In This Issue:   Important Dates   Antibiotics Aren't Always the Answer   Parks & Recreation Happenings   Agricultural Drought Relief         Garden Tasks to Prepare for Winter   It won't be long before we can expect a freeze to knock back our gardens. Before that happens though, there are some things you can do to prepare for that event. Obviously any basil, peppers and tomatoes will be inedible after a freeze so picking and preparing in some way beforehand (pesto, freezing, etc.) is a good idea.   For many ornamental plants in the garden we only expect to get one season's enjoyment from them, but some tender plants can be saved for next year. Some like brugmansia and gardenia can be dug, potted and put in a garage for the winter. And while the garage is not an ideal spot and plants will look a little rough by spring, most likely they'll bounce back if they are watered occasionally. Geraniums are easily propagated by cutting; they can overwinter in a sunny window. Dahlia tubers can be dug, allowed to dry and can be stored in a cool, dry spot. You can write the variety name or color with a marker right on the tuber. Seeds from heirloom vegetable and non-hybrid plants can be saved to plant next spring. Annual such as zinnias, marigolds, salvias, nasturtiums and many others can easily be saved. This is also a good time to divide and replant some perennials like hostas, daylilies, and irises that have become too big. They will benefit from less crowded conditions.   If you plan to shake things up in your perennial garden this winter, mark plants now, because there won't be a sign of many of them later in the year. So while they garden season is winding down, there is still much to do to keep our gardens looking good and to extend the life of plants for next season's garden.