As we enter the second week of September, there’s a noticeable change in light, its intensity and duration have diminished, yet it’s something more.  Something immeasurable, but you know you’re no longer looking at a Summer sky.  I often ask myself if I didn’t own a calendar or wasn’t keenly tuned in to the space-time continuum, would I know?  Would I know the sunrise hinted of Fall despite the full canopy of trees?  I’d like to think so.  There are subtle changes – a certain sharpness and clarity, and the wind suggests a chase is afoot with something hot on its heels.  September is truly full of wonder and mystery as it reveals itself as Fall’s trusty enabler.  Soon enough, its true colors and intent will unfurl as another gift from nature.

As we turn yet another seasonal corner, it’s time to concentrate on Fall’s stunning and unique plant offerings that cozy, brighten, and complement Autumn’s palette.

Mums!  Trite?  Maybe.  Beautiful and traditional?  Yes!  Mums form the backbone of the Fall landscape and can be planted in a bed or container.  There are many colors and varieties to choose from, including orange, red, yellow, white, pink, purple, and bronze.

Asters, specifically, Double Purple Asters are stunning and vibrant and can be used successfully and artfully in containers, alone or combined with other Fall favorites.

Kale is both unique and beautiful.  There are many different varieties, some of which actually mimic blooms, and I have seen bouquets made solely of Kale and Ornamental Cabbage that were as lovely as any rose or peony bouquet.  Flowering Wavy Leaf Red Kale’s purplish-red hue intensifies as temperatures cool.  Works well in a bed or container.

Redbor Kale, more upright than other Kales, offers vertical appeal with its curled, maroon-red foliage and  lavender-colored stems.  Works well in a container or bed, adding height, color, and texture.

Songbird White Cabbage is an ornamental cabbage with rosettes of white central leaves surrounded by green foliage.  It’s the rose of cabbages!  Does well in a bed, container, and can even be used in an unusual but stunning Fall bouquet.

Chilly Chili Peppers are ornamental and offer a whimsical and colorful touch to containers.  Fruit starts off yellow changing to orange then finally red.

Sangria Ornamental Peppers are reminiscent of Halloween candy – colorful and fun and somewhat edible, although I don’t think it’s recommended.  Upright fruit emerges green than matures to a rainbow of colors – orange, crimson, red, lavender, and finally deep purple.  Perfect for a container but can also be planted in a bed.

Hypericums are often used in Fall displays for their interesting and colorful berries.  First Editions Pumpkin Hypericum offers glowing orange berries that remind one of little lanterns or even pumpkins.  Makes an excellent addition to a container

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f you’re interested in any of the aforementioned plants or other available varieties, please reach out to Sweeney’s today.  Quantities are limited, so don’t delay!   Fall plants, whether tucked into a bed, container, or planter, are festive and fun ways to welcome the season.

“Summer ends, and Autumn comes, and he who would have it otherwise would have high tide always and a full moon every night; and thus, he would never know the rhythms that are at the heart of life.”

-Hal Borland

Best wishes,

Kim Sweeney