Fall Landscaping

Fall landscaping - when you think landscape gardening, most people think of spring.

When it comes to the garden, many people think of fall as a quiet time - summer is ending, and there is not much left to do but rake up the debris.

But for savvy gardeners, fall is the ideal time to get a jump on next year's beautiful garden design and display.

In fact, for some home landscaping ideas and tasks, fall is the ideal time to make an investment of your labor that will pay off next year.

First of all, it's the best time to take an overview of how well your lawn and garden thrived, and what needs adjustment.

Don't wait until next spring to try to remember what plants needed thinning, and what didn't do well in it's current position.

Start by evaluating what changes need to be made to optimize the beauty and functionality of your garden.

Then, do as much as you can now, and write down what must be postponed until next year, so that you won't forget it by the time Spring arrives!

Evergreen trees and shrubs can add to your enjoyment of your property throughout the winter months, and autumn is the optimum time for these plantings. Since they are entering a more dormant phase, your transplanted evergreens have a far better chance of surviving if planted at this time of year.

Check with your nursery for details on evergreen care. Most will recommend that you wrap new evergreen plantings in burlap to protect them for their first winter.

Fall landscaping can also include planting some of the hardier late-blooming perennials - many of which are still on sale at local garden centres at greatly reduced prices.

A variety of mums can add a burst of colour to your Fall garden that can take you right past Thanksgiving!

Of course, another fall landscape gardening "to do" is planting bulbs for the early spring flowers next year. Gorgeous daffodils, tulips and crocus can herald the start of spring in your garden if you plant bulbs now.

In addition to planning and planting, your fall gardening efforts should include some renewal of resources to ensure a healthy regeneration next year.

Make sure that you plan for a fall fertilizing treatment of your lawn and garden to bring your soil to its optimum levels to ensure a welcoming environment when things come back to life!