Just because summer is over doesn't mean you have to stop enjoying your outdoor space! Here are some of our favorite ways to say goodbye to summer days and celebrate the beautiful harvest season in style.
What Should I Plant in My Fall Garden
If you haven't already started your fall planting, we recommend you do so now! Incorporating these vibrant seasonal plants into your autumn garden design is just one of the many ways you can make the most of the season's spectacular color show:
Sunsparkler Series Sedum: We love these low-growing succulents for their brilliant foliage. Transforming from green to rich reds and purples as the temperatures drop, these beauties make an excellent groundcover and provide a unique touch of fall flavor to your Salt Lake City garden.
Tiger Eye Sumac: This deciduous shrub is a showstopper in the fall garden, with fern-like foliage turning brilliant shades of orange and red.
Maples, Aspens, and Japanese Maples: These trees are famous for their vibrant autumn foliage. Sugar maples are renowned for their fiery red leaves, aspens create a shimmering sea of gold, and Japanese maples offer a more delicate touch with their crimson hues.
Design Ideas for Your Autumn Garden
Seasonal plants aren't the only way you can infuse your Salt Lake City garden with the enchanting colors of fall. Let's dive into some design ideas to make your autumn garden truly spectacular:
Foliage Focal Points
Create focal points in your garden by strategically planting trees and shrubs that boast striking autumn foliage. A Japanese maple near a seating area adds vibrant color and textures, while Tiger Eye Sumac can be used to frame the entrance to your garden and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Seasonal Containers
Change up your garden's vibe and add versatility to your autumn landscape with seasonal containers! Place these containers around your garden to provide bursts of color that complement the changing foliage and greet company at the front door. We love packing ours full of mums, ornamental kale, and pansies in rich fall hues.
Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are not only low-maintenance but also provide a lovely contrast to the bold colors of autumn. Consider planting varieties like 'Karl Foerster' feather reed grass or switchgrass, which sway gracefully in the autumn breeze, adding movement and texture to your garden.
Fire Pits and Cozy Seating
As the weather cools, make your garden a cozy place to gather with friends and family. Adding features like a fire pit or outdoor fireplace surrounded by weatherproofed or covered seating to your landscape design creates a welcoming spot to enjoy the crisp fall evenings, roast marshmallows, and sip on warm cider.
Incorporate Hardscaping Elements
Enhance the autumnal charm of your garden with hardscaping elements. Installing natural stone pathways or a rustic wooden pergola draped with fall-blooming vines like clematis provides structure to your garden while allowing the natural beauty of fall to shine through.
Native Plants for Sustainability
A final seasonal tip is to incorporate native Utah plants into your autumn garden design. Not only are they well-suited to the local climate and require less water and maintenance than other non-native varieties, but they also support local wildlife and pollinators. Some of our favorite native options include Utah serviceberry, desert marigold, and Gambel oak.
Lighting for Ambiance
As the days grow shorter, well-placed outdoor lighting can extend the enjoyment of your garden into the evening. Use soft, warm lighting to highlight the beauty of your autumn garden, creating a magical atmosphere for nighttime gatherings.
Maintenance Tips for Your Autumn Garden
Now that you've got your autumn garden set up exactly how you want it, here are a few maintenance tips to help you keep it looking its best:
1. Regularly rake and remove fallen leaves to prevent them from smothering your plants and creating a slippery surface.
2. Prune deciduous trees and shrubs after they've shed their leaves to maintain their shape and promote healthy growth for the spring.
3. Keep an eye on your garden's watering needs, as plants may still require moisture during the fall. Adjust your watering schedule based on weather conditions.
4. Mulch your garden beds to insulate plant roots and conserve moisture. Use organic mulch like shredded leaves or wood chips for an extra layer of autumn charm.
Switching to an autumn garden design is a rewarding and visually-stunning experience. The unique blend of colors and textures brought to us by this spectacular season is a natural gift that deserves to be celebrated, so come visit the garden center today to stock up on fall plants, mulch, and expert harvest advice you'll need to do it right!