A close-up of a dried, brown coneflower head with wilted petals, set against a softly blurred background of green foliage and pink flowers.

Ponderous grows the landscape, sluggish is the lawn. The vibrant, lively hues of Summer ripen and languish. Glowing sprays of Goldenrod permeate the garden while ornamental grasses brandish their feathery tufts of bronze seed heads. Gold finches return to assess the maturing Coneflower’s bounty. Autumn whispers its intentions warmly but fervently as Summer begins her retreat.

Close-up of a cluster of light pink and pale yellow flowers with green leaves in the background, softly blurred by sunlight.

As we begin to shift gears and schedules, it’s time to start thinking about Fall plants – Mum, Kale, Ornamental Cabbage, Celosia, Pansies and Ornamental Peppers. Plants that complement the rich palette and splendor of Autumn.

Close-up of several orange and yellow chrysanthemum flowers in bloom, with green stems and leaves blurred in the background. A water droplet is visible on one of the petals.

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.

Close-up of a vibrant purple aster flower with a yellow center, set against a blurry green natural background.

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

Ornamental cabbage with ruffled, pale green and purple leaves, covered in water droplets, surrounded by small purple flowers and grass.

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.

Close-up of an ornamental cabbage with ruffled, purple and green leaves, decorated with water droplets.

Songbird Red Cabbage is an ornamental cabbage with rosettes of pinkish-red central leaves surrounded by silvery-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.

Colorful chili peppers in shades of red, yellow, and orange grow upright among green leaves, creating a vibrant and lively display in a garden setting.

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

A gray planter filled with yellow pansies, orange chrysanthemums, ornamental peppers, and trailing greenery sits on a stone patio near a rustic wooden bench.

If 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!

Plant of the Week

A vibrant pink rose with layered petals blooms among green leaves in sunlight.

Hansa Rose

Fragrant, magenta double blossoms bloom June – November, followed by large scarlet hips.  Prefers full sun, and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 4-6′ tall and 3-4′ wide.  Deer resistant.  Salt tolerant.  Excellent Fall color.

“Autumn is the antidote to stifling summer.”

-Terri Guillemets

Well wishes,

Kim Sweeney