Fall, the Second Season

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As summer draws to a close, I often get the impression from our customers that they think the planting season is just about over. I seldom hear the words "I can't wait to get out there and plant a new garden this fall!" It seems like, psychologically, folks think of September and October as just a slow, gradual slide into the dormant season.

 

WAKE UP FOLKS! You're really missing the boat!

 

Fall is one of the absolute best times to garden because it is the season for root growth. The air is cool, and the soil is warm. When you plant new perennials, shrubs, and trees, they root in quickly and become well established before winter. The following spring, you will be so happy that you put forth the effort as the plants will be quite large, with good root systems, and begin growing early. Fall is a great time to prepare new planting beds and start a new perennial or shrub garden. Digging is easy as the weather is cooler and there are NO BUGS!  Most people feel a tremendous rush of new energy to start new projects after Labor Day (that's the adult gardener's answer to the "back to school syndrome"!) Watering is easier as rainfall is often abundant.

 

Contrary to popular belief, many of your favorite plants are readily available in the fall. Natureworks stocks fresh plants every month of the growing season. We carry lots of natives and plants that support migrating monarchs and late season pollinators. We specialize in PERENNIAL mums, asters of all kinds, and pride ourselves on carrying a wide range of fall blooming perennials, shrubs, and ornamental grasses. If you don’t find what you are looking for on our benches, please ask. If a specific plant isn’t available, simply put a label in the ground where it is going to go and plant it in the spring.

 

Fall is the best time to dig up, rearrange, divide, and reorganize your garden beds. The problems you have experienced are fresh in your mind. Do something about it now! Don't wait till spring when the great ideas have melted away. After renovating your garden, plant spring blooming bulbs between the clumps of perennials. This final burst of energy will bring you pleasure beyond your wildest expectations in the spring.

 

If you need help with your fall gardening projects, we are here to assist you. When you come to shop, ask a Natureworker to help you with your plant selections. If you need even more help, inquire about our design department. We offer garden consultations, garden coaching, and landscape design services.

 

"It's not all over, it's starting all over again!!!"

I hope you will now think of fall as the Second Season too!

 

In an effort to provide horticultural information, these educational documents are written by Nancy DuBrule-Clemente and are the property of Natureworks Horticultural Services, LLC.  You are granted permission to print/photocopy this educational information free of charge as long as you clearly show that these are Natureworks documents.