Fall Planting With Angie

While we might be hearing the word “pumpkin” thrown around already, our season for plant growth is far from over! New arrivals are refreshing our annual, perennial, and nursery departments.  

Fall is prime time for landscaping. We pulled nursery associate and landscape designer, Angie, aside for this post; she will be leading a Walk & Talk this Saturday, August 29: Garden Design for Fall Planting. 

Angie’s favorite part about autumn is assuredly shared with many: “It is much more pleasant for us to live…our plants aren’t struggling quite as much. Our plants get a bit of a rest, our bodies get a bit of a rest. And the colors! The colors of Fall are just magical!” 

This seasonal change is certainly a privilege for New Englanders! If your landscape has dulled down after the blooms of spring and summer, you may consider additions that bring in that unique autumn interest. Angie mentions one overlooked plant in the nursery right now: Ninebark, a low-maintenance deciduous shrub with deep purple foliage. Birch trees and Japanese maples add a certain charm, while asters and perennial mums finally get their time to shine. And there’s so much more! 

Calico Kitty Ninebark 

Credit: Proven Winners 

Summer Wine Ninebark 

Common Ninebark has white blooms in the spring  

Planting in the Fall puts less stress on plants than in the spring and summer, with lowering temperatures and therefore better water retention, making it easier for the plant to focus on strong root growth. “The plants are thinking more about root growth than fruiting or flowering or above ground growth,” Angie explains. “When you’re planting, that has to be your first thought. We need the plant to have decent roots because the roots are going to tell everything. If the top part [above ground] is too large for the roots then the plant will just struggle.” 

Many homeowners are aiming to reduce the water (and time) used in their landscapes. This is one of the key factors to keep in mind when designing an area of new plantings. “How likely are you to water?” Angie asks, “is that irrigation set up for a brand new planting? Some [plants] need more water, some need less.” 

The amount of sun exposure is another factor. “There are some plants that say ‘shade’… if they’re in the sun they’ll do fine as long as they have adequate water. If you take a sun plant and put it into the shade there’s going to be other issues. You might get more diseases, insect predation, it might not flower as much.” Before you shop for plants, take note of whether your area gets 6 or more hours of sun per day. 

When planning to plant up that blank space in the garden that’s been bugging you all summer – maybe that area you look at every day from the kitchen window above the sink – Angie emphasizes the importance of assessing the actual space you have. “Plan for success. And that’s not just success today…you need to plan for these plants to grow; it’s not a painting. We’re not putting hydrangea on a painting and it stays that size forever. It’s an active growing art form that you need to plan for.” A happy and healthy plant may grow larger than what the tag states.  

When designing a landscape for her customers, Angie makes sure to ask plenty of other questions aside from watering habits, sun exposure, and space. “Each person that I meet has a different style that they like. And I don’t design for me – I design for you. This is the challenge – who are you? What do you like? What will fit exactly what you want?” 

Angie will be available for one-on-one consultations at the conclusion of her Walk & Talk, and is regularly available in our Nursery Department. Make sure to bring photos of your home and existing landscape, so she can make recommendations that fit your style, whether that’s modern or cottage-y, sophisticated or wild. 

Angie in Nursery (Left) with Nikki in Perennials/Roses (Right)