It doesn’t matter where you go these days one thing will be expected, mum’s everywhere; the neighbors’ homes, the shopping malls, the grocery stores… I have no idea why; however, the truth of the matter is, if you don’t get to see one plant this season, it will be because you may live in the Caribbean, or Iceland. Who knows, they may have them there now as well… Smile.
 
Plant Stats:
 
Perennial: This flowering plant is both, annual and perennial, depending on the variety. The perennial type is call “hardy mum”. If you have this type, keep them protected after the fall season. They will go dormant during winter and will come back in the spring.
 Hardiness: They won’t survive winters in areas where the temp. drops to single digits.
Deer Resistant: Mostly resistant to deer and rabbits.
Full Sun:  Will do great in full sun. That is if you water the plants regularly.
Partial Sun:  Prefers full sun.
Shade: No
Bloom Time: Bloom for about a month in late summer and/or fall.  
Color: Plenty to select.
Size:  12 to 48 inches - H and 24 to 36-W
Water Needs: Regularly, keep moist.
Good Companion Plants: Any other fall blooming plant; however, I prefer to use mums with pumpkins, hay bales and corn stalks during and the fall season. 

 
Ornamental cabbage is one of the most popular winter plants. They provide a totally different texture to your winter landscape. Once the plants are hardened by cooler night temperatures, they can survive most cold winters. They are often mixed up with kale plants. Since they look so similar, you can recognize them by looking at their flat leaves. Kale leaves; however, are rather curly on the edges. The question is, do you want to keep the winter look for next year?
 
Plant Stats
 
Perennial: No.
Hardiness: As an annual, it completes the life cycle in one year, then dies.
Deer Resistant: Probably, smile. Edible to humans? Yes, but are not farmed for flavor.
Full Sun:  Yes.
Partial Sun:  Yes.
Shade: No, although they are cool season plants they love both, sun and partial shade.
Bloom Time: They don’t produce flowers, the leaves change colors and look like flowers.  
Color: Green and a mix of pink-purplish.
Size:  Approx. 18” tall and wide
Water Needs: Regularly, keep moist but do not over water.
Good Companion Plants: Any other fall blooming taller plants placed in the back. 

We have enjoyed container gardening this year for quite a long time; however, fall is here and winter is around the corner. Therefore, if you live in northern states, or in areas where, even though you don’t get snow falls but the temperature usually drops dramatically to a point that can easily kill your annual plants, then this is the time for you to evaluate and decide to either bring the containers indoors or keep them out and put new plants in next spring.
 
I remember vividly early this year, when I posted my neighbor Estelle’s fabulous container garden. I still can get enough of it.
 
This morning, I did a walk through my neighborhood and found a good number of containers that are still looking good. The question is, will they be able to drag these heavy containers indoor? (I would.)
 
If they do it, they will be enjoying these beauties even if it is 15 degrees outside their doors. 

My dear gardening friends and enthusiasts:

The 2017 Fall Season is here and I must say that it came too fast. Some people love it more than others because it has its positive and negative side.

The Positive Side: The landscape changes weekly. The colors of trees turn from green to a mix of yellows, reds, gold, browns, which are simply amazing. The temperature outdoor allows you to use your decks and patios more often and the best part; the mosquitoes are GONE!
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The Negative Side: Well, this is when you get the best work out for free. I will make a list of some of the chores that you will need to tackle to make your property look spectacular during the winter months:

1. Clean your home gutters.
2. Clean and put away all your deck or patio cushions.
3. Clean and cover your deck furniture.
4. Do the same with your BBQ grill. Clean it well in and out, and cover with a grill-BBQ cover for protection from the elements. You can always remove it if you decide to cook.
5. If you don't feel like raking leaves, contract a lawn company to remove the fallen leaves from your property. If you remove the leave, you will thank yourself next Spring and you will also be able to enjoy the outdoor spaces during the Winter season.
6. Bring your house plants back indoors, but first, inspect them for insects and use any type of natural repellent, (like water; use your hose to clear out mites, aphids and other insects.)
7. Restore your lawn and fertilize it for the Winter or call your lawn maintenance company to do it for you.
8. Plant the Spring-blooming bulbs that you may want to see flowering next year; like daffodils, tulips, crocus.
9. Enjoy what is left of the trees in your garden and neighborhood before all the leaves are on the ground. How? Take photos.
10. Finally, start thinking about what decorations you want to put in your front garden for Halloween and Thanksgiving to “WOW” people walking by your property during these two seasonal holidays.

And no, these are not all the chores that you need to do, but at least it will get you started, SMILE!