What You Can Do in the Fall to Prepare for an Abundant Spring
Anna Montgomery
Fall is the ideal time to prepare your garden for spring.
Plant spring-flowering bulbs in early fall (September-November) before the ground freezes
We have bulbs available for purchase in late summer.
Plant daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, narcissus, jonquils, and so on. Bulbs need several months of cool winter weather to develop strong roots for spring blooms.
When planting, place the bulb with root down and tip facing upward. Follow growing instructions on the label regarding planting depth; water thoroughly after planting.
Add spring-blooming shrubs to the landscape
Azaleas, rhododendron, viburnum, and roses.
Shrubs planted in the fall develop strong root systems during winter months and benefit from winter rains.
Do not prune spring-blooming shrubs in the fall (this removes flower buds). Azaleas, hydrangeas and viburnum should be pruned following their bloom time.
Dogwood Trees – according to the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture’s Plant Science Department and the Dogwood Trails Committee, December is the ideal time to plant dogwood trees. You can purchase dogwood trees at Stanley’s Greenhouse or other local garden centers, or order trees from Dogwood Arts through the Bazillion Blooms tree program at the following link: https://www.dogwoodarts.com/bazillionblooms
If you are on a Dogwood Trail, fall is a perfect time to clean up and prepare your trail entrance beds
Fall garden work prepares your garden and landscape for a beautiful spring!
[This information is adapted from information prepared by the Dogwood Arts Trails Committee as dictated by Dogwood Arts Board Advisor Lloyd King.]