Garden Guy column: Design your fall garden now
The days are lengthening and the catalogs are arriving in the mail and via the internet. Believe it or not, now is the prime time to think about your fall garden. Just as growers must think ahead to have plants ready for sale at the proper time, so also do gardeners need to think ahead so that they are ready to purchase the right plants at the right time.
In spring, most of the plants that we purchase are for our spring, summer, and fall gardens. I emphasize fall because I am thinking more about the purchase of perennials, shrubs, and trees for fall color. First think about the colors that you have currently and those that you would like to have. Then you must think about the plant type, location, and size for plants that will fulfill these wishes. Finally, you will have to research the specific plants that will be needed so that you are ready to purchase them when they are available or find substitutes.
While you will have to think out the entire scheme to determine which plants you will need, the highest priority should be trees. Trees are best planted while dormant in the very late fall or winter. In addition to having inventory left from last year, those who sell trees are getting deliveries of new trees now, during the prime planting time. The earlier that you get trees planted, the better.
Your next priority will be anything that is bare root. These also need to be planted during the winter to get a jump on the drying wind and heat to come. Bare root plants are generally cheaper, but require a bit of extra care during planting and while becoming established.
After determining all the plants that you want, you need to determine if they will be available. Local nurseries and garden centers stock a large variety of items; however, if you are looking for something very specific, it may or may not be available. If you find this out early enough, your favorite nursery may be able to order it for you along with their regular orders. But you need to know well in advance because of the lead time required for retailers to order and obtain their inventory.
Finally, by having a plan and knowing at least some of the plants you need and want, you will be better equipped to look at spring inventory for plants that shine in fall. These will generally not be in bloom and can be overlooked while looking at those in bloom that you are more focused on for spring and summer color.
I will be the first to admit that I do not generally do adequate planning well in advance. So learn from me that if you do, you will be prepared for purchasing many plants that you need and want without the extra stress of determining on the fly what may or may not work for you.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Garden Guy column: Design your fall garden now
