BLOG | Enhance Your Fall Landscape with Vibrant Colors and Seasonal Charm
As the crisp air of autumn settles in, the landscape begins to transform into a brilliant canvas of golds, oranges, and reds. Fall is the perfect time to refresh your yard with plants that thrive in cooler temperatures while adding vibrant, lasting color.
At Miller Creek, we know how to make your outdoor space stand out during this stunning season. Here’s a guide to the best fall plants, grasses, trees, shrubs, and décor to bring your landscape to life.
Perennials to Brighten Your Fall Garden
Perennials are a great investment, returning year after year and providing consistent beauty. For fall color, consider adding these popular varieties:
- Asters: These daisy-like flowers come in shades of purple, pink, and white, blooming late into the fall. Asters are hardy and attract butterflies, making them a colorful and lively addition to any garden.
- Mums (Chrysanthemums): Perhaps the most iconic fall flower, mums bloom in various shades of orange, yellow, red, and purple. Their dense, mound-like shape makes them a perfect choice for garden borders or container arrangements.
- Sedum (Stonecrop): Known for their succulent-like leaves and sturdy stems, Sedums offer rosy-pink blooms that last well into the cooler months. They are drought-resistant and easy to maintain.
- Black-Eyed Susans: These cheery, daisy-like perennials burst with golden-yellow petals around a dark brown center, creating a bold contrast that pops in any autumn garden.
Grasses for Fall Drama
Ornamental grasses are the unsung heroes of fall landscaping. Their graceful blades catch the wind and frost, adding texture and movement. Some of the best varieties for fall color include:
- Bluestem (Little Bluestem): With its soft, bluish hue in the summer, Little Bluestem transitions to a striking reddish-bronze in the fall, providing excellent contrast to fall flowers.
- Switch Grass: This native grass turns golden-brown in the fall, with airy plumes adding extra dimension. It grows in attractive clumps, making it ideal for borders or naturalized areas.
Trees for Long-Lasting Color
If you’re looking for trees that will dazzle in the fall, consider these stunning varieties:
- Oaks: Known for their sturdy trunks and longevity, oaks display rich tones of red, orange, and brown. They offer a bold, stately presence in any yard.
- Maples: Maples are renowned for their brilliant reds and oranges in the fall. Their dramatic color change is one of the highlights of the season, especially when paired with complementary plants and decor.
Shrubs to Add Depth and Texture
Shrubs are essential for adding layers and fullness to your landscape. For fall, focus on these varieties:
- Burning Bush: As the name suggests, the Burning Bush turns a fiery red in autumn, creating an eye-catching focal point in your yard.
- Dogwood: While Dogwoods are known for their spring blooms, their fall foliage can turn shades of red and purple. Some varieties also have striking red stems that add color during the winter months.
- Sumac: This fast-growing shrub has bright red foliage in the fall and can handle tough conditions, making it a great low-maintenance option.
Seasonal Décor for an Autumn Vibe
No fall landscape is complete without seasonal décor to enhance the beauty of your plants. Pumpkins, corn stalks, and hay bales are classic elements that play into the harvest theme while bringing a festive touch to your yard. For Halloween, consider adding:
- Pumpkin displays: Place pumpkins of various sizes along pathways, steps, or garden beds to add bursts of orange throughout your landscape.
- Corn stalks and hay bales: These elements provide a rustic, farmhouse feel. Use them to frame entryways or as bases for larger fall displays.
- Gourds and Mums: Pair colorful mums with unique gourds for eye-catching porch displays.
By incorporating these fall plants, grasses, trees, and shrubs with festive holiday decor, you’ll create a landscape that offers beauty, texture, and vibrant color right up until the first frost. Let Miller Creek transform your yard this fall whether you’re looking to add a few accent plants or need a complete fall redesign, Miller Creek can bring your vision to life in and around Duluth, MN. Contact us today to start planning your perfect autumn landscape!