~ Replace spent annuals with fall-blooming hardy mums, pansies, decorative cabbage and peppers, daisies, asters and colorful foliage plants and vines. Freshen up your planters, urns and pots with Autumn colors. Add Pumpkins, Cornstalks, Hay-bales, Gourds, Bows and Scarecrows to add some pop and pizzaz to your outdoor space.

~ Fall is time to plant spring bulbs. Daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, crocus and other fall bulbs from Holland.

~ Fall is the best season to plant trees, shrubs, bushes and fruit trees. Young trees should be staked to prevent roots from being pulled by fall and winter winds. Plant with starter ferilizer and Bumper Crop and continue watering well for successful planting!

~ As perennials fade away, mark their locations with small sticks. Some might not be apparent after the winter and could be disturbed by spring cultivating. If you haven't brought in your house plants yet, do so before you heat your home to give them time to adjust. A thorough washing first helps get rid of pests.

~ Fall can be a fantastic time for Transplanting. Less stress on plants as the days are still warm but not boiling hot. Follow planting instructions as you would for new plantings making sure there is plenty of "roots" to establish properly. Keep up with watering!

~ Fall time is a great time to seed new grass. Warm days and cool nights supported by rain or irrigation make for ideal growing conditions. Spruce up spotty patches or plant a full lawn. Also give established lawns a good fall feeding before winter. Come springtime you will be very happy you did.

~ What to Do With Herbs
Sage is a perennial in most areas and does not need special treatment for the winter. Before frost stops its growth, cut a branch or two to dry and use in stuffing at Thanksgiving!

Rosemary is a tender perennial that should be sheltered outside (Zone 6) or potted up and brought inside (Zone 5 and colder) for the winter.

Thyme is fairly indestructible. A perennial, it will go dormant in the fall, then revive by itself in the spring.
Parsley, a biennial, will withstand a light frost. In Zone 5 or colder, cover it on cold nights. It has a long taproot and does not transplant well.

Chives are hardy perennials. Dig up a clump and pot it, then let the foliage die down and freeze for several weeks. Bring the pot indoors to a sunny, cool spot. Water well and harvest chives throughout the winter.

As always if you have any questions about Autumn Gardening Our Knowledgeable Staff at Van Bourgondien Nursery are here to help you.

Happy Autumn Gardening!