Fall is for planting, as the old saying goes. While nature seems to be slowing down and getting ready for hibernation, there’s a lot of work that can be done now to prepare your landscape for the coming growing season. If there’s anything that can be improved, now is the ideal time to do it! Here’s what to look for at a garden nursery near me this fall in Rockland County, NJ.
Related: CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLOR AND STYLE FOR YOUR PATIO PAVERS IN ORANGE COUNTY NY
Plant Beds
One fall project is to spruce up your plant beds with new perennials. If you’ve had challenges with a plant bed in the past, fall is a good time to evaluate whether the plants that are currently occupying that space are suited to the location (i.e. no partial-sun-loving plants in a sunny spot) and that all the plants in the plant bed are equally suited to that location.
With the intent of creating a plant bed that’s diverse and filled with year-round interest, novice gardeners will often pair plants with distinctly different needs. Even if all the plants need full sun, for example, they may have different watering needs, and thrive in different soil pH conditions).
Grouping plants together by needs is a good way to ensure a thriving landscape. Our experts are standing by to guide you in choosing plants that naturally go together. This approach makes for a thriving and lower-maintenance landscape.
Mulch
Fall is a good time to refresh the mulch in a plant bed. Evaluate the performance of the mulch you used last season before automatically choosing the same type. There are many different types of mulches, each with their unique applications. Different mulches are used to add color and fragrance to the landscape, or to help retain moisture. Mulches also vary in price, which could be a consideration if you’re mulching large areas.
How do you know whether it’s time to add or replace mulch? When your mulch has turned silver from exposure to the elements, it’s time for a refresh. But don’t toss the old mulch! The point of mulch is to add nutrients to the soil, so just cover the old mulch with a new layer of fresh mulch.
Replace mulch completely every 3-5 years depending on the spot. You can place used mulch in a compost pile, where it will deteriorate further and make a great soil amendment.
Fertilizer
Fall is an important time to give your grass, flower beds, shrubs, and trees a good feeding before winter. Consult with our experts if you have questions about what types of fertilizer or compost to add. We’re here to help!
In lieu of chemical fertilizers, you could use compost to add nutrients to the landscape. Mulching mowers will spread fallen leaves and grass clippings in the lawn, but not to other areas of the landscape so have some organic compost on hand to boost nutrient levels around trees, shrubs, or in plant beds.
Fall Color
Add fall color to your landscape with flowering annuals that show off gorgeous blooms in fall. The trees don’t have to steal all the glory, after all! Ornamental Peppers, Celosia, Ornamental Cabbage, Croton, Calendula, Sweet Alyssum, Snapdragons, Pansies, Dianthus, Chrysanthemum, Flowering Kale, Begonias, Petunias, Nasturtium, and Asters will add glorious color whether they’re planted in the ground or in pots on the patio and front porch.
