Sprucing Up Your Flower Garden and Landscaping for Fall – Ag Matters

As we run out summer and roll into fall your flower garden and landscaping may begin to look tattered.  The Master Gardeners at Cornell Cooperative Extension have some tips on keeping it fresh.

• Move Plants Around

Look at all your containers; some plants might still look good. Consider moving the plants around to create a "new" container. When you move plants, water the containers thoroughly the day before to help minimize root damage as well as make it easier to break plant roots apart. Remove unwanted plants using a trowel with a serrated edge or a soil knife. Cut out good plants that you want to save and place in a new container.  Once you have the plants that you want to save, piece them together into what will be your new container and fill in any empty spaces around root balls with potting soil. Give your new container a good drink and fertilize with a general purpose fertilizer.

• Freshen Existing Plants

Use stakes or branches to prop up plants which are drooping because of being overgrown. Propping helps to make them look nice. Consider fishing line to tie around old foliage to keep it standing more upright.  Don't be afraid to cut, mix and match plants. Just a few improvements will freshen up your container and take you into fall.

• Buy New Plants

. It's harder to find new plants now; but it's not impossible. Consider pansies, mums, sedums or other fall blooming plants to add into your existing containers to fill the voids from the plants that are past their peak. Or you may want to try adding herbs or houseplants which you can find in grocery stores or florist shops.

• Add Objects

Instead of plants, consider things like evergreen branches, pine cones, and other garden material to fill in a space where you have pulled out a plant. Soon, you will find gourds and mini-pumpkins which you can use to take your container into the fall season.

For more information call the Horticulture Hot Line Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00am to 12:00pm at 315-736-3394.

SOURCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension