Get Ready for Winter

November is nearly as good a gardening month as October, though the days are shorter, the weather cooler and there is always a chance of rain. Winter is on the way, so finish fall planting and get the garden ready.

Watch the shadows stretch across the garden as the sun dips ever lower, and note that some sunny areas become quite shaded. Don’t plant things that need sun where it will soon not shine. Areas in deep shade during summer, as under trees, are often bathed in sun all winter long--a good place for spring bulbs and many annuals.

You can still plant just about anything, even an entire landscape. Some gardeners wait until now, or even December, to plant spring flowers for blooms in late spring, when one is more likely to be outside enjoying the garden.

Garden Calendar

* “Pruning Trees and Shrubs” talk by arborist John Lynch, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Theodore Payne Foundation, 10459 Tuxford St., Sun Valley, (818) 768-1802. Registration required. Members, $10; nonmembers, $20.

* Holiday Succulent Wreath Demonstration and Sale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, gift and garden shop open house at Fullerton Arboretum, 1900 Associated Road, Fullerton, (714) 278-3579.

* “Flower Arranging for Thanksgiving,” 9 a.m. Saturday, Sherman Gardens, 2647 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar, (949) 673-2261. Preregistration required. Fee: $45, includes materials.

* Thai Vegetable and Fruit Carving Demonstration by Saowapa “Sophie” Albright, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Soka University, 26800 W. Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, (818) 878-3741. Free.

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Send garden announcements to Garden Events, Los Angeles Times, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012, at least three weeks before the event date.