A summer of heat and periodic droughts has taken its toll on the garden. Plants and gardeners alike have grown weary. Many gardeners will turn to the instant gratification of greenhouse-grown potted plants to freshen up the landscape. A late summer planting can be a proactive step to ward off disease and pests as well.
Garden mums (Chrysanthemum sp.) are a well-known fall garden specimen. Typically purchased this time of year while in full-bloom, garden mums create an instant landscape makeover. Though often treated as annuals in our area, mums are botanically perennials. They can be maintained in the landscape if planted in loose, well-drained soil and cut back after blooming. Layer mulch on top to provide protection through the winter. In Kansas, mums are not guaranteed to survive harsh winters, but have a better chance if planted in the ground in a protected area such as near a structure.
Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) are a classic cool-season bedding plant commonly used in mass plantings. Pansies are often treated as annuals, even though they are classified as perennial. Without care, they can become leggy and blooms become sparse over time. Pansies are somewhat of a compact plant reaching only a half-foot in height. The blooms come in a variety of colors with multiple color patterns on a single bloom. Regular deadheading promotes blooming and pruning back the stems can maintain the plants’ compact size. Pansy flowers are edible and make a lovely addition to salads and can even be used to decorate pastries such as sugar cookies.
Ornamental cabbage and kale (Brassica Oleracea) grow to 1.5 feet in height and width. They are grown for the attractive foliage displaying shades of purple and green. Though edible, the varieties sold as “ornamentals” were not created for consumption so the taste is not favorable. Ornamental kale and cabbage make a nice accent in container and in-ground plantings and are grown as annuals. Leaves can be used as garnish on plates.
Cockscomb (Celosia argentea) is a wonderful addition to the fall garden due to the brilliant color options, unique texture and intriguing structure of the blooms. Flower spikes emerge to several inches in height resembling a flame on some species of this annual. Other species display a bloom resembling the shape of coral from a reef. Blooms have great longevity when left intact or as cut flowers. Some varieties reach 2 to 3 feet tall while others are lower growing at 8 to 12 inches.
While planting your fall garden, clean up debris and spent plants. Many diseases and pests will overwinter in organic matter left in the garden. Taking the time to clean up the garden now can save the garden from reintroducing pests to the landscape next growing season.
Incorporate a complete fertilizer during planting to replenish nutrients into the soil. To create an attractive display, use a mass planting of pansies or cockscomb in groups of threes or fives of the same varieties. Repeat this grouping throughout the planter as space allows. Incorporate the larger kale/cabbage and mum features between the mass planting groups. Creating a pattern with plant selection and placement establishes uniformity and flow in the landscape.
Cynthia Domenghini is an instructor of horticulture and garden management for Kansas State University’s Horticulture and Natural Resources Department.