Garden Tips
NOT EVERY PERENNIAL SHOULD BE TRIMMED EQUALLY your lawn and gardens gradually, keeping these five essential fall pointers in mind: 1 . Whether the first flakes land in late September or early November, Labbe suggests prepping “
Flowers that have hollow stems, like a peony for instance, would not get cut in the fall.”
In terms of perennial plants and flowers, Labbe says most should be cut back in the fall after the first frost or after they start to look poor — but no sooner. And there are some perennials that shouldn’t be trimmed at all. “Flowers that have hollow stems, like a peony for instance, would not get cut in the fall,” he says. Hydrangeas are also on the no-trim list, since their stems could fill up with water, and through freezing and thawing, the water can cause damage to their stems. Plants that remain appealing over the frigid months can also be left alone. “I always leave grasses tall for the winter because they have winter interest,” Labbe says. Flowers with buds that are set in late sum- mer, such as lilacs, also shouldn’t receive a fall cut. But Labbe gives the green light to pruning most shrubs, along with spiraeas, potentillas and barberry bushes, which will see the benefit of blooming buds come spring.
- CHAD LABBE, OWNER AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, SHELMERDINE GARDEN CENTRE
2 .
LONG GRASS CAN LEAD TO UNWANTED GUESTS
A quick Google search will tell you to leave your lawn longer before the snow hits. But that advice could do more harm than good for local homeowners, Labbe says. “A lot of the literature and books are going to tell you to leave your lawn long, but in a Manitoba environment where we get so much snow, the longer grass underneath the snow makes it very inviting for the voles.” Instead, Labbe advises trimming your turf shorter late in the season prior to freezing to make the space less inviting for the pesky rodents. September and October are also prime months for fertilizing and seeding your lawn, which should be given a good rake before the first whiteout.
Chad Labbe gives the green light to pruning most shrubs, along with spiraeas, potentillas and barberry bushes, which will see the benefit of blooming buds come spring.
MHBA | FALL 2026 PARADE of HOMES 57
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