FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

For a mum-like look in bright blue or bright pink go with beautiful Aster. This New England native does a much better job of delivering these two non-traditional fall colors while keeping the traditional mum shape and texture. Versatile Aster can be used like a mum in all your décor applications, as-is in its pot on the porch, worked into fall combinations and displays, or planted in garden beds with mums, kales, and cabbages. It’s very hardy! Use Aster to add a cool, unexpected pop among the typical warm gold, orange, and red tones of the season. You can even let it go to seed as an oil-rich snack for the songbirds.

Unlike the tropical variety our hardy Hibiscus is a perennial so it will come back again next year.  It still has a tropical look, with exotic dinner plate-sized blooms that get noticed. These flowers are large when you take the plant home and get even bigger once it’s settled into the garden. Be bold and plant three Hibiscus together in a triangle pattern—the result is a massive, eye-catching display that will be the talk of the neighborhood! Hibiscus is available in four colors: red, pink, white, and a striking red with bronze leaves. It grows about chest high and is very hardy.

Rudbeckia, also known as the classic black-eyed Susan, is a New England standard because it’s such a beautiful, lush fall perennial. Rustic ‘Goldsturm’ adds a golden glow to the garden and conjures up memories of warm late summer/early fall days, lazily strolling in a sunny meadow. This variety is great for mass planting in the garden, when you want to create a big, showy display of color. It settles right into the climate and soil of New England and thrives. If you need a foundation of color or an anchor in the yard, this plant does the job!

Annual summer Salvia is a nice way of infusing the autumn garden with color. ‘Mysty’ and ‘Mystic Spires’ have pretty purple flower spikes that last throughout the September and October décor season, lending a wavy, wistful prairie look to a display. These plants are just the right size for decorating porches, decks, or walkways by simply placing a pot here or there. Also, Salvia is an abundant nectar source so in addition to the typical Halloween ghouls and goblins you can expect pollinators to stop by and collect a treat.