Fall Gardening Tips for a Vibrant Spring Growing Season

Photo: City Floral

“It’s time to begin your fall gardening and maintenance,” says Trela Phelps, general manager at City Floral Garden Center. Open since 1911, the center has been helping gardeners plant rich, vivid gardens and landscapes that thrive in Colorado. 

September and October are the months to plant bulbs. “In early spring, bulbs bloom in lively hues that are especially welcome after a long winter,” says Phelps. “Tulips do well in shady or partly sunny locations and look especially pretty when planted in clusters or drifts. For a nice impact, plant more than you think you need. A group of 10 to 20 tulips makes a bright garden statement.” Daffodils and iris also do well in sunny spots.

Photo: City Floral

The round blooms of ornamental allium appear in the late spring and early summer, adding height and structure to your landscape. “Be sure to consider the location of the mature plant,” says Phelps. “Allium should be planted for height, while more compact perennials like hyacinths can create a front-facing row of fragrant blooms.” Be sure to feature plants of varying sizes, hues and shapes for a creative impression.

Blooming perennials perfect for fall planting include cacti and succulents such as the claret cup cactus and the tall spikes of ivory blooms on the blue-beaked yucca. Other drought-tolerant Colorado native perennials are deep red or yellow prairie coneflower, the Missouri evening primrose, and Mojave sage, hibiscus, mums, and asters.

Photo: City Floral

September and October are safe months to plant trees and shrubs with time to get them established before a hard freeze. “In the sun, red tip dogwoods and spirea add color,” Phelps says. Trees that flourish in Colorado include dogwoods and magnolias.

 “Care is as important as what you plant,” reminds Phelps. “Plants with foliage that has yellowed or browned can be pruned to remove diseased or damaged foliage. Ornamental grass seed heads can be left to provide winter garden interest and offer food and habitat for birds and beneficial insects.”

Photo: City Floral

Woody shrubs and trees should be pruned in the late winter while dormant. Hold off pruning lilacs, magnolias and forsythia. They do best when pruned after they have bloomed in the spring.

“Finally, make sure your perennial plants get enough water, notes Phelps.“They need moisture as winter approaches.” Keep an eye on your garden and pay particular attention to your trees. Give them a supplemental watering near their root zone when the ground is unfrozen, and sprinkle newly planted items during warm dry stretches to help them better handle Colorado’s arid climate.

Photo: City Floral

Photo: City Floral

Photo: City Floral

Photo: City Floral