These early autumn days of a really warm daytime temperature and a cool night are ideal for flowers to develop their best color. At this time, planters are full to overflowing with growth, and that much foliage requires a lot of water and food to keep the color coming strong. Many of my pots require a drink every day, and I am trying to be faithful. Exceptional color is my reward.
If you have a spot or two where plants have given up, you can revive the look of that planter by adding one or two fall mum plants. They come in many sizes … perhaps you want to go big and replace the whole thing! Be sure to pick a plant that is just beginning to show color to get the longest display. Also, be faithful watering to ensure the plant doesn’t die prematurely … they are not forgiving about drying out!
This is also the time to plant spring-blooming bulbs. I just purchased a lot of tulips, some for forcing in my greenhouse and some for putting in open spots in my flowerbeds.
Asiatic lily bulbs are another summer-blooming bulb that can be planted now. They are available as blooming potted plants in the summer, but they only bloom once per season so buying them already in bloom will give you a much shorter display. Also, planting dormant bulbs is much more economical. Be sure to check the hardiness zone on the package of bulbs before purchasing them.
I found several varieties of bulbs being offered in local stores that were not hardy in Zone 4, and that is where we live.