From perennial chrysanthemums, annual pansies, violas and snapdragons to vegetables like lettuce, spinach and other row crops, there are a host of specimens that are perfect for our cooler fall weather. And that's not even taking into consideration fall foliage color from everything like liquidambar and birch trees to heavenly bamboo (nandina) and Oregon grape (mahonia).
For you cooler-weather gardeners, consider these "fall classics:"
Chrysanthemums. Nothing says fall flowers more than mums. These hardy perennial flowers bloom much of the fall and winter in many parts of California. They then die away only to return again with a multitude of buds and flowers next fall. Mums come in an array of flower forms including simple daisy-like flowers to pompons (globular), reflex (flower rays that curl) and spider (fish-hook curled flower tips). Mums are among the most versatile of fall plants in that they can be used in containers, borders, edgings or beds. Height will vary depending on pruning, but most species look best at about a foot to 18 inches high.
Annuals. Fall bedding plants are highlighted by pansies, violas and snapdragons. However, others may include calendula, Iceland poppy, stock, cyclamen and more. Pansies are those short-stemmed plants with large, 3-inch flowers with "faces" on them. The contrasting blotches of color on most pansy flowers make them appear like "faces." Violas are the miniature cousins of pansies. Flowers are usyally about one-fourth the size. For height in the fall/winter garden, look no further than snapdragons. Although snapdragons come in dwarf sizes, intermediate and "rocket" (4 feet high), they arevaialble in just two types of flower forms: traditional and butterfly.
Vegetables. Like annuals, there are a number of fall/winter vegetables that will thrive in our cold weather. These are led by row crops. Everything from lettuce, spinach cauliflower, cabbage, spinach and carrots can be grown all winter long in all but the coldest mountain areas of California. Just make sure you prepare your soil well, digging in organic compost, peat moss or manures to aid drainage if we have a wet winter.
Fall foliage. While our fall foliage color may not rival that of New England, we do have many specimens that offer leaves that turn red, bronze and yellow. Liquidambar, European white birch, alders, tallow, pistachio and other deciduous trees all provide a fall show of color. Be aware, however, that many of these trees have running roots that can play havoc with sidewalks and driveways. Shrubs to consider include heavenly bamboo (nandina) and Oregon grape (mahonia).
Go To Page: 1 2
