Fall 2010

Gardening: Awaken Your Garden with cool-weather color

Not digging the evergreen scene as wintry temps set in? Don’t wait for spring to awaken your palette. Instead, look to vibrant cottage garden plants (think rowdy, unkempt stunners known for doing their own thing) to keep things lively during our temperate, but still chilly, fall and winter months.

Muhly Grass
Muhlenbergia capillaris
Blooms in late winter. Plant mid to late summer in well-drained soil. Position in partial or full sun, away from other blooms. Feed minimally; cantolerate drought and little maintenance.

BridalWreath Spirea
Spiraea prunifolia
Blooms in later winter through early spring. Plant in late summer or early fall in full sun to partial shade and moist soil. water just enough to keep the soil moist.

Forsythia
Forsythia x intermedia
Blooms a few weeks after dormant cold weather sets in. Plant anytime in light shade to full sun in well-drained soil. Feed minimally; tolerant of varying temps and conditions but best in full sun with well-drained soil.

Ornamental Cabbage
Brassica oleracea
Blooms in cool weather or after first frost. Plant anytime in full sun and moist to rich soil 18-24 inches apart. Feed with a mild fertilizer and water plenty if growing from seed.