After several mild fall and winter seasons during the past 4 years, the past two weeks remind us that winter may return with force this year in western Washington. If it comes, you're ready. If not, you're still ready. Take time to clean up the garden and protect tender plants. Keep these out of the compost.
Some gardeners enjoy watching foliage change as perennials age through winter.
Whether you trim them completely is a matter of taste. Some perennials should not be trimmed now. Grasses and all hardy fuchsias must stay intact until spring. Trim dead foliage from dahlias. Many gardeners leave them in the ground year after year.