I can’t even take into consideration creating an autumn backyard with out planting Chrysanthemums. I could also be a tad tardy for planting, however mums are one of the reliable flowers. I at all times wait earlier than planting to see what new colours mum growers have created. I survey backyard catalogs and space backyard facilities simply to see what’s new earlier than planting.
This season I’ve discovered reds, pinks, purples, blues, yellows, oranges, bronzes, golds and a surprising white. The mums’ colours are as fascinating as a child’s Crayola field. What I like most about mums is their versatility. One backyard supply calls them “a sun-loving perennial starting from single petals to petal packed.”
You can even plant mums wherever in your backyard. Not like some flowers, which can not just like the vegetation rising beside or close to them, mums are actually cordial. They appear to get alongside effectively with any form of flowering neighbor. They’re additionally at all times reliable, blooming at simply the appropriate time, as if on cue, to boost a late fall backyard.
Mums additionally know how you can maintain their place within the backyard. Some vegetation appear to love to wander round, invading different vegetation’ territory. English Ivy is the worst! Mums have higher manners. They know how you can keep in their very own territory. In addition they have an uncommon historical past. They’re native to East Asia, Northern Europe and China. But they appear proper at dwelling in the US, particularly southern areas.
My favourite backyard supply, “Gardening Made Straightforward,” suggests “Plan for autumn shade spectaculars by pairing late summer season bloomers, shrubs, or crisp white hydrangeas with autumn blooming chrysanthemums. Different good companions embody Artemesia, Asters, Colchicum, Purple Fall Crocus, Dusty Miller, Flowering Kale, Goldenrod, Lamb’s Ears, Purple Fall Crocus and Sedums in purple or white. You’re creating a colourful competition in your individual backyard.
Simply in case you’ve a tiny area for fall planting, Higher Houses & Gardens affords the following tips:
• Save seeds within the floor and revel in a single patch of flowers.
• Sow a number of packs of various annuals for a tiny flower meadow.
• Store for smaller variations of bigger vegetation.
• Not sufficient floor? Plant in huge pots and let flowers — even small veggies — climb a trellis.
For a closing contact of shade, I sneak in a number of pansies. Have enjoyable with fall planting.
Micki J. Shelton is a Muskogee native and grasp gardener.
