As the vibrant colors of summer fade and cooler days settle in, it might be tempting to hang up your gardening gloves for the season. But for the ambitious gardener, fall is the perfect time to lay the groundwork for a stunning spring display. By investing a little time now in planning and preparing your garden, you’ll be rewarded with an early and magnificent burst of color when warmer days return. Here are some key tasks to focus on this fall to ensure your garden will flourish in the spring.
1. Divide and Conquer: Perennial Division
Fall is an excellent time to divide overgrown perennials, such as hostas, daylilies, and irises. Not only does this reinvigorate the plant, encouraging more vigorous growth, but it also gives you the opportunity to expand your garden without purchasing new plants. When dividing, dig up the plant, cut through the root ball, and replant the divided sections in new locations. It’s a simple way to fill in empty spaces and create a more balanced garden design for the spring.
Expert Tip: After dividing your perennials, enrich the soil with compost or Espoma Organic Plant-tone, a natural fertilizer that will help establish strong roots over winter.
2. Plant Rare and Unique Bulbs
While daffodils and tulips are spring staples, why not mix in some rare or unusual bulbs to create a garden that truly stands out? Consider planting lesser-known varieties like allium, fritillaria, or foxtail lilies (Eremurus). These unique bulbs will add height, texture, and unexpected pops of color to your spring beds. Hampton Nursery offers a great selection of bulbs, so now is the perfect time to stop by and explore new options.
Pro Tip: Plant your bulbs in layers, with smaller ones like crocuses on top and larger bulbs like alliums or tulips beneath. This method, known as “lasagna planting,” ensures a prolonged bloom period and maximizes your garden space.
3. Design a New Layout
Fall is an ideal time to rethink your garden design. The slower pace of the season allows for reflection and planning without the pressures of spring planting. Walk through your garden and consider what worked well this year and where there’s room for improvement. Are there empty spaces that could benefit from a new shrub or ornamental grass? Is your garden lacking in height or texture? Use this time to sketch out new ideas or even physically mark out new beds and pathways.
Planning Tip: Use Coast of Maine’s premium soils and amendments to prep new garden beds. Their organic blends provide an excellent foundation for planting, ensuring your soil is nutrient-rich come spring.
4. Mulch and Protect Your Investments
Once you’ve done the hard work of dividing plants and setting bulbs, protect your efforts with a good layer of mulch. Mulching helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and suppress weeds, keeping your garden in top shape through winter. Apply a generous layer around new plantings and divided perennials to help them establish strong root systems.
Product Suggestion: Hampton Nursery carries a variety of mulching options, including natural bark mulch and shredded leaves, both perfect for insulating your garden over winter.
5. Keep an Eye on Early Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Consider adding a few early-blooming trees or shrubs like witch hazel, magnolia, or forsythia. These plants will provide a burst of color before your bulbs even emerge, giving your garden an early start. Planting in the fall allows them to get established before the growing season begins, ensuring a strong and healthy display when spring rolls around.
By tackling these tasks now, you’ll set yourself up for a truly spectacular spring garden. At Hampton Nursery, we’re here to help you find the perfect plants, bulbs, and supplies to make your garden planning a success. Stop by today for personalized advice, and let’s make next spring your most beautiful season yet!
