If your hydrangeas are grown in containers, rather than directly in your yard, October is a good time to move them into a sheltered position. This will protect them from strong winds and frost.

These questions and answers have been edited and condensed for clarity. Q: Would cutting a lawn shorter help prevent or reduce the vole damage over winter? A: Yes but not too short. Cut it down to ...

Dear Master Gardener: I just planted a Bloomerang lilac. Do I need to protect it over the winter since it is newly planted?