Thoughts on Fall

Spring is long over and the long hot summer is slowly coming to an end. The children will be back in school before you know it and it will be time to prepare your planting beds for the fall.

There are so many exciting plants to choose from for the fall in each and every department. In the Seasonal plant department we have received our first shipment of Fall Garden Mums as well as fresh Calibrachoa (million bells) in every color of the rainbow.

Petunias, including Wave and the ever popular purple/black varieties, are just perfect for Halloween plantings. Snapdragons and Dianthus, which are wonderful fall bloomers, are just a week or two away and will be here before you know it.

All of these plants thrive in the cooler temperatures of late summer and fall, and bloom till frost. One of my favorite plants for fall is Celosia’ Intenz.’ If you have a passion for purple, this is the plant to have. The fuzzy violet spikes rise high above the foliage and will liven up any container garden or ground bed.

Easy to grow and with no need to deadhead, this plant loves full sun and is just an all around stunning plant. Don’t forget to check out the Ornamental Pepper varieties which will add a delightful splash of vibrant color to any garden, container, or even a table inside the house.

Whether you need to freshen up your existing beds or start anew we have what you need to keep your garden fresh throughout the fall. Mark your calendar, cool season vegetable plants will be arriving in mid-August and Pansies and more mums in September.

By Marian Parsley, Behnkes Annual Buyer