Question: We have just moved to a new house, and the yard does not have anything planted in it—no trees, shrubs, flowers, or grass. What would you suggest that we plant this fall to get a head start for next year? BY, Iowa.
Answer: The first and most important landscape problem is a planting plan. Decide what and where plants are to be planted, including trees, shrubs, hedges and perennials. The next most important problem is the lawn. While October is late to seed the lawn, if the soil has been prepared and is in good tilth, it should be seeded to bluegrass yet this fall. If it is not ready, get it in shape and seed it as soon as possible. October or even November seeding to bluegrass is preferable to April or May seeding. After the planting plans are perfected, start planting any of the trees or shrubs whenever the ground is in planting condition. Complete the planting as early in the spring as possible, while plants are still dormant. Leave the evergreen plantings until the last.
