As the vibrant colors of summer fade, fall brings a unique opportunity to refresh your garden with new plants and trees that thrive in cooler temperatures. Virginia’s mild autumn climate is perfect for planting a variety of flowers, shrubs, and trees that will not only survive but flourish. Here’s how to get started on your fall gardening journey.

In Virginia, the best time to start planting fall plants and trees is from late September to early November. This timing allows plants to establish their roots before the winter chill sets in. The soil is still warm, which encourages root growth, while the cooler air temperatures reduce the stress on new plants.

How to Start?

Prepare Your Soil: Begin by clearing out any summer plants that are past their prime. Add compost or organic matter to enrich the soil and improve drainage.

Plan Your Layout: Consider the mature size of plants and trees to ensure they have enough space to grow. Group plants with similar water and sunlight needs together.

Planting: Dig holes that are twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your plants. Place the plants in the holes, fill with soil, and water thoroughly.

Let’s take a look at some flowers which are perfect for fall:

• Mums (Chrysanthemums): These quintessential fall flowers come in a variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, and purple. They are frost-tolerant and can brighten up your garden well into late autumn.

• Pansies: Available in almost every color, pansies thrive in cooler weather and can even survive light frosts. They add a cheerful splash of color to your garden.

• Ornamental Kale: Known for its colorful foliage, ornamental kale can withstand cold temperatures and adds a unique texture to your garden.

There are also multiple shrubs that are perfect for fall:

Burning Bush: This shrub is famous for its fiery red foliage in the fall. It’s hardy and can tolerate a range of soil types.

Smoke Bush: With its purple-pink plumes and purple leaves, the smoke bush adds a dramatic touch to any garden.

Oakleaf Hydrangea: This shrub offers beautiful white flowers that turn pink as they age, and its leaves turn a stunning red or purple in the fall.

And finally some trees:

Dogwood: Known for its beautiful fall foliage and berries, the dogwood tree is a great addition to any landscape.

Serviceberry: This tree provides year-round interest with its white spring flowers, summer berries, and brilliant fall foliage.

Red Maple: Famous for its vibrant red leaves in the fall, the red maple is a classic choice for adding autumn color to your garden.

General Tips and Advice

Watering: Newly planted trees and shrubs need regular watering until they are established. Water deeply to encourage deep root growth.

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Pruning: Avoid heavy pruning in the fall. Instead, focus on removing dead or diseased branches.

Fertilizing: Use a slow-release fertilizer to provide nutrients throughout the fall and winter.

By choosing the right plants and trees, you can create a stunning fall garden and we at Decked Out Landscapes are here to help with each step needed to have a garden that will thrive in Virginia’s climate. Contact us today to get a free consultation and get started on your fall garden!