Gardeners know to order and set out bulbs in the fall of the year, but not all are aware fall is also the best time to plant perennials, evergreens, shrubs and trees. This is especially true of the ephemeral, or early spring blooming plants.
Like most in this area, I have been a slow convert to planting in the fall. Seeing plants in bloom at the nurseries and garden centers each spring I was determined to bring home instant beauty and maturity.
Unfortunately, what I wanted was not always best for the plants. Placed in the garden the last of April to the end of May, plants had little time to establish their roots before the month of July arrived.
July, August and September, in this area, mean long periods of heat, high humidity and low precipitation. I probably killed enough plants using spring planting that humus need never be added to enrich the soil. The garden was already full of decomposing dead plant material.
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Once having tried fall planting and experienced the results over succeeding years, I do very little spring planting today. Plant material purchased during spring and summer is held in a special area for observation and care until September and October. Material is either dormant or going to sleep at this time of year so there is small concern for root disturbance.
Plants perform better when planted after the tops have stopped active growth or died back. With proper soil preparation and mulching they hardly know they have been transplanted, simply awakening in their new home next spring.
During the winter months roots have had a chance to settle in. When first foliage and then bloom is produced all is fully operative the following season. New feeder roots are able to take up the energy needed reducing or eliminating stress. I loose far fewer plants when setting out during fall.
Whenever possible I like to let Mother Nature do most of the work. She usually does a better job. After planting I usually water only once to help settle the plant and keep it from drying out. One good watering and the application of mulch to prevent heaving during winter normally sufficient attention for the year.
 Fuzzy Anemone pulsatilla blooms |
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The perennials have five to six months to settle in and establish new feeder roots before awakening. Perennials and Alpines labeled "difficult or temperamental" many times turn into pussycats when planted after dormancy. Wildflowers that bloom in March and April almost demand fall planting to survive and perform well since this is when they form next years buds that become new growth and blooms.
If there is such a thing as a good time for manual labor, such as mixing soil and digging holes and planting, fall is that period. The nights have cooled down with a bit of comfort on the morning and early afternoon air. There is something special about leaning on a spade handle; sleeves rolled up, catching that nip in the air on the face and arms. Puffing on my pipe, the white and blue smoke drifts like an early morning haze. The trees out in the hills beyond the garden are dressed in gold, red, purple and bright yellow with green and brown forming a framework. Not too hard to forget one is actually working.