Enhancing Your Cottage Garden This Fall
As the pastel hues of summer give way to the vibrant, warm tones of autumn, my zone 6b cottage garden at Old Castle Cottage transforms into a gorgeous tapestry, showcasing the beauty that Connecticut in New England has to offer. As I get older, I’ve come to appreciate how this season invites me to slow down, enjoy nature’s beauty, and relish the cooler temperatures. It’s also a time to prepare the garden for the winter months ahead. Here are some tips for making the most of this time of year.
Celebrating the Colors of Autumn
The garden palette shifts dramatically as the days grow shorter and cooler. Hydrangeas turn deep pink and red, while burning bushes transition from lush green to vibrant crimson. Trees like my oaks display bright yellow leaves and drop acorns to nourish the wildlife.
Now is the time to assess your garden to see if you need to add perennials that provide autumn color. If your garden lacks vibrancy, consider these suggestions: Asters, Sedums, Dahlias, and Anemones. My favorite sedum is Sedum Autumn Joy because it turns a lovely pink and attracts late-season pollinators. My favorite anemone is ‘Fall in Love Sweetly‘ from Proven Winners—a pink double anemone that blooms from summer to fall. If you don’t have these perennials, it’s not too late to plant them. As a bonus, you can use them in your fall planters and then transfer them to the ground, saving you money on container plants. Lastly, I wrote a blog post about my favorite dahlias and how I care for them. In my opinion, no fall garden is complete without them.
Preparing for Winter
As the leaves begin to fall, it’s important to prepare your garden for winter and also plan for spring. In my zone 6b cottage garden, we take several steps to ensure a healthy and vibrant garden in the spring:
- Cleanup: Remove spent annuals and debris to prevent diseases and pests from overwintering. I don’t remove all the leaves, as leaf mold benefits the soil and helps suppress weeds. I use a rake that allows me to get in between my roses and perennials. I also don’t cut back all my perennials, saving most of that task for the spring.
- Mulching: I apply a layer of mulch or mulched leaves around my roses and some perennials to protect their roots from freezing temperatures.
- Planting Bulbs: Autumn is the perfect time to plant spring bulbs. Be sure to plant once daytime temperatures are below 60 degrees, and you can continue until the ground freezes. I’ve linked the bulbs I’m ordering this year.
- Dividing and Transplanting: If your perennials are overcrowded or you simply don’t like their placement, fall is an ideal time to divide and transplant them. This helps rejuvenate plants and promotes healthier growth. If you’ve had a perennial for more than 3–5 years and it’s no longer blooming as it once did, it may be time to divide it.
Once the first frost hits, it’s time to dig up your dahlia tubers. I wrote a post about the process, which I’ve linked here. This year, since my zone 6b winters have been milder, I’m going to try overwintering some of my dahlias in the ground. I’ll keep you posted on the results.
- Planting Trees, Shrubs, and Roses: Fall is also an excellent time to plant or move trees, shrubs, and roses. Once these plants go dormant, it’s the best time to transplant them because they experience less stress. This year, I’m planting fruit trees (shared in my September newsletter found here), as well as moving hydrangeas and roses.
Adding Cozy Corners and Seasonal Décor
I’ve added rustic elements to my garden, such as pumpkins, decorative gourds, and fall planters. A simple seating area with warm blankets and twinkle lights transforms my garden into a perfect spot for cozy fires, sipping cider, and enjoying the beauty of the season.
At Old Castle Cottage, autumn is a time to slow down, reflect, and prepare. I hope you’re celebrating the beauty of autumn in your own garden—whether it’s planting bulbs, dividing perennials, or simply enjoying the crisp air and changing leaves.
