As much as I hate to admit that summer is over, it doesn’t take long for me to succumb to the beauty of fall here in Woodstock, Ontario.

As a matter of fact I consider fall the most romantic season of the year, not to mention one of my favourite times to be out in the garden. After all, there are many things that need to get done before the first frost, if you want your garden to ready for planting in the spring (not to mention keeping your property looking good year round).

So, before you retire your gardening gloves for the winter, check out my list of 10 reasons why Fall Gardening is a must for homeowners in Woodstock.

10 Great Things About Fall Gardening 

1. Trees & Shrubs

Most people aren’t aware that fall is the best time of year to plant trees and shrubs.

Why? Because shoots and leaves don’t grow much this time of the year, making the process less difficult, not to mention that once planted the roots will grow all the way up until hard frost hits, resulting in a strong, established root system.

Oh ya, the cooler weather doesn’t hurt either, especially when you’re out digging those holes!

2. Become The Envy of Your Neighbourhood

Perhaps your summer garden was overshadowed by a neighbour’s who seemingly had nothing but time on their hands from April to August (don’t you just hate them?).

Regardless, fall is just as good a time to “wow” passers by and become the envy of your neighbourhood, as 90% of your neighbours won’t keep their garden up past September, giving you your opportunity to shine!

Head to your local Garden Centre and pick up some late season blooming perennials, pots, pumpkins and even some hay stacks and get creative! You’ll also get to see all those perennials in full bloom meaning instant gratification!

Some popular fall perennials include toad lily, aster, and caryopteris, (just to name a few).

3. Save Money!

Perhaps I should’ve made this the first item on the list.

If you’re a bargain hunter looking to decorate on the cheap, fall is the best time to score some deep discounts on garden supplies, trees, shrubs, perennials, and more at your local Garden Centre.

4. Unique Fall Decor

From perennials to pumpkins, and decorative Turkeys to fall planters, fall is such a wonderful time to brighten up your home and garden with fall garden decor that is truly your own.

If you want your home to scream “original” and “unique” this fall season, avoid shopping at big box stores for decorations, opting instead for your local Garden Centre or Greenhouse where you’re likely to find some beautiful, original, and unique items such as hardy mums, grasses, pumpkins, gourds, planters and more.

5. Get A Head Start on Spring

Spring, already?

That’s right!

A passionate gardener is always thinking a season or two ahead, which is why you should get a head start by stocking up on items you’re sure to need once the warm weather returns, including:

• spring flowering bulbs
• tulips
• daffodils
• hyacinth

6. Fresh Produce

Not only does fall look beautiful, but with a little effort and a keen eye for freshness it can taste wonderful too!

Whether you’re new to Oxford County or not, it doesn’t take long to realize that some of the provinces best farms are right in our backyard, meaning super fresh produce is attainable almost year round (fall included).
Check out our new Farmer’s Market at Van Dyk’s Greenhouses in Woodstock where you’ll find an assortment of fresh, local fall produce including late season corn, squash, and leeks.

7. Protect Your Plants

With winter just around the corner you shouldn’t wait too long to preserve your precious tropicals, among other plants which need to be transplanted indoors during the cold winter months.

A trip to your local Garden Centre will equip you with all the necessary items you need to keep your plants (and property) safe until spring.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to block off areas around your property where “critters” can burrow and hide during the cold months. Use chicken wire to keep them out.

8. Shop For Fall Colours

If you’re planning on doing some landscaping this fall or next spring, then now is the time to drop in and see exactly what the trees and shrubs look like as they change colours.

If you’re feeling adventurous you can even add some instant “pop” to your property by planting them now instead of waiting.

Some of my favourite fall items include; burning bush, sumac oak leaf hydrangea, and the Japanese maple.

9. Get Dirty!

If you’re twiddling your thumbs while your little ones are rolling around in the leaves, a trip to your local Garden Centre for discounted mulch is what you need!

Then the next time your kids head outside to make a mess of your lawn, you can be productive by laying out mulch throughout your garden in an effort to reduce weeds and give tender plants the protection they need to survive the winter.

Pro tip: Mulch is almost always on sale this time of year, so stock up!

10. Pre-Orders

Are you a dreamer? Do you spend hours flipping through magazines or browsing Pinterest planning out your “vision” for the perfect garden next season?

If so, don’t leave it to chance, instead visit your local Garden Centre and inquire about “pre-ordering” your flowers and supplies to ensure you aren’t disappointed when spring arrives and that pesky neighbour beats you to the punch and buys up all the flowers you wanted!

Conclusion

It’s surprising how many homeowners abandon their gardens come fall.

I hope this list helped inspire you to not just “close” your garden this fall, but help it thrive right up until the first snowfall (and maybe even beyond!). After all, indoor gardening is a “thing” right?

As always if you have any questions about anything green, don’t hesitate to contact us.