Cooler temperatures, colorful leaves and mums are just some of the signs that autumn is here at French Lick Resort and beyond. No matter what time of year you plant your flowers and plants, there is so much more that goes into planning than meets the eye. French Lick Resort Grounds Supervisor Todd Schrank answers some fall-themed gardening questions with tips included!
Q: What is the best time of year to plant mums? How did the weather affect plant time this year at the resort?
A: Although mums, along with most flowering plants,
should be planted in the spring to allow root growth throughout the year to be
able to sustain life during winter months, typically people choose to plant
mums around October to display the fall color for the holidays and remove them
after they are finished blooming. This summer provided us with cooler
temperatures, which in turn forced the mums to flower sooner than usual.
Q: Besides mums, what are the best flowers and plants to plant during the fall season?
A: Besides mums, some other great plants for fall
decor are ornamental grasses, ornamental cabbage or kale, and pansies.
Q: Care tips for the at-home gardener during this season?
A: Sometimes it's hard to make the transition from
summer to fall plantings depending on how well your summer annuals are still
holding up once fall rolls around. The earlier in fall you get your pansies
planted, the better chance they have at really taking root and giving you a
great spring pansy crop. Ornamental cabbage or kale can go in at the same time
and like pansies, it enjoys cool temperatures. Although the kale likes the cool
temperatures it rarely makes it through the winter.