Which Perennials should I divide in the Fall?

September and October are the best months to spruce up your perennial garden by dividing and transplanting some of your perennials. During these months the temperatures are cooler and rain is more likely. This gives the transplanted perennials time to take root and do well in their new surroundings. You should try to divide and transplant perennials about six weeks before the first hard frost in your area.

Some Perennials to Divide in Fall would include:
Astilbe
Asiatic Lily
Oriental Lily
Lily-of-the-Valley
Bleeding Heart
Siberian Iris
Japanese Iris
Veronica
Peony

Generally, bloom time determines when you should divide and transplant perennials. Spring and early summer flowering perennials can be transplanted in fall. Late summer and fall bloomers are better suited for moving in the spring.

For tips on dividing and transplanting perennials, click here, to visit P Allen Smith's Website.

Aquatic Connections Water Garden Center carries a beautiful assortment of perennials, ornamental grasses and shrubs through the Spring, Summer & Fall months. Perennials planted around ponds and water features help soften the landscape and blend the aquatic plants and pond edges with the garden. Click here, for directions to Aquatic Connections showroom and display ponds.

Why use a Pond Aerator in your pond?

Pond aeration is vital in the winter months as pond water begins to freeze. In order for fish to survive, a hole needs to exist in the ice for the exchange of oxygen and the release of harmful toxins that can build up. A pond aerator is an inexpensive way to keep the water circulating near the surface of the pond and preventing a small area from freezing over. Pond aeration can be used year round to raise the oxygen levels in the pond water providing a healtier environment for fish and plants.

The Aquascape Pond Aerator 2 is a small, inexpensive pond aeration system that can easily be added to any pond. Click here, for more information on pond aerators. Visit www.aquaticconnections.com for upcoming pond winterizing seminars.

Prepare your pond for winter

Even if the leaves aren't falling in you pond yet, there is one thing you could do now, in September, to help get your pond ready for winter. The first step is adding a cold weather bacteria, such as Microbe Lift Autumn Prep. Microbe Lift Autumn Prep is specially formulated for pond winterization. Autumn Prep helps accelerate the decomposition of leaves, sediment and sludge that can accumulate in ponds during the Fall and Winter months. Four monthly doses are recommended, so that's why Aquatic Connections suggests starting the first application of Microbe Lift Autumn Prep in September. When used according to the manufacturer's directions, Microbe Lift products are safe for fish and aquatic plants. Click here, for more information on Microbe Lift Autumn Prep cold weather bacteria for ponds. Visit www.aquaticconnections.com for upcoming pond winterizing seminars.