The landscape lay reeling and depleted, drunk on the sun’s rays and summer heat. She was beginning to show her age in the harsh light of the August sun, and there was a palpable shift in the air.
The winds of change are upon us as our attention begins to turn from Summer and its carefree nature to the more frenetic, frenzied schedule of Fall. Now, is the time to plant – trees, shrubs, perennials, lawns, and spring-flowering bulbs! The quicker you start planting, the more time your roots will have a chance to establish before the first frost. If you missed planting in the Spring or have waited to renovate your lawn, or overhaul your front landscape, now is the perfect time to complete these projects, but why?
Fall, which we in the green industry generally consider mid-August through early October, offers an ideal environment in which to plant as temperatures begin to fall, soil temperatures actually remain warm (warmer than Spring). Also, historically speaking, Fall brings more rain and far more pleasant temperatures in which to work outdoors.
Consider trees and shrubs. Planting or transplanting in Fall puts less stress on the plants and allows them to develop their root systems, so when Spring arrives, they are at peak health.
In addition to planting fall favorites, like Mums, Kale, and Pansies, spring blooming perennials as well as late-blooming perennials, like Aster, Coneflower, and Rudbeckia can also be planted.
Spring blooming bulbs, like Tulips, Iris, Daffodils, and Hyacinths absolutely must be planted now.
Lawns, whether renovated or started anew, also benefit from the cooler temperatures and increased rainfall. Seeding, in Illinois, should be completed August 15 through September for optimal results. Soil temperatures, cooler air temperatures, and rain ensure good seed germination with less competition from weeds. Sod can also be laid almost up until the first frost.
Don’t turn your back on your vegetable garden just yet. Cool season veggies, like carrots, lettuce, peas, radish, spinach, and broccoli can be planted, and some gardeners swear their taste gets sweeter as the nights get cooler.
Late Summer/early Fall can be likened to a second Spring, and in some instances, Fall is an even better time to plant and renovate. Call Sweeney’s today and schedule your plantings or lawn renovations. Haven’t you waited long enough?
Plant of the Week
Red Fountain Grass
Smoky-purple, arching plumes bloom mid to late Summer through Fall amongst bronzy-purple foliage. Prefers full sun, and moist, well-drained soil. Grows 24-36″ tall and 18-24″ wide. Great for containers.
“Whilst August yet wears her golden crown,
Ripening fields lush- bright with promise;
Summer waxes long, then wanes, quietly passing
Her fading green glory on to riotous Autumn.”
-Michelle L. Thieme
Well wishes,
Kim Sweeney