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Your Thoughts Have Turned to Vacation, but Don't Go Until You've Done These Chores

Divide bearded irises Dividing and replanting now gives roots a head start for winter. (Photos By Sandra Leavitt Lerner For The Washington Post)

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These counties run excellent composting programs that can provide you mulch:

· Montgomery: Solid Waste Transfer Station, 240-777-6560.

· Arlington: Department of Environmental Services, 703-228-6570.

· Fairfax: mulch information line, 703-324-5995.

· Loudoun: Mulch pile available at the landfill in Leesburg, 703-771-5500.

· Prince William: compost facility, 703-792-6804.

In other areas, call your local Cooperative Extension Service to inquire about programs that offer this crucial soil amendment.

Joel M. Lerner is president of Environmental Design in Capitol View Park, Md. E-mail or contact him through his Web site,http://www.gardenlerner.com.

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