Enjoy flowers even in fall!
Let autumn spill its cornucopia of brilliant color at your feet as you stroll up these steps and through the rustic arbor of this flowery fall garden. Rich pink, purple and red flowers, plus some glowing red foliage, mark a transition from sidewalk to yard that you’ll never forget.
Although traditional design advice says to mix flower shapes for more contrast, sometimes breaking the rules pays off. This planting mixes huge dahlias, medium-size anemones and tiny asters, all with the same round, daisylike flower shape. Repeating the shape, but in different sizes and vibrant colors, makes an impact that keeps this garden fresh and exciting until winter rolls around.
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Growing a flowery fall garden
These plants have a relaxed, casual air about them — nothing looks too clipped or formal as stems billow and drape gracefully. And that casual air is perfectly accented by the rustic arbor and the rough limestone walls and steps. A relaxed-looking garden is a low maintenance garden, too, because a branch out of place (or even a weed or two) really won’t be noticeable.
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Flower growing tips
Keep dahlias blooming longer, and encourage a rebloom, by deadheading. And if you live in an area where the ground freezes, dig them up and bring the tubers indoors to overwinter.
Anemones can rot if there’s too much moisture, especially over the winter. Help them survive by placing up to 1 in. of gravel mulch around the plant, which helps the water drain quickly.
Meet the plants in this fall garden plan
Check out the lettered plan above and see the corresponding plant information in the slideshow below to find out more about the plants in this high-impact fall garden plan.