"Newsletter"

Hello Plant Lovers,

Back to school merchandise is stocked on the shelves at your local discount store so I think we're justified in talking about strategies for freshening those container plantings that are beginning to look a little worse for wear. It's too soon to give up on them - there's still plenty of summer left. And even when the first frost hits there are lots of sunny warm autumn afternoons to be spent on the deck or patio, grilling out with friends or listening to your favorite sports team in the company of nature's finery.

Some plants have just plain exhausted themselves with profuse bloom through the summer; some have gotten leggy. Others have been ravaged by sun and wind and need to be replaced. Count on Mayflower to have unique cool season annuals to introduce fresh color into a container to complement diehard performers which are still looking good. After you've removed tired and overgrown plants, you can replace them.

Frost Tolerance

Most of the plants we feature at this time of the year have a high degree of frost tolerance and certain ones, like the cabbages and kales, get even more colorful as the temperatures drop. Use evergreen plants (like conifers, heuchera and english ivy) and dried materials (dogwood, willow or holly branches) in the containers and you have a festive, colorful presentation right up to the holidays. To get a sense for the cool season plants we carry check out our online Plant List.

Easy Maintenance

Maintenance at this time of the year is easier too. You can crowd your containers with lots of colorful material without being overly concerned about watering. The shorter, cooler days make for less transpiration so you don't have to get the hose out as often. Fertilizing, as well, is not a concern. The plants in your pots are nearing maturity as are the plants you purchase from us. Both will put on an excellent fall show without additional fertilizer feeding.

For your inspiration, we include images from past autumns in this newsletter. You can see lots more ideas for planted containers in our website under Pots 'n Stuff.