Planting the Most Colorful Fall Garden

Try beautyberry and winterberry to lighten the landscape. For bright foliage that turns maroon, scarlet, orange or yellow, try blueberry, sweetspire and Oakleaf hydrangea.

Bougainvillea is beautiful and produces very little pollen. Plus, double flower varieties have no pollen at all. Look for new varieties of Bambino and Babybino Bougainvillea: they keep their striking colorful foliage well into fall.

The Association of Professional Landscape Designers recommends planting some trees and shrubs in the fall so they can establish roots before the next summer. Ask your local garden center for the shrubs and trees that will benefit from an autumn planting.

Try leaving things a bit undone. Implementing a low-maintenance plan for garden care can be a refreshing approach. Try Echinacea, Aster and ornamental grasses for their textural contrasts and subtle hues. They are also a good source of food for the birds that visit your garden.

So-called “volcano mulching” – piling mounds of mulch around tree trunks – can kill trees. Mulch pushed up against a tree trunk ensures a moist environment, opening the door for diseases and pests. Create a saucer shape with the mulch to trap water and give trees some breathing room.