Seasonal Decorations
Pumpkins and winter squash are readily available in multiple colors at
grocery stores, local farmers markets, and roadside stands. Heirloom
pumpkins offer a wide mix of colors and are easy to find. Tip: Select
ones that are firm and unblemished. Keep them cool and dry, and they
will last for months. Mix with dried flowers such as celosias,
sunflowers, yarrows, and gomphrenas to make simple arrangements for your
front door, foyer, or table. Combine Indian corn, gourds, and fall
leaves with your pumpkins, and place them outside around gates, porches,
and patios.
Soil
Before you start your fall planting, amend your flowerbeds and vegetable
plots. When the ground is dry, use a tiller or garden fork to loosen the
dirt to about 1 foot deep. Amend with organic matter, such as chopped
leaves, composted manure, mushroom compost, or peat, to improve
fertility and drainage. Add sulfur, lime, or any needed nutrients as
indicated by a soil test.
'Autumn' philodendron
This beautiful houseplant echoes the colors of the season. Use it to
brighten your home. Other selections include 'Black Cardinal' and
'Moonlight.' They all prefer bright, indirect light. Let the soil dry
slightly between waterings.
Blooms on a budget
Sow seeds of poppies, bachelor's buttons, and larkspurs now for flowers
next spring. Select a sunny location, and scatter seed on a prepared
bed. Rake lightly, and then water gently.
Fall-blooming camellias
Sasanqua camellias are graceful evergreens that are now starting to
flower. Excellent selections include 'Fuji-No-Yuki,' 'Chansonette,' and
'Bonanza.' They prefer moist, acid, well-drained soil in a location with
filtered light. In the Upper South, plant them in sheltered locations,
or overwinter them in cool greenhouses. In the Upper South, you can also
try cold-hardy hybrids such as 'Winter's Charm.' These and other
camellias are available from Camellia Forest Nursery, www.camforest.com.
Colorful Flowers
The cool days of fall give dahlias (shown at right) a boost of blooms.
Other flowers that enjoy the beautiful weather include Mexican bush
sage, pineapple sage, old-fashioned chrysanthemums, autumn sage, and
'Argentine Skies' anise-scented sage. Replenish beds and borders with
these for an extra bit of color.
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Herbs
Lots of herbs thrive in cool weather. Add chervil, sage, sorrel, thyme,
Italian flat-leafed parsley, and rosemary to your containers or
flowerbeds, and use them to flavor your meals.
