We've a wonderful bonus this year, at a time in the evolving seasons when we could most use this break. Represented by warmer-than-normal day-time highs, urging us to take advantage of the opportunity to conclude our fall chores in closing up our gardens.

One of the last things needing to be done, once perennials were cut back and cleaned up, and everything made tidy, the compost spread neatly on the cleared beds, was to plant spring bulbs. Since we have ample tulips returning faithfully and hyacinths, aliums, crocuses and delightful miniature irises, it was time to renew daffodils, this year's choice for fall planting. A few hours of work, using a convenient bulb planter to excavate to the right depth, deposit bloodmeal (helps to keep squirrels away, as well as nourish the bulbs), water, then the bulbs inserted and covered with soil, saw the task neatly done.

Cutting back the rose canes is one of the last chores as well, and that has been concluded. Now, all that is left to do is to string up a number of the ornamental cedars, particularly the globe variety, and to cap the roses with snow cones.

And the job's done for yet another year. Enabling us to look forward with great anticipation to the surprises that spring will gift us with.