What do you want your garden to look like next spring? Now’s the moment to make it happen. Fall planting gives trees, shrubs, and perennials a head start so they burst into growth when warmer weather returns. This week, we're sharing small trees, design inspiration for reimagining your space, and care tips for shrubs and ornamental grasses.
Trees are valuable assets in any landscape, providing structure and shade, as well as habitats for wildlife. And, with shrinking lot sizes in many urban areas, smaller-sized trees are becoming more and more popular. If you're looking to add trees to your landscape this fall (and fall is a GREAT time to plant them!), here are 19 great options that won't outgrow their surroundings.
Fall is the perfect time to think about what’s next for your garden—while what worked (and what didn't) this past season is still fresh in your mind. Whether you're starting with a blank canvas or refreshing an existing garden, landscape architect Megan Wade offers both inspiration and practical advice. She shares five key questions to ask when designing your garden, helping you prioritize function, aesthetics, and how to make the most of every inch of space. Start planning for a garden you'll love next season!
Ornamental grasses add texture and movement to fall gardens, but knowing how to care for them can be a bit of a mystery. Get the answers to the three most common questions:
- When should I plant ornamental grasses?
- Do I need to trim my grass back, and if so, when?
- How and when should I divide my ornamental grass?
Perfect for fall planting or caring for existing grasses, this guide will help you keep your ornamental grasses thriving season after season.
Thinking about adding structure or more color to your garden? Fall is one of the best times to plant shrubs—cooler air, warm soil, and autumn rains help them settle in. Planting shrubs now means stronger roots, earlier blooms, and less work later. From flowering favorites to evergreens and privacy screens, find the right shrub for your space and learn how to plant and care for it. Pictured: Beautybush (Kolkwitzia amabilis).
Brighten up a dull corner with Winecraft Gold® smokebush! It's like planting a burst of sunshine! Its round leaves emerge orange, shift to golden yellow, and settle into a glowing chartreuse that practically lights up the landscape. Come summer, soft pink “smoke” plumes add a dreamy touch. Smaller and denser than traditional smokebush, it’s perfect for borders, focal points, or mixed beds, and deer tend to pass it by. Zones 5–8, part to full sun, 4 to 6 feet tall. Photo by: Proven Winners.
Fall is one of the best times to see your garden clearly. With flowers fading and foliage thinning, the bones of your space really stand out—it’s easier to spot gaps, crowding, or areas that need height or color. Take a few photos now to capture your mid-fall garden. When spring rolls around, those images will remind you where a little help could make next year’s display even better.
Happy gardening!
—Linda
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