We were living in Minnesota and it was late, late fall. My mother had recently offered a few of her flower plants as she was reconfiguring her garden. We trekked over and divided up several of her flowers and placed them in buckets for their short journey across town. We spent the next afternoon transplanting them around our property and watering thoroughly. A couple weeks passed and an early snowfall arrived. I was leery of their survival, having planted so late in the season, but my mother is a fearless gardener and assured us we got them in just in time. And sure enough, after spending the winter blanketed in cold and snow, little green shoots revealed themselves in the spring. They had survived!
Fall is really the perfect time for planting and establishing your garden perennials. After thorough watering, the roots are given time to rest and emerge in the spring when weather conditions are favorable and they are more likely to survive the harsher temperatures of summer. Planting perennials is also an efficient way to start your garden as they return year after year. An added bonus, most plants are sold at a discount when fall rolls around.
Here are my tips for planting fall perennials:
When purchasing plants I always like to buy at least three of the same kind. This creates a more harmonious look to your garden and lessens the “dotty” feel when using single plants.
Think about your color scheme. Reds, yellows, and oranges have a bolder feel, pastels are softer.
Water is key. I always like to think of the roots being comforted and eased into their new surroundings. I water daily as they are being established.
Remove what you don’t like. Plants do not have to be permanent. If I feel like a plant is not working out for whatever reason, I will dig it up, and offer it to my neighbors or friends. Be fearless as you establish your garden! Mistakes are how you learn.
Your next year’s garden will thank you for adding all the blooms in the fall. Head to your local nursery and find your favorites. Happy fall planting! xo
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