What I’m Planting This Fall to Prep for an Abundant Spring & Summer Garden (🤞)
I mentioned in a previous post that I am dreaming of reviving the once-beautiful garden at my new home. I have to take things slowly but steadily. I have made a ton of progress in the last year removing overgrowth and perennial weeds/invasives (a never-ending task!). I cut back the ancient, leggy azaleas to give them a fresh start. But, I am excited for fall because that means planting for next spring. I’m rebuilding the garden’s structure with shrubs and trees while adding color and variety for pollinators through bulbs. Then, in the spring, I’ll start incorporating more perennials.
Why It’s Important to Plant in the Fall for Your Spring Garden
Getting a head start on your spring and summer garden during the fall is essential for two main reasons. First, many plants benefit from the dormant winter season to establish themselves, and fall planting is ideal for this. Second, there’s so much joy in planning ahead and working in the garden while avoiding the intense summer heat! Personally, I find tremendous joy in anticipating the fruits of my labor.
The best things to plant in the fall are spring-blooming bulbs, shrubs and trees. Keep in mind that I am in South Alabama — zone 8b (or 9 if you consider the newer hardiness zones) so I can plant much later in the fall (and even winter!) than most because our soil never gets extremely cold. Here’s a list of what I am planting this fall to prep for an abundant spring and summer garden!
Bulbs for a Burst of Spring Color 🌷
Alliums
Description: These unique spherical blooms are show-stoppers and add striking height
Planting Tips: Best in sunny spots with well-drained soil; follow recommended depth and spacing
Impact: Adds drama and vertical interest, attracts pollinators
Muscari (Grape Hyacinth)
Description: Tiny, bell-shaped blue or purple flowers that cluster beautifully
Planting Tips: Plant in clusters for a carpet effect; great layered with other bulbs. I like to force these in containers similar to paperwhite narcissus.
Impact: Provides a lovely ground cover with a pop of color early in spring
Tulips
Description: Classic spring bloom with a wide range of colors and forms
Planting Tips: Deep planting for colder climates, can be layered by bloom times for prolonged color. NOTE: I have trouble with them in the ground, so I am thinking of trying them in pot layered with other bulbs this year. English gardener Sarah Raven demonstrates this here (YouTube).
Impact: Tulips add elegance and are easy to mix with other spring bloomers
Daffodils
Description: Reliable and hardy, with cheerful yellow, white, or bicolor blooms
Planting Tips: Plant in groups for maximum visual impact, prefers full sun
Impact: Brighten the garden early with their bold colors; naturalizes well over time
Crocus
Description: Early spring bloomers, small and delicate with purple, white, and yellow hues
Planting Tips: Plant close to the surface; ideal for naturalizing in lawns
Impact: One of the first blooms to appear, signaling the end of winter
Anemone Blue Shades
Description: Graceful, daisy-like flowers available in vivid colors
Planting Tips: Soak bulbs before planting; suitable for woodland and partial shade areas
Impact: Adds a whimsical, natural look, excellent for border edges and “carpeting” under spring blooming trees
Dutch Iris
Description: Tall, elegant blooms with rich, colorful petals
Planting Tips: Plant in clumps for best results, ideal for well-drained, sunny locations
Impact: Adds height and color contrast, popular for cutting gardens
If you live in a warmer weather zone, like me, it’s often best to chill your bulbs in the refrigerator 6-8 weeks before planting them out in your garden. This is to give them a fake cold / “dormant” season.
Rhizomes for Bold, Reliable Blooms 🌸
Bearded Iris
Description: Unique, ruffled flowers with a broad spectrum of colors and forms
Planting Tips: Plant rhizomes shallowly; prefer sunny spots and well-drained soil
Impact: Known for their standout appearance, they add architectural beauty to the garden
Flowering Shrubs for Long-Lasting Beauty 🌺
Crepe Myrtle
Description: Known for its long-lasting, vibrant blooms in shades of pink, white, purple, and red; provides striking color and texture
Planting Tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil; don’t commit crepe murder!
Impact: Adds height and structure, with lush foliage followed by stunning blooms that last into summer
Japanese Privet (Ligustrum)
Description: Evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy green foliage, clusters of fragrant white flowers, and small black berries
Planting Tips: Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; prune to maintain size and shape
Impact: Offers lush green foliage as a backdrop to flowering plants year round, with blooms that attract pollinators and add subtle elegance to the garden in late spring/early summer
Yaupon Holly Tree
Description: Native evergreen tree with small, glossy leaves and bright red berries that attract birds; upright, natural shape
Planting Tips: Thrives in a variety of soils, tolerates full sun to partial shade; little pruning is needed, but can be shaped as desired
Spring Impact: Provides dense greenery and bright berries that add year-round interest and winter food for wildlife
My favorite sources for Flower Bulbs and Plants
I buy all my shrubs and trees from several of my favorite local nurseries, and I encourage you to shop at your local mom and pop places first! But I have found some great online sources for bulbs.
So there’s that! I am excited to prep my garden not only for next spring and summer but for many years to come by putting in some work this all. I encourage you to experiment with mixing these plants into your garden. Don’t fear failure — it’s rewarding and a learning opportunity regardless. Gardening requires patience and work, but the payoff is so worth it!