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No matter how long the growing season is, the first frost always seems to come too soon. There’s no need to give up gracefully, though! Add a variety of fall superstars to your garden, and September and October can be every bit as glorious as May and June.
With their showy autumn leaf colors, deciduous shrubs and trees rightfully top the list when it comes to late-season interest. But certain annuals, perennials and even edible plants can add surprising color and intriguing textures at a time when many plants are looking limp and faded. Fall-flowering plants add a welcome sense of anticipation as you watch their buds develop into full-blown blooms, providing the same thrill you get in the spring.
REFRESH CONTAINERS Instead of starting over with new plants in your containers, consider replacing only those that are tired and tattered, so the whole effect looks both fresh and finished. Or, consider making container displays of individually potted plants, so you can easily rearrange them or swap out some as they pass their prime. My favorite way to jazz up fall containers is to add some unexpected touches from other parts of the garden, such as squash or gourds, cut branches, bundled grass plumes or some special seedheads.
Ready to explore some of the best this season has to offer? Check
