fall perennials

Plant Japanese anemones such as 'Königin Charlotte,' 'September Charm,' and 'Honorine Jobert' (shown at right), for simple, beautiful blooms on long-lived plants. Place them en masse in your shrub beds, or mix with other autumn flowers. Asters such as 'Purple Dome' and 'Harrington's Pink' are good choices. Swamp sunflowers are best at the very back of the border, as they grow tall. Try 'Autumn Joy' sedum for a sure bet with clusters of pink blooms year after year. When planting, it is important to place plants at the same depth as they were in the containers, and water them well until established. Perennials come back every year and are an affordable way to add dependable color. -GENE B. BUSSELL

MUSCADINES

These sweet Southern grapes (Vitis rotundifolia) are the perfect fruit for the backyard gardener, and they are in season. Now is a good time to buy your favorite at the grocery store, local farmers market, or you-pick vineyard. Start vines this fall on a simple trellis. Choose a sunny location with good air circulation and well-drained soil. Use the following selections planted together to create your own personal vineyard. 'Darlene' (female) is bronze, very sweet, and produces large fruit. 'Nesbitt' (self-fertile) is a very productive black grape with great flavor. To purchase these vines, try lson's Nursery & Vineyards, 1 -800-733-0324 or www. isons.com, and Petals From the Past, (205) 646-0069 or www.petalsfromthepast.com.

CONTAINER RECIPE

Try an herb pot. Use a 16-inch-diameter container. Add a 6-inch pot of rosemary, a 4-inch pot of Italian flat-leafed parsley, and a 4-inch pot of goiden lemon thyme. Include your favorite vioia (blooms are edible). In the Upper and Middle South, use a coldhardy selection of rosemary such as 'Arp.' Place the pot in a sunny spot on your patio.

DIVIDING PLANTS

In the Upper and Middle South, dig up and divide clumps of irises, daylifies, and daisies. When lifted, some will fall apart easily, while others may need to be coaxed. Set the plants back into the sou at their original growing depth, water well, and mulch. Take a moment, and pass along a few of your favorites to friends.

AUTUMN EQUINOX

September 22 marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall. It's time to start setting out this season's annuals, create containers, buy bulbs, and plant trees and shrubs. Remember, fall planting brings spring success. Most importantly, just be sure to get outside and enjoy your garden in the cooler days ahead.

POTHOS

Use this plant to brighten any room. Let it trail to soften the edges of a table, windowsill, or mantel. It's happy in areas with low to medium light. Allow it to dry slightly between waterings. Leaves can be green, white and green, or yellow and green. Look for a new selection called 'Neon' for bold chartreuse foliage.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Sep 2006
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