This is the time of year to begin applying a fresh layer of mulch to your plants. Grab a bag of aged compost as you pass by your local hardware store and spread a couple inches around your hardwood perennials, roses and other flowering shrubs, herbs and trees. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the plants themselves creating a doughnut like space between the plant and mulch. Doing a little bit at a time is less strenuous than hauling lots of bags of mulch or compost and trying to do it all in a day...or weekend. Choose one area and begin there with the goal of completing by Thanksgiving or...