Design a Stunning Fall Garden: Beyond Mums and Pansies

A strong fall garden show happens by design, not accident. Many gardeners simply throw pansies, mums, or kale into beds—these are nice but overused and limited in looks.

Discover more plants to add to your garden in autumn.

Instead—or in addition—select perennials, trees, and shrubs specifically for autumn looks. Mix it up: different plant types add special contributions. Trees provide backdrops and high color; shrubs do the same at mid-level; grasses offer year-round interest but shine in fall with graceful form and seed heads; some perennials bloom in fall with energy equal to spring.

Containers can also be designed for fall interest. Grasses, perennials, and annuals are available in garden centers in fall—often great closeout deals—and can be combined in beautiful, frost-tolerant pots.