Fall is the ideal time for planting. While many homeowners think of spring as the best time for planting, actually fall can be the optimum time to plant.  The best period for fall planting is roughly six weeks before the first hard frost.

Why is fall a good time for planting?  

• Milder temperatures in the fall during initial root growth as opposed to spring planting and the harsh summer temperatures give roots a great head start.
• In the fall, the warm soil encourages root growth. Roots continue to grow through the winter until the ground freezes.
• Fall has more rain than late spring and summer which allows for more consistent watering during initial root growth
• Even when the temperatures drop to freezing and below the ground temperatures will usually stay above 40˚ into December and January which allows for continued root growth into the winter months. Even if the plant is dormant above ground the roots can continue to establish when the ground temperatures are above 40˚F.
• Flowering shrubs are already established for the following spring which generates better flushing and flowering in the spring as opposed to planting a flowering shrub in the spring.
• Non-flowering shrubs also benefit in the same way because their root grown has already been established
• Perennials are often dormant in the fall and winter, and if they don't have to expend energy on making leaves, they'll put it into creating a strong root system.
• Fall is the time to plant your spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils and crocus. If you want to enjoy these beauties in the spring, now is the time to plant them.

If you've been thinking about new plantings to enhance your landscape, now is the perfect time to do it! Call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our designers.

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Fall is a great time to add some color and texture to your garden. Two common plants seen this time of year in many gardens are pansies and ornamental cabbage or kale.

Pansies are cool weather favorites that provide bright and cheerful flowers. Dark blotches in the center of the flower form what is sometimes referred to as a face. Pansies are available in a wide assortment of colors such as yellow, brown, blue, red, white, maroon and orange, among others.

A hardy plant, pansies grow well in sunny or partially sunny spots with well-draining soil. They can survive light freezes and short periods of snow cover. During a hard freeze the plants may go dormant or the leaves wither, but they quickly bounce back and bloom again throughout the warmer days of winter. Pinch off the spent flower heads throughout the season to encourage reblooming.

 

Ornamental cabbage and kale are also great for adding color and texture. They look great in mass plantings, edgings and in container plantings. One great feature of these plants is that their color becomes more intense after the first few hard frosts. They prefer full sun and moderately moist soil.

The ornamental cabbages and kales are very similar in appearance; both can have ruffled or frilly leaves, however cabbages don't form as tight a head. The cabbages have solid colored leaves with smooth leaf margins, and are usually edged on the outsides in a contrasting color. The kales have serrated or fringed leaf margins. Both make a great addition to the garden.