Planting For A Beautiful Tomorrow — The Magic Of Fall

Fall planting sets the stage for a dramatic reveal, a burst of color that will break through the gray of a late winter into a delightful spring landscape. It’s like an artist preparing a canvas in the quiet of their studio, knowing the masterpiece is yet to come.

When choosing what to plant in the fall, consider when and for how long they bloom. Hellebores (Lenten Rose) are one of the earliest perennials to bloom, providing color when little else is flowering, often starting in late winter or early spring. Their nodding, cup-shaped flowers are a welcome sight after a long, cold winter. Adding bulbs that explode with color in early spring, such as tulips and daffodils, serves as a reminder that winter is over and warmer days are near. Grape hyacinth and crocus are usually the first bulbs to appear in the spring. They are not only beautiful but also beneficial for early pollinators and bees.

The warm days and cool nights of fall create a more forgiving and less stressful environment for plants, helping them better withstand the rigors of summer. Planting trees, shrubs and perennials in the fall gives them an extra growing season before the heat and drought of summer. This provides some peace of mind, as your work is more likely to take hold, allowing you to focus on the creative design and placement of your plants without the intense pressure of summer heat.

Consider planting flowering trees like redbud, cherry and crepe myrtle, as there are so many colors and varieties to choose from. One of my absolute favorite trees is the little gem magnolia. It’s an evergreen and a repeat bloomer with wonderfully fragrant flowers. Planting these trees in the fall helps them develop a deeper root system, which will aid in the success of your garden.

Fall planting also allows you to select plants that complement the season’s natural palette. The rich hues of mums, asters and ornamental grasses can be arranged to create a tapestry of deep reds, purples, golds and browns. This is an opportunity to design a garden that feels harmonious with the surrounding landscape.

Don’t wait all winter dreaming of warmer days to get new plants into the garden. Plant in the fall so you can enjoy the awakening of spring, as your plants will be ready to flourish and bloom with the changing seasons.

Evergreen Gene’s Landscaping & Garden Center can help you design, plant, install and maintain your new or existing landscape. Request an estimate online at www.evergreengenes.com, call 410-766-6877, or stop by the garden center to talk to a knowledgeable staff member.