All summer long, perennials offer the garden a variety of different looks.  Dramatic displays of color form lilies, consistent beauty of the cone flowers, and showy foliage from hostas all have their places in the garden.  Inevitably, however, the summer comes to an end and many gardeners wonder what to do with their perennials.

If your perennials are hardy for your zone, you don't have to worry too much.  For zones warmer than 4, perennial care is simply a matter of cleaning up a bit and doing a minimal amount of preparation for the winter and spring ahead.

Most perennials, although hardy, die back in the winter.  These type plants, such as hostas and astilbe will wither and die as winter approaches.  Ultimately, when perennials get brown, mushy, or otherwise tell you they are done for the season, you can trim them back as you see fit.  You can divide them at this time too, or wait until spring.  Preferences vary from gardener to gardener and from plant to plant.

On the other hand, some of your perennials, such as primrose and columbine, will stay green and grow over the winter (depending on zone).  However, you may want to trim these plants some as well.  As a guideline, you may wish to remove any spent flower stalks (e.g. day lilies).  Monarda improves with removal of brown stuff as well.  Next, consider trimming anything that will be likely damaged by strong wind or frozen precipitation.  Otherwise, let them grow as they wish.

Fall is also a good time to mulch.  A thin layer (inch or less) over those that you cut back to the ground and around the green one's won't hurt.  Consider grass clippings, shredded leaves from your yard, or hay/straw, as well as the shredded wood type.
 

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