Get into the Autumn Spirit With Seasonal Fall Plants and Decorative Displays

Selecting the right seasonal fall plants can transform your garden into a vibrant autumn oasis. Here’s a guide to some of the best choices for fall annuals, perennials, and flowering shrubs.

Annual flowers are perfect for adding a burst of color to your garden for a single season. Here are some top picks:

• Garden Mums: A classic choice for fall, with flowers in red, yellow, purple, and more.
• Calibrachoa: These petunia-like flowers bloom prolifically in various colors and patterns, perfect for containers and window boxes.
• Sunflower: Quintessential late-season flowers that add height and cheerfulness.
• Petunia: Available in nearly every color, petunias are perfect for containers and hanging baskets.
• Sweet Alyssum: Low-growing annuals with dainty scented flowers.

Perennials return year after year, providing long-lasting beauty. Consider these options:

• Black-Eyed Susan: Hardy and cheerful, these plants thrive in part sun to full sun and grow 14-36” tall.
• Coneflower: North American native with cone-shaped flowers in various colors. Deer-resistant and easy-care.
• Japanese Anemone: Long-lived with single or double flowers in white or pink, blooming for weeks in late summer and fall.
• Russian Sage: Tall blue flower spikes above aromatic foliage, perfect for screening or background.
• Stonecrop: Drought-tolerant with clusters of star-shaped flowers, ideal for edging or rockeries.

Flowering shrubs add structure and year-round interest to your garden. Here are some great choices:

• Reblooming Azalea: Provides a burst of color in spring and another in late summer and fall. Suitable for containers and woodland settings.
• Bluebeard: Easy-care shrub with autumn flowers in shades of purple, blue, and pink.
• Butterfly Bush: Attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, with flower clusters in various colors.
• Panicle Hydrangea: Ideal for cold climates with delicate clusters of star-shaped flowers in white, pink, red, or pale green.
• Rose: Endless array of colors and forms, perfect for mixed borders and foundation plantings.

Choosing the right mix of seasonal fall plants can create a stunning garden that thrives in the cooler months.

Next, let’s explore how to design your fall garden with container displays and decorative elements.

• Pansies: These cheerful flowers can handle cooler fall temperatures and come in many colors. Perfect for containers.
• Chrysanthemums (Mums): Classic fall flowers available in various colors, great for planters or garden displays.
• Heleniums: Tall and colorful, these flowers add vertical interest to any container.
• Marigolds: Bright and hardy, they bring a pop of gold and orange to your fall displays.
• Asters: Available in blues, reds, pinks, and purples, they are a great substitute for mums and thrive in cooler weather.

Using these plants, you can create a variety of color schemes and texture combinations. For example, mix the bright oranges and yellows of marigolds with the deep purples of asters and the silvery hues of ornamental cabbage. This creates a visually appealing and balanced display.

To improve your garden’s fall aesthetic, incorporate decorative elements that evoke the autumn spirit. Here are some ideas:

• Pumpkins and Gourds: Stack them in corners or place them around your planters to add a festive touch.
• Hay Bales: Use these as a base for other decorations or as rustic seating.
• Corn Stalks: Tie them together and place them at entryways or along garden paths for a classic fall look.
• Seasonal Wreaths: Hang them on doors or garden gates to welcome guests.
• Garden Ornaments: Choose items that complement your fall theme, such as scarecrows, lanterns, or rustic signs.

Combining these elements with your container displays can create a cohesive and inviting garden layout. For example, pair a cluster of chrysanthemums and ornamental cabbage with a stack of pumpkins and a seasonal wreath. This not only improves your garden’s visual appeal but also makes it welcoming and festive.

Next, let’s dive into essential fall garden maintenance and clean-up tasks to keep your garden looking its best all season long.

Maintaining your garden during fall is crucial for keeping it vibrant and healthy. Here are some essential tasks to focus on:

Start by pruning your shrubs. This helps them maintain a healthy shape and encourages new growth. Focus on removing dead or diseased branches to keep your garden looking tidy.

Mulching is a simple yet effective way to protect your plants. It helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and insulate roots from the cold. Spread a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your plants, but avoid piling it against the stems.

Enrich your soil with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. This not only improves soil structure but also provides essential nutrients for your plants.

Fall is a good time to tackle pests naturally. Use organic solutions like neem oil or insecticidal soap to keep unwanted bugs at bay. This ensures your garden remains healthy without harmful chemicals.

Leaves can smother your lawn and garden beds if left unchecked. Rake them up regularly and consider using them in your compost pile. This not only cleans up your garden but also recycles valuable nutrients.

Clear away any fallen branches, dead plants, and other debris. This helps prevent disease and keeps your garden looking neat.

Prepare your garden for winter by protecting tender plants with burlap or frost covers. Move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location. This ensures they survive the colder months.

At Borst Landscape & Design, we offer comprehensive fall clean-up services to keep your garden in top shape. From leaf removal to soil enrichment, we handle it all. Contact us at (201) 822-9327 to schedule your fall garden maintenance.

Accept the beauty of seasonal fall plants to transform your garden into a vibrant autumn wonderland. From colorful annuals like African Daisy and Garden Mums to striking perennials such as Black-Eyed Susan and Japanese Anemone, your options are endless. Add in decorative elements like pumpkins, hay bales, and seasonal wreaths to complete the look.

Our team at Borst Landscape & Design is here to help you every step of the way. We offer full-service landscaping to bring your fall garden vision to life. Whether you need assistance with garden design, maintenance, or clean-up, we’ve got you covered.