Many believe it is passed time to have the roses cut back and mulched in for the winter. The roses here at the Arboretum are still in full bloom with more buds coming. For the health of the plants, wait for a week or two, so cold weather can slow growth, harden the plant, and finish off those last blossoms.

Cutting back now may actually stimulate a last flush of very soft growth that will not harden off before bitter cold weather gets here. The same applies to other woody plants in the garden. Wait a while on mounding the mulch up around the Hybrid Tea Roses as well.

If this is done too early, small rodents may move in and build nests right next to a tasty winter snack of rose bark. Just wait a bit and use the time to savor these last days of moderate temperatures and sunny skies.

Enjoy the season: These are the last few days of pleasant weather and therefore should be enjoyed as fully as possible. It is time for a leisurely stroll in the autumn air so come to the Arboretum and enjoy those last breaths of Fall.

There are still a few trees and shrubs with brightly colored leaves hanging on until those early gusts of winter wind. The Fall Witchhazels, Hamamelis virginiana, are in bloom. Huge drifts of lavender mums, Chrysanthemum 'Mei Kyo', still add some final color in the Stonewall Perennial Garden.

Birds gang up and ride the tall stalks of ornamental grasses as they pick out the seeds. Without the leaves on the trees, the architecture of the branches is apparent and the pod and fruit display is spectacular. Take a stroll in the Conifer Collection for an early taste of winter holiday greenery.

Best of all, hike the trails where all of those leaves have blown into the woods and enjoy a good ole' fashioned leaf scuffle! Get outside and enjoy what is left of (one of) the best times of year!