Spring into Fall!

Editor’s note: This article is from the archives of the MSU Crop Advisory Team Alerts. Check the label of any pesticide referenced to ensure your use is included

With the recent winter “thaw” gardeners are exuberantly turning pages in their magazines and garden catalogs while planning for spring.  Some types of gardening (like planting a vegetable garden) reap immediate rewards, while other types require strategy and months of planning.  For instance last fall you were out in the garden planting bulbs to create that great spring show.   Conversely, if gardeners wish to extend their season into fall, planning should take place this spring. 

“Fallscaping” is a term used by Pennsylvania horticulturist and nationally known author Stephanie Cohen.  The concept focuses on aspects of plants including perennials, annuals, vines and shrubs that have more than one season of impact and are especially showy in autumn.  Face it, Michigan is known for its crisp, enjoyable fall season.  If you could embellish your present landscape with the right plants, you could be extending your enjoyment of fall for more than just a few week.

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