The Goldenrod’s gilded sprays burst forth like a sparkler, igniting the garden, while the Aster’s fresh foliage breathed life into the lethargic landscape.  Finches returned to feed on the seeds of spent Coneflowers as the squirrels raced to fill their winter caches.

September’s intentions, thus far, seem questionable and her alliances less than honorable, yet we can’t help but think of Fall, and the beauty she will bestow.  As we turn 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 are both stunning and vibrant, in a host of shades and varieties, that 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 of Peony bouquet.  Flowering Wavy Leaf Red Kale’s purplish-red hue intensifies as temperatures drop.  Works well in beds and containers.

Redbor Kale is more upright, offering 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 or 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 then matures to a rainbow of colors – orange, crimson, red, lavender and finally deep purple.  Perfect for containers but can also be used in beds.

If you’re interested in any of the aforementioned plants or other available varieties, 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.

Plant of the Week

Bronze Chrysanthemum

Large, semi-double, fragrant orangey-bronze flowers bloom August – November in a rounded form.  Prefers sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 18-24″ high and 24-36″ wide.

“Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all.”

-Stanley Horowitz

Best wishes,

Kim Sweeney