“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

Have you noticed the splashes of amber emerging across our mountains throughout Chattanooga? When the flowers of summer start to wilt and fade, you may think that your outdoor space is no longer a place to enjoy the wonders of Mother Nature. Yet, when many gardens are beginning to dwindle there are plenty of ways to extend the life of your landscaping with a beautiful transition to fall. You can also get a jump on next spring by giving your fall garden some TLC.

• Think about what you'd like your garden to look like next year. Sure, most people think of warmer months when they think of time to plant. Yet, once it gets cooler, roots can establish. It is the ideal environment for establishing roots of bulbs, shrubs, trees, and perennials. Just remember to get plants in the ground in plenty of time ahead of the first frost. Come spring, the plants (and you) will be glad you did! Let Full Circle get a jump on next year's garden now; we can design a custom, sustainable plan for you and also do all of your planting.

• Add some color to your garden despite summer being over: pansies, salvia, snapdragons, and cone flowers are all good options for flowering, hardy, autumn plants. Ornamental greens such as cabbage and kale can offer color; cool-season vegetables can multitask as color and edibles. Pots and containers can also take on a new look when you transition from warm-weather annuals to those that love the cooler weather. As design experts, Full Circle can help you make the most of your fall garden for your greatest enjoyment.

• Make sure you take care of the more fragile existing perennials that might not withstand the winter. They might need to be taken from the outside and kept in a cool, dark place until they are ready to see the light of day next year.

• Mulching now helps plants stay protected later and is an extra helper with root growth. Compost and mulch also provide doses of nourishing nutrients needed for next spring's growth. Full Circle can do the heavy lifting for you when it comes to spreading mulch for your garden.

• Tend to any maintenance and hardscape needs. Winterizing irrigation systems helps make sure that damage is prevented during any hard frosts. To make sure your investments last, make sure you have proper covers for outdoor furniture and equipment, or store them away, before the need arises.

Don't let perfect patio weather go by without a backyard space to enjoy it. Here in Chattanooga, fire pits and fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, and even some water features can be enjoyed far beyond summer! An Full Circle Land Design can help you with ideas on how to best enjoy it all. Contact us today or click here to check out our previous work for ideas and inspiration.