In the garden, autumn brings a piece of gracefulness, muted tones, and an expectancy of what to plant new for the season!
Fall evokes different emotions for folks—for some it may bring sadness that the growing season is coming to an end, but for others it’s a chance at rest. For flower farmers and devoted gardeners, it’s not a time to stop working in the gardens—autumn is actually a perfect season to amend the soil and to plant. In the picture below, you’ll see a new garden area has been created with amended soil for autumn planting.
With the many spring-flowering bulbs, trees, shrubs, and perennials that can be planted in fall, I consider it a very important garden season, don’t you? When planting in the autumn season there’s less watering due to cooler temps and a greater chance at rain. Plus, the fallen leaves gather at the base of matured trees that can be collected for heaping into the compost for newly planted flowers and plants the following year.
Choosing cool season plants, like pansies, violas, ornamental cabbage and primroses, to scatter around your garden and to tuck into planters will bring color to your gardens as you wait. Add foliage by selecting evergreen shrubs that keep their foliage and stems throughout each season. They add color and coverage to the garden and landscape for the entire year. These staples will also bring detail to certain spaces in the garden and create a style of togetherness. A few of those evergreens are: Green Giant Arborvitae, Emerald Green Arborvitae, Green Mountain Boxwood, and Winter Gem Boxwood.
Some of these varieties are used for hedge purposes, but also can be planted giving height and appeal to garden spaces. Always consider the conditions in which they grow and strive in, such as USDA Gardening Zone, required sunlight or shade, drainage, and soil quality.
Avoid anything tender from this point on, meaning anything that’s not cold tolerant and will be killed by even a light frost. Many tender plants can be killed by cold alone, with no need for actual frost. Tip: you can prolong the life of a tender perennial or annual by using a frost cloth, fleece, or even an old curtain/sheet. Watch the frost forecasts that are truly in the upcoming days and be prepared!
Happy Gardening
Pamela Anthony
Beehind Thyme Farm & Garden