Fall Planting
“No! Not true! There are plenty.”
That’s my answer to the statement I often hear this time of year. Many incorrectly state that there is simply nothing to plant this time of year, and that they have to wait until the spring to plant pretty little flowers. In fact, autumn has its own unique flowers and plants that generate a great deal of color and interest.
Perhaps the most popular plant this time of year is, of course, the chrysanthemum. Commonly known as the “mum,” this hardy and durable fella is a mainstay in any fall garden. It is extremely low maintenance, and will come back bigger year after year.
In fact, I find that I have to divide my mums pretty much every other year, as they get too big. Another neat factor with these fellas is that they come in a wide assortment of colors and sizes.
Asters are another favorite of the fall. It, too, is a peren-nial, and is one plant I look forward to each autumn. There are some very pretty blues and purples to choose from.
Finally, the blanket flower is a great flower for the fall, as well. This long lasting performer will bloom from the first of the summer right up until the frost. This perennial comes in yellow and orange, and a combination of both, and is a stalwart of the garden.
Just as there are many annuals you can plant in the spring, there are some for the colder months, as well. One of the most popular is the pansy. The color range is quite extraordinary, as one can buy a pansy with a simply yellow flower, or one with yellow, blue, and white all in the same petal. Plus there are other colors to choose from.
The viola is a flower that comes in a pretty lavender, as well as a yellow. There is one variety that I tend to favor called “blueberry cream,” which is a combination of both blue and yellow. Quite striking, actually.
I enjoy putting my winter annuals in pots by my front door, though many plant them right into the ground. Both the violas and pansies will grow right up until the spring months. All that is needed is a healthy dose of fertilizer every month. Try a water fertilizer solution, which allows you to mix the fertilizer with water in a watering can, and simply pour it over the plant, itself.
Don’t be fooled thinking that you have to wait until next spring to enjoy the growing season. Run down to the nursery this weekend, and grab some nice autumn perennials and annuals, and brighten up those dreary, gray months.