Fall Color That Lasts: Pansies, Kale, Grasses and Mums
Mid-October is a great time to add color that carries you through fall and, in some cases, into winter. Cooler nights bring out the rich colors of pansies and ornamental kale, while ornamental grasses add texture and movement to the garden. Here's what to plant now—and what you can expect from each.
Pansies: color through Thanksgiving
Pansies love cool weather, and fall is when they look their best. Plant them in beds or containers and expect color right through most Thanksgivings, barring any unusual consistent freezing temperatures.
Planted in the ground, pansies can rest through the coldest months and often bounce back with fresh color in March. In containers, enjoy them for their seasonal color, but keep in mind that winter survival isn’t guaranteed.
Planting tip: choose a spot with full to part sun, and add about 2 inches of mulch around plants in the ground. This helps protect the roots against rot.
Ornamental kale and cabbage: deeper color as it gets colder
Kale and ornamental cabbage grow right here on the farm, and cooler temperatures are what bring out their color and texture. They are not perennials, but they usually hold their look until about February, depending on weather and rain.
Planting tip: plant them now for fall and winter interest, in containers or in the garden.
Ornamental grasses: texture into winter
Grasses add plumes and movement that last well past the first frost. They are perennials, so leave them standing through winter for the plumes and structure, then cut them back in late winter.
Planting tip: pair grasses with kale for height and contrast.
Mums: weeks of color
Mums bring weeks of bloom, and later varieties can carry color past Thanksgiving. Hardiness varies by variety, so ask at the Fall Garden Market what to expect from the ones you like. Plant mums for the season, and treat any that return next year as a bonus.
Visit the Fall Garden Market
Pansies are on sale right now at the Garden Market: 50% off 6-inch pots, jumbo-handle 6-packs and hanging baskets, while supplies last. Ours are grown right here on the farm, so come see them in person.
The Fall Garden Market is open Monday through Saturday, 9am to 5pm, and Sunday, 9am to 4pm, through Oct. 31. Come see it for yourself at Barlow's Farm & Flowers, 3425 West Hurley Pond Road, Wall Township.
