BoomerGirl Diary

Have you ever experienced gardener’s block? It is a lot like writer’s block, when the words won’t come and you stare at an empty computer monitor waiting for inspiration ... waiting and thinking about just giving up on the project. Gardener’s block often hits you in the autumn after summer heat has withered your once-gorgeous plants into haggard and pathetic-looking stalks. The idea of walking away from the fields to stay indoors seems pretty darn good when you’re hit by gardener’s block.

But don’t despair. Crisp weather and inspiration are right around the corner. The falling temperatures and cool moisture that wets the earth can give both you and your flora a touch of color and invigoration. Break through gardener’s block by planting some fall performers that will put on a stunning show. Here are 10 autumn design tips to help you kick-start those creative green-thumb juices.

10 autumn tips

1. Contrast colors: Remember learning about complementary colors on the color wheel back in kindergarten? Well, here is your chance to use that knowledge to really make your landscape colors pop. Pair up reds with greens, oranges with blues, yellows with violets to make a bold impact.

2. Layer: It makes good sense to sow larger plants in the back of a grouping or in the center if they will be viewed from all sides. Petite and intricate flora should be near the front of the bed. As you are going over the bounty of fall goodies from a shopping trip to the nursery, consider what size each plant will be once it is fully mature.

3. Accessorize: Autumn is a great time to bring out the unusual and tuck it neatly into the landscape. Choose from pumpkins, gourds, antiques, corn stalks and more.

4. Add annuals: These inexpensive, colorful floras are a great way to add some oomph to a stale-looking yard. Cool varieties such as pansies, dianthus, mums, ornamental kales and cabbages will perform well into the autumn months.

5. Go artsy: Sculptures, statuaries, birdbaths and whimsical artisan pieces are a great way to direct viewers’ eyes to what is blooming in your garden. The onlooker will see not only your taste in art but the speckled red fruit of the winterberry growing alongside your selection.

6. Use grass: Ornamental grasses are a must-have for the autumn garden. Their plumes will begin to flourish now and give off a magnificent show. But try not to group too many grasses together — they will have much more impact when paired next to other textures.

7. Create a courtyard: By sectioning off an area with fences, walls or hedges, you create room for every season and add visual interest to the garden. One large space can easily get lost in a rather barren plant period but a sectioned garden “room” leaves a fascinating outline.

8. Place solid surroundings: Items like gazebos, benches, trellises and tree houses lend permanence to a garden no matter what season.

9. Bring on the view: When you are planting, try to keep in mind what you can see from the inside of the house. With autumn beauties, you may want to consider that a view from a comfortable chair inside should be just as lovely ... and always the perfect temperature. If you can’t arrange the plantings to the view, then don’t be afraid to move your outdoor furniture closer to your autumn showstoppers.

10. Add touch: Create visual tension by mixing spiked plants with lacy ones or broad waxy leaves next to ornamental grass. Juxtaposing plants with various textures will bring a spotlight to plants even if they don’t have blooms.