The last tomato has ripened, the constant deadheading has finally come to an end, and leaves now blanket the ground. While it’s tempting to let the yard go this time of year, there are practical ways to give your outdoor space purpose in the barrenness—getting things tidy and in great shape for waking up next spring. These meditative tasks let you enjoy the slower pace of gardening, appreciate the details, take good care of the infrastructure, and even make way for surprises to delight you when