Seasonal Decorations

Pumpkins and winter squash are readily available in multiple colors at grocery stores, local farmers markets, and roadside stands. Heirloom pumpkins offer a wide mix of colors and are easy to find. Tip: Select ones that are firm and unblemished. Keep them cool and dry, and they will last for months. Mix with dried flowers such as celosías, sunflowers, yarrows, and gomphrenas to make simple arrangements for your front door, foyer, or table. Combine Indian corn, gourds, and fall leaves with your pumpkins, and place them outside around gates, porches, and patios, -GENE B. BUSSELL

SOIL

Before you start your fall planting, amend your flowerbeds and vegetable plots. When the ground is dry, use a tiller or garden fork to loosen the dirt to about 1 foot deep. Amend with organic matter, such as chopped leaves, composted manure, mushroom compost, or peat, to improve fertility and drainage. Add sulfur, lime, or any needed nutrients as indicated by a soil test.

'AUTUMN' PHILODENDRON

This beautiful houseplant echoes the colors of the season. Use it to brighten your home. Other selections include 'Black Cardinal' and 'Moonlight.' They all prefer bright, indirect light. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings.

BLOOMS ON A BUDGET

Sow seeds of poppies, bachelor's buttons, and larkspurs now for flowers next spring. Select a sunny location, and scatter seed on a prepared bed. Rake lightly, and then water gently.

FALL-BLOOMING CAMELLIAS

Sasanqua camellias are graceful evergreens that are now starting to flower. Excellent selections include 'Fuji-No-Yuki/ 'Chansonette,' and 'Bonanza.' They prefer moist, acid, well-drained soil in a location with filtered light. In the Upper South, plant them in sheltered locations, or overwinter them in cool greenhouses. In the Upper South, you can also try cold-hardy hybrids such as 'Winter's Charm.' These and other camellias are available from Camellia Forest Nursery, www.camforest.com.

COLORFUL FLOWERS

The cool days of fall give dahlias (shown at right) a boost of blooms. Other flowers that enjoy the beautiful weather include Mexican bush sage, pineapple sage, old-fashioned chrysanthemums, autumn sage, and 'Argentine Skies' anise-scented sage. Replenish beds and borders with these for an extra bit of color.

HERBS

Lots of herbs thrive in cool weather. Add chervil, sage, sorrel, thyme, Italian flat-leafed parsley, and rosemary to your containers or flowerbeds, and use them to flavor your meals.

SOUTHERN LIVING PLANT ZONES

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Upper South

(USDA ZONE 6)

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Middle South

(USDA ZONE 7)

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Lower South

(USDA ZONE 8)

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Coastal South

(USDA ZONE 9)

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Tropical South

(USDAZONE 10)

* FOR MORE INFO

Online "Around Your Garden" archive: southernliving.com/october2007

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Oct 2007
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