Visit Garden of Eden for fall needs

Kathy and Harry Childs, owners of Garden of Eden nursery. - Submitted photo
Kathy and Harry Childs, owners of Garden of Eden nursery. - Submitted photo

Fall is an ideal time for planting trees, shrubs, bulbs, bedding color, cool season vegetables and grasses. The warm, workable soil found in most gardens during the fall months provides a rich growing medium for new plantings. In addition, the cool weather, fall rains and warm soil stimulate and encourage strong root systems. Plants will be well established and ready to grow by spring.

At planting time, use peat moss to enrich and aerate the soil. Apply sand to add bioactivity and more aeration to the soil.

Immediately after planting, soak the root zone with d solution of Ferti-lome Root Stimulator to get plants off to a vigorous start. For protection during the winter months, mulch the plantings, especially tender perennials, with bark mulch or other clean material to insulate from the cold. Decorative bark will also provide protection for the roots of shrubs during the winter.

Trees and shrubs of all kinds can be planted in the fall. "You can extend the colorful, exciting quality of your landscape far beyond the spring and summer months with fall color. The season's panorama of bold, vivid color will invite you to consider planting trees and shrubs that display brilliant fall foliage," said a news release from Garden of Eden.

In Arkansas, trees like the sweetgum, red oak, Chinese pistachio and Bradford pear provide beautiful displays of reds, oranges and yellows. While shrubs such as barberry, red tip Photinia, Cleyera, nandina, and firebush beautify the landscape with their displays of striking hues.

Mums, asters, stock, anemone and dianthus are some favorite annuals, biennials and perennials that will freshen up fall flower beds. Pansies' colorful blooms last through the winter and spring months until summer's heat arrives. For even more colorful and festive additions to one's fall landscape, plant some flowering cabbage and kale. They will thrive in the cooler temperatures of the late fall and early winter.

Plant bulbs this fall for a beautiful, vibrant show of blooms next spring. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, anemones, ranunculas, freesias and Dutch iris are all great choices for bulbs that will provide a rainbow of color. For big, colorful blooms, fertilize with a bulb food, bone meal or super phosphate.

"Another advantage of fall planting is how the crisp, cool weather makes a person feel! Gardening is great exercise at any time of year and the cooler fall temperatures make it even more enjoyable. So this year, why not get out and experience the joys of fall gardening?" the release said.

"The certified nursery professionals of Garden of Eden will help with all your gardening and landscaping questions and needs," the release said. Garden of Eden is located at 153 Franklin St., behind Family Fun Park; call 501-623-6616.

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