Spring into Fall!
Editor’s note: This article is from the archives of the MSU Crop Advisory Team
Alerts. Check the label of any pesticide referenced to ensure your use is
included
With
the recent winter “thaw” gardeners are exuberantly turning pages in
their magazines and garden catalogs while planning for spring. Some
types of gardening (like planting a vegetable garden) reap immediate
rewards, while other types require strategy and months of planning. For
instance last fall you were out in the garden planting bulbs to create
that great spring show. Conversely, if gardeners wish to extend their
season into fall, planning should take place this spring.
“Fallscaping” is a term used by Pennsylvania horticulturist and nationally known author Stephanie Cohen. The concept focuses on aspects of plants including perennials, annuals, vines and shrubs that have more than one season of impact and are especially showy in autumn. Face it, Michigan is known for its crisp, enjoyable fall season. If you could embellish your present landscape with the right plants, you could be extending your enjoyment of fall for more than just a few week.