Wildlife welcomes cover, particularly in the winter. Leaving woody perennials, such as Arkansas blue star (Amsonia hubrichtii), asters, and Knock out roses, to name a few, up throughout the winter is very helpful for our outdoor friends. Lots of life gathers under the spent foliage.

I cut back soft-stemmed perennials, like Crinums, Elephant Ears (Colocasia) and cannas, as soon as they’ve been “melted” by the frost.