Colours in Fall – Your outdoor Autumn Sanctuary

Spring and Summer might be over, but that doesn’t mean that all colour has to be lost with your flowers and plants. A change in season is the perfect opportunity to change up your garden, outside space or indoor plant décor. There are many things you can do to keep your designs full of life, with a rich colour palette.

The best choice is perennials that will keep colour as the weather cools down in fall.

• Asters. A plant with a beautiful star shaped flower head, available in blue, white, pink and purple. Similar in look to Daisy’s they will bloom until the first frost of the year, meaning they’ll brighten up your garden or outside space all day long. Make sure to trim regularly and keep out of direct sun.

• Mums. These plants make for a beautiful Fall display. They are great for planting together in groups to create a sea of colour. For the best effect, try sticking to two, or three colours at most. Mums are often popular because of the Autumnal colours they are available in. Yellow, cream, bronze and orange all perfectly compliment a halloween or pumpkin display and can really cheer us up on those darker days! Make sure to place them where they can get enough sunlight (6 hours a day) and water them regularly, especially at first. Add water at the base of the plant, instead of on the foliage, as this could encourage disease. A secret for a full, colourful plant is to pinch often to keep it compact.

• Helenium. A perfect choice for a burst of warm colour in Fall. They come in shades of dark red, yellow and orange. In order for these plants to flourish, they need lots of water, and moisture retaining soil. Make sure to dead head regularly to keep the flowers blooming. There are many varieties of Helenium, but whichever one you choose is sure to draw a lot of attention with it’s dazzling velvety petals and bright foliage.

• Chelone. This plant is known for it’s ‘turtle-like’ flowers in shades of white, cream and pink. Originally a wildflower, this is a sturdy plant that adapts well. It is best to water regularly and plant in moisture retaining soil, althought it can survive in slightly dryer conditions. It needs soil with a neutral PH in full or partial sun. These plants are sure to be a conversational piece.

• Pansies. A popular choice because of their wide range of colours, the pansy is hardy in colder weather. Remember to water them daily, and get rid of any dead flowers to encourage fresh blooms. These plants can be placed in pots, beds, and borders and make for good ground coverage. You can use a general fertilizer to help them grow better.

• Fall is also the perfect time for planting Hyacinth, Tulip and Crocus bulbs so that they come up in the Spring. Make sure the soil is clear and space the bulbs out according to size. Firstly, place the bulbs in the soil so that they can be seen, and then step back and evaluate your placement and make sure it is equal. Then, if you are happy, cover the bulbs with soil and gently compress to keep them in place. It’s a good idea to mark the planting holes so you don’t accidently dig them up at a later date. If you would like to feed them, you can add a teaspoon of bone meal for every 15 bulbs to give them a good start in life.

I hope you’ve gained some inspiration to add Colour to your outside. Cold weather doesn’t have to mean dullness! Enjoy your bright and beautiful outdoor spaces this fall!