November Gardening Tips for the Pacific Northwest

• You can continue to tuck spring-flowering bulbs into the landscape as long as soil is workable. Look for bargains on bulbs -- many retailers will be trying to wrap up sales and empty inventory.
• Plant a container with pretty winter views in mind. Pansy, viola, flowering stock, ornamental cabbage, nemesia -- these and other annuals can dress a pot with color all winter long.
• Try your hand at creating a container arrangement. Stuff a pot with clippings of evergreens, interesting twigs, berried branches, and rose-hipped stems. Add ornamental grasses, coneflower heads, and pinecones.
• Sow wildflower seed now for a spring show. Seeds tucked into soil in fall appear earlier and bloom sooner than spring-sown ones.

Test Garden Tip: Get set for colorful holidays by adding a few amaryllis to your indoor spaces. These goof-proof bulbs sprout and flower -- even in water. Purchase and plant a few extra bulbs to give as gifts and spread some blooming holiday cheer.