Fall; The Final Act

There are a number of interesting players in our landscaping play that can ignite the end of the show. The characters fall into a couple of categories; annuals, perennials and vines. First on the bill...

Sweet Autumn Clematis: Method plant, scrambling vine, fast grower, big for a clematis, solid green in color, fragrant 1/2" - 3/4" white flowers in fall. Best in cool, rich, not-too-acidic soil, positioned with its head in the sun. This vine will last for years and years.

Mums: Classic plant, fall-bloomer with lots of colors from which to choose, white, bronze, orange, pink, burgundy. While this is a perennial, don't get your hopes up for 2003 if you plant late in the year.

Aster: Classic plant, pink and purple, fall-bloomers. This is a perennial and will come back year-to-year, but might not last very long. Likes sunny well-drained areas.

Anemone (Windflower)  This nouveau plant, was a big plant at the turn of the last century, (you know... the last one - not this one.) Striking pink or white flowers in late summer and fall. Is a little slow to develop or transplant, so plant now to get spectacular plants in 3 or 4 years. A robust perennial when situated in sun or part-sun.

Flowering Kale, an annual that is OK all summer, but starts to come in to its own spotlight during fall. These cabbage-like foliage plants are purple, lavender and/or metallic green. Holds its form and color, even after some frost.

Sedum Autumn Joy, This perennial favorite starts to flower-up in late summer and holds on late into the year. Now is the time to review this cast of fall performers.

Almost any perennials and the vines can be planted now. Hand-pick your colorful cast today... then...Let the show begin!