Celebrate Fall in the Garden and Plan Ahead!
Fall is one of those seasons that offers beauty in the moment and opportunities to plan ahead! The changing colors, crisp air, and slower pace invite us to enjoy what’s right in front of us while also setting the stage for next year’s success.
In the garden, that means balancing two priorities: creating an inviting space now and laying the groundwork for a thriving landscape in the months ahead.
Quick Wins for This Season!
If you want instant impact, here are a few simple ways to refresh your space this fall:
- Refresh your containers by swapping out fading summer blooms with grasses, late-season flowers, or even a small tree that can brighten your patio now and find a permanent home in your yard later.
- Dress up the porch with pumpkins, seasonal décor, or colorful mums to create a warm and welcoming first impression for guests and neighbors alike.
- Bring in bursts of color by planting pansies, violas, or ornamental kale—easy choices that thrive in cooler temperatures and can keep your garden vibrant right into the colder months.
- Add fall foliage stars like maples or other deciduous trees and shrubs to enjoy brilliant shades of red, gold, and orange from the comfort of home.
- Introduce ornamental grasses for texture and movement—they sway beautifully in the wind, add dimension to beds or pots, and look great year-round.
- Extend the harvest with cool-season veggies and herbs. Kale, spinach, rosemary, and thyme not only thrive now but also make cozy soups and roasts taste even better.
- Give your lawn a reset by overseeding thin spots or laying new sod. Fall’s cooler weather and natural rainfall help grass establish strong roots before winter sets in.
Setting the Stage for the Future!
Fall also happens to be the best time to get plants established for long-term success. Consider:
- Divide and add perennials to balance out garden beds, fill empty spaces, and set the stage for a burst of color when spring returns.
- Plant larger trees and shrubs while the soil is warm and rains are steady. They’ll root in quickly and be stronger heading into next year.
- Start fruit trees or berry bushes now and you’ll gain a head start on growth, which often means bigger harvests down the road.
- Add winter interest with trees, shrubs, and perennials that bloom in cold weather or show off unique bark, ensuring your landscape looks alive even in the quiet months.
- Layer in spring bulbs like tulips, daffodils, or crocuses now, so you’ll be greeted with cheerful color as soon as winter fades.
- Use fallen leaves as mulch to feed your soil, protect tender plants, and give pollinators a safe winter habitat.
- Prune with intention to remove weak or heavy branches, tidy up hedges, and ensure your trees and shrubs are ready to handle winter storms.
Whether you’re sprucing up your home to enjoy through the holidays, or making smart improvements to boost curb appeal before selling, this is the perfect season to get started!
If you’re considering buying, selling, or investing, I’d love to help you plan your next move. Just like gardening, timing and preparation are everything in real estate. I’d be honored to be your trusted resource, reach out anytime!
