Accentuating Those
FALL COLORS!

By Lori Bowen
Lavalette Horticulturist

Thoughts of autumn conjure many memories and visions for most people. Whether it is the crisp cool mornings and evenings or the vibrant colors of leaves, most wouldn't argue that fall is one of the most aesthetically pleasing seasons of all. For those of us who live in West Virginia, we are blessed with endless fall beauty throughout the state. Being a mountainous, lush state, the allure of foliage is never-ending.

For gardeners, fall is a great time to take note of plants that perform well to add fall color to their existing landscape.

Late summer blooming perennials such as Rudbeckia (black-eyed susan), Anemone, Echinacea (coneflower), Perovskia (Russian Sage), Phlox, and Chelone (turtle-head) can easily make the transition into fall a colorful one. Other late summer blooming plants to linger into fall are Hydrangea, Abelia, Caryopteris (bluebeard), Buddleia (butterfly bush), and Crapemyrtle.

Once fall is here, great plants for fall color are Burning Bush, Clethra, Red Maples, Cleveland Pear, Anemone, grasses, Sedum, and Cranberry Viburnum, and Arrowwood Viburnum, and of course, mums and pansies.

If a lush and green lawn has yet to become a reality, this is a great time of year to try to achieve the lawn you desire. The cooler weather is more conducive to seed germination and healthy growth before winter. If you didn't have luck with germination and prosperous grass growth early in the year, now is a great time to try again. The success rate should be higher than that of the past spring and summer.

Autumn is also a great time to plant bulbs in preparation for your spring garden. We have a great selection of tulips, daffodils, crocus, hyacinth, galanthus, and others to add early spring color for a welcome surprise after winter. Bulbs are also great for winter forcing to brighten your home.

Please visit us at Lavalette Nursery for inspiration and ideas for your fall landscape. We are here for all of your gardening needs, and we always look forward to seeing you.

Happy Fall!!!