

An excerpt from Mark's Gardening with Mark newsletter (which you can sign up for on his website, www.markcullen.com) follows below--note that Mark suggests taking advantage of the plant sales on now, and there are still great perennials to be had in the garden centre!

Plant: September and October are the best months of the year for planting permanent plants in your garden. Quote me any time. Of the 4 or 5 gardens that we have ‘installed’ around our homes over the years, almost all of them have been planted in the autumn. Here is why: Trees, shrubs, evergreens and even perennials will put down roots in the fall before the hard frost of October/November. These roots provide added ‘boost’ to the growth that occurs in the spring. Furthermore, your newly planted winter hardy plants are now predisposed to the ups and downs of temperatures come spring – the result? Hardier plants. Generally autumn provides reliable and well timed rain fall: perfect for all newly planted plants. Virtually all hardy plants purchased at retailers this time of year are growing in containers. Their roots are perfectly at home there and are ready to put down new roots after planting. (Tip: if the roots are tightly wound in the shape of the pot, be sure to pull the roots apart in order to get them to grow ‘out’ rather than continuing to grow in the shape of the pot). There are some great deals out there! Retailers put many of the plants on sale this time of year in order to move them out before winter. Look for bargains, but look carefully. Buying quality plants always makes sense, whether they are on sale or not.