Your garden doesn’t have to peak in summer and then taper off to bland nothing-ness by fall. Many plants provide color, texture, and interest all the way until a freeze in your part of the country. By replacing faded annuals in containers and dressing up garden beds with new perennials and shrubs, you can extend the gardening season and enjoy your outdoor spaces well into autumn.

Of course, everyone loves mums as the iconic flower of fall, but there are many other plants that offer color, support pollinators, and make your garden welcoming as the days begin to (finally!) cool down. Fall actually is a great time to plant many different types of perennials and shrubs, when temperatures are more moderate and rainfall generally is more plentiful.

As long as you keep everything watered

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