This is the time to winterize your landscape in preparation for colder temperatures which are sure to be arriving shortly.  For those with in-ground sprinkler systems it is advisable to shut off the water supply and make sure the lines have adequately drained.  Sprinkler line draining is accomplished with either manual drain valves, automatic drain valves or by using compressed air.  The manner in which lines are drained depends upon the design of your sprinkler system.  Also, you’ll want to make sure any garden hoses are disconnected from outdoor water faucets before the first freeze.  You may want to keep garden hoses handy so they can be used for watering your landscape beds if needed.  This may prove to be more convenient than starting up and shutting off an in-ground sprinkler system.  Your lawn and landscape should be watered once every 3-4 weeks during the cold weather months if we don’t receive any natural precipitation.  Herbaceous perennials can be trimmed slightly to help with their appearance but leave a fair amount of growth on them throughout the winter.  This dormant growth on the perennials will provide some cold weather protection to the growing point located at the crown of the plants.  Check to make sure beds are adequately mulched to further protect perennials from freeze damage as well as to protect your cool weather annual plants.  If you want to add some color for the winter months you can still plant pansies and ornamental kale.  Make sure soil is moist after installation and add 2-3 inches of mulch around the new plants.