By Kathy Esfahani
As the temperature levels drop to the low 80s (or maybe even 70s!), we begin to feel tips of fall in our Northeast Florida house! It is cooling off enough to return to the garden, but what is best to plant now for seasonal color?
Lots of flowers that wilt in the summer heat delight in the cooler temperature levels of Florida’s fall and winter season. Although annuals need replanting every season, they display dynamic colors throughout a landscape. Consider including celosia, dianthus, Dusty Miller, marigolds, pansies, petunias, snapdragons and violas to your garden and/or containers now for color in the coming months. There are likewise perennials that will bloom now and return again next fall. In our area, try to find firespike, geraniums, mums, pentas and salvia.
Shrubs and other plants can also be added to your landscape alongside these flowers. Plants that include colorful foliage include crotons and loropetalum. Bushes can provide color and fill in throughout your backyard. Holly and other shrubs that produce berries bring in birds trying to find food as they move through our area. These berries likewise remind us that the holidays are right around the corner!
Although Florida may not see the altering fall leaves of trees in cooler environments, there are trees that supply seasonal color in our location. Now is a good time to plant the trees that you have been thinking about for your landscape. Concepts for trees that feature fall color include bottlebrush, cypress and maple.
When you prepare your garden for new fall planting, make certain to enhance the soil with organic matter. This step allows plants to find and keep nutrients that help them grow and produce lovely flowers. If preferred, include a slow-release fertilizer or organic garden compost to support your new plants. And, as always, do not forget to water regularly!
The coming months are the clothes dryer season in our location, so you will need to maintain wetness throughout your gardens.
Visit us at the nursery to select plants to include fall color around your house! Pleased planting!
Flower of the Week: Marigolds
Please email Kathy at [email protected] for any concerns or gardening ideas you would like to see in the future. For more information & & ideas, visit Kathy’s Creative Gardens & & Nursery, 196 N. Roscoe Blvd. The contact number is 904-655-7373.