Milorganite

is especially good for preparing new flowerbeds, according to Mike Archer,

the company's market development and research coordinator. For mass plantings

in new flowerbeds, Archer recommends working into the soil five pounds

of organic fertilizer per 100 square feet. "Fall is a good time to

do that because, with a slow-release organic nitrogen, the nutrients break

down into the soil at the rate the soil needs them."

Plants also

need to be selected for the amount of sunlight available. Few plants can

adapt from full sun to dense shade. Learn which plants prefer total sun,

partial shade or dense shade. Be aware that as gardens mature, they get

shadier. One type of plant might be salt-tolerant and thrive in dry, sunny

spots, while other varieties prefer wet, shady areas.

Only after

understanding hardiness requirements and soil conditions should you consider

aesthetics. Buettner advises stepping back, setting aside your own likes

and dislikes, and letting yourself by guided by the style of your home.

"Some

architectural styles lend themselves to more elaborate and formal gardens

while others may lend themselves to prairie gardens. To enhance the real

estate value, the architecture of the building should really set the style

of the garden," Buettner stresses.

Careful fall

planning and preparation are vital to lush gardens next year. The best

advice a seasoned landscape architect can give is this: "Take it

slow and do it right."

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