Mary Olszanski, Yard Manager at Grand Street Gardens, Chicago.

Scott Jamieson, vice-president
Bartlett Tree Experts

“After the plants sort of die back, I recommend that you prune them and cut them down so that the garden looks cleaner. However, you should leave the ornamental grasses standing through the winter so you can enjoy their plumes and movement. Fall is the time to divide and move peonies, and you can also divide perennials.”

“The best thing for any woody plant is to mulch. Use organic mulch and spread it no more than 4 inches thick. Keep it away from trunks and stems. Mulch is the best fertilizer, but if you want to add more, wait until the soil freezes and apply it out to the drip line. For pruning, wait until the leaves drop so you can see the plant’s structure.”

Sue Murdock, general manager, Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center, South Barrington.

“Mulch and amend the soil. It’s more beneficial to do this in the fall than in the spring. If you have heavy clay, I recommend adding cotton burr. It’s what’s left over after cotton is picked. It’s high in nitrogen and nutrients and also helps the beneficial soil organisms. If you already have pretty good soil, I recommend a product called Bumper Crop.”