September 28th, 2006

Frost is right around the corner, and it’s time to swap out those annuals for plants that will tolerate the crisp fall weather. The best plants for color late into fall are pansies and chrysanthemums. These annuals will do exceptional in containers and in the garden. After the ground is frozen, place a blanket of mulch over your mums. This will increase your chances of the mums coming up next spring. Stop in to see the assorted colors Sargent’s has available.

Flowering kale is also an exceptional annual for your garden. Kale looks similar to cabbage, but it is not edible. With the many varieties to choose from at Sargent’s on 2nd, you’ll be able to put many different colors and textures into your containers.

Speaking of containers…don’t let all the magazines fool you. In our climate, plants do not winter over very well in containers. If you planted up perennials or shrubs into pots, you will want to dig them into the garden at this time if you wish to have them winter over.

Try these perennials in your garden for fall interest:

‘Autumn Joy’ Sedum- Flowers pink from late summer to frost. After a hard frost, plant will dry and provide variety to your yard throughout the winter months.

Reed Grass- Clump forming grass comes in multiple varieties. Try ‘Karl Forester’ for dark green foliage growing 3-4 feet tall or ‘Overdam’ for a variegated version.

Little Blue Stem- Grows 2-3 feet tall with blue color at the base. Leaves turn a rich orangy wheat color after frost.


Wendy Jasper
Horticultural Advisor