Coming up . . .

The increasing rain means less and less time out in the yard. But make a note of small tasks that can be done in between rain showers. Such as –

Trim back a rose or two
Toss dead leaves into the compost pile
Collect diseased leaves or fruit for disposal (not in the compost)
Cover bare soil with compost, straw, or fallen leaves
Add a layer of compost to vegetable beds
Create a fall centerpiece from garden greenery

While out in the garden, try to stay on paths and walkways. Walking on wet soil crushes the air out of it, decreasing its ability to drain through. Even after soil dries out spring, these air spaces are gone. Protect your soil this winter, for a better spring planting season.

And there’s always more to learn. Check out these classes and workshops:

Naturescaping Basics
Design your landscape so it reduces water use, stormwater runoff, and pollution, – all while providing a beautiful habitat for birds, wildlife, and you. You’ll find ways to save time on garden chores, get help planning your project, and see the practices at work. Register online with the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District.
--Leach Botanical Garden (6704 SE 122nd Ave., Portland); Saturday, November 14th, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
--Kenton Firehouse (8105 N Brandon, Portland); Sunday, November 15th, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Growing Herbs Indoors
You may not want to spend too much time outdoors, but gardening with herbs inside can cheer you up (and enhance your dinners) all winter long. Pick the right herbs and get growing.
Al’s Garden Center - Gresham; Saturday, November 14th, 1:00 pm .

Native Plants Workshop
Heard all the buzz around native plants and wonder what all the fuss is about? Here’s your chance to find out how to use native plants to attract birds and pollinators into your urban garden. It’s free, but please register online here.
East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District (5211 N. Williams Ave., Portland); Thursday, November 19th; 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.