We often see fall as an ending, a death.  In a very real sense this is the case, many plants and animals will die in the winter.  Yet, it is also a time of opportunity.  Fall is a great time for planting certain things.  Spring bulbs (daffodils, tulips, etc) are all planted at this time, if possible after the squirrels and other rodents have stockpiled their food for the winter but before the ground has frost in it, anytime between early October and December depending on the zone.  After deciduous trees have gone dormant (October to Novermber) they can also be planted.  This allows them to establish their roots without having to support leaves, excellent for those of us carrying water buckets as it reduces our work. 

Fall clean up of gardens reduces next spring’s work, it sets the stage.  Cleaning the garden reduces overwintering pests, reduces the potential for rot and is an excellent time to weed, ensuring that only the plants you want are there.  Of all the seasons fall looks farthest into the future.