Alice Vincent shared her thoughts on gardening as the seasons shift, saying, “With changing seasons, I’m inspired to create a new flowerbed using those ambitious little 9cm pots and big dreams. This year, my garden is in a transitional phase; it was planted in 2023 and is stuck in that awkward second-year stage—not abundant, but not quite starting either. Nevertheless, autumn is an excellent time for anyone to plan their borders and introduce hardy perennials like grasses, geraniums, and Japanese anemones, alongside fill-in plants such as heucheras.
Have you ever come home from the garden center on the first warm day of spring, arms full of large pots, only to watch those plants struggle as the seasons progress? I often find myself questioning my gardening abilities in those moments. However, if you take action now, you can avoid that predicament. Smaller plants tend to acclimate better with ideal conditions—adequate space, sufficient rain, and time. Hardy plants can withstand frost, and by planting them in the next few weeks, you’re giving them a solid six-month period to settle in before spring’s longer days arrive. If you’re organized, it’s also a good time to plant your bulbs.
When choosing a color scheme, it’s wise to select shades that harmonize with your existing space. Planning a border is truly an art. Instead of impulsively picking random plants, take a step back and consider the overall aesthetic of your beds and pots. This thoughtful approach will pay off when you admire a cohesive display next summer.
A few key tips: stick to a color palette. If you’re uncertain about which colors to choose, look at what you already enjoy in your garden. Personally, I avoid blues, purples, and reds; my garden flourishes with pink, white, and yellow. I also suggest buying fewer varieties of plants but in larger quantities—aim for odd numbers like three, five, or seven of each type, or more if your space allows.
In tighter spaces, a single standout plant can make a significant impression, but two might look a bit off. Now is also a perfect time to divide any healthy plants you cherish. Just dig them up, split the root ball into smaller sections, and redistribute those pieces throughout your garden bed.
It’s essential to create a mix of plants that vary in height, structure, texture, foliage, and flowering seasons. No garden will look perfect year-round, but selecting plants that offer more than just blooms is a smart strategy. I particularly enjoy fennel; its feathery foliage adds shape in early summer, the flowers are stunning later, and the seed heads create a beautiful silhouette in the winter light.
Before planting, arrange your pots on the ground to visualize the layout. Step back and view them from different angles. Opt for triangular or zigzag arrangements for a more natural feel instead of rigid straight lines. Water them well and then simply wait for spring to reveal your hard work.”
