Editor’s Note: This post has been updated with new links. Originally published October 2013.
After the heat of a North Texas summer, fall is always a welcome relief. Plants are starting to grow again, putting out new foliage and storing up carbohydrates (food) for the coming winter months. Colors on the trees will soon beckon us outside to enjoy the cooler weather and spend more time in our gardens.
Ft. Worth Botanic Garden in the fall
Autumn is an ideal time for planting many perennials and shrubs. Plan your garden now and you’ll be creating a fall color display you can enjoy for years to come.
The sooner you get your plants in the ground, the more time they have to get established, plus the longer you have to enjoy their fall colors. Trees are the exception to the fall planting rule: winter is the best time for trees. See my post on winter tree care and planting for more on this topic.
My personal favorite native Texas and well-adapted fall blooming plants are Mexican bush sage (purple), blackfoot daisy (white) and four-nerve daisy or Mexican mint marigold (yellow).
Blackfoot daisy, Mexican bush sage, four-nerve daisy
This perennial grouping is a striking color combination for the front yard that is sure to become a neighborhood favorite. And as Texas (and Mexican) natives, these fall bloomers can tough out and even bloom through our summers.
If you could use some help planning your fall garden (or cleaning up and regrouping after the summer season took its toll!), a little Garden Coaching might be just what you need. We can work together to add a touch of color in your garden beds or containers, and at the same time, you can learn best practices for caring for your garden for each changing season.
You can also find many beautiful color combinations to brighten up your garden yourself this fall at our local native nurseries and plant sales. Look for inspiration at one of the many garden and nature events this October. However you spend your time in the garden, I hope you enjoy this wonderful season!
It’s the best time of year no matter where you go if you ask me. I like to take the transitional time to swap out some plants and change things up!