Beech Tree News Network

October has arrived! It’s usually a very colorful month. I plan to work outside during October, putting things “to bed for the winter.” I like knowing that I have done my best to be ready for the Kentucky winter weather. I clean, put away or cover, and do a little maintenance.

Clean: I spray the fence line for weeds and ensure that people’s dropped trash is not blowing around the yard. Yet, by the time spring arrives, the fence line will be clogged with leaves and trash and need cleaning once again. Early in October, I will rake the flowering areas to clean away some of nature’s trash. Those areas will begin to collect falling tree leaves – another task for spring. For the rose bushes, I simply clean away the dead stems and pull weeds around the bushes. 

 Put away or cover: I empty and put the flower pots – as well as patio umbrellas and their stands – into the garage. I drain and detach the garden hose. Many people put their garden hoses in a garage or a shed; I don’t. The outdoor furniture should be cleaned then covered or stored away.

Maintenance: If garden tools are dirty, I wash them, let them dry, and then rub them with vegetable oil to prevent rust. I also make sure I have an unbroken snow shovel available. A family member checks gutters for water flow and drainage. Also, since I don’t maintain power equipment, I am blessed that family members are willing to help me with that, too.  

October is a transition month in many ways. Mother Nature makes Kentucky colorful, and I have work to do. So as I clean, put away or cover, and do a little maintenance, I get to enjoy the beauty of nature’s transition.