Fall Has Arrived

With its crisp cool air, change in landscape aesthetics and rainy days, Falls is probably my favorite time of the year. It’s also a warning to complete any lingering outdoor projects before the weather turns. Texas can get wet-cold-windy or it can be a great couple months of transition, but we never know what we are in for, so best be ready! If you’re on top of the usual upkeep (i.e. overgrown plant material and trees are trimmed, beds are mulched, and the house is sealed up) here are a few additional updates to consider.

FIRE FEATURES:
Fireplaces, pots & troughs are all great ways to add character to a space. We’ve noticed that fire tables are a big hit, especially for hosting company! Their sleek design and easy usage make them a great choice for larger groups, whereas fireplaces are ideal for those looking for a more intimate experience. You can’t go wrong with incorporating fire elements in your outdoor living space. Whether you’re outside enjoying the warmth or inside looking out, functioning or purely aesthetic, it’s a win-win.

ADDING COLOR-
• Chrysanthemums: Chrysanthemums are a common autumn flower in North Texas. They are low maintenance as they don’t require direct sun exposure all day – shade actually extends the blooming time.
• Pansies: Panies are ideal cool-season plants for North Texas winters. They can survive temperatures as low as 30º and if your flowerbeds receive at least 6 hours of sunlight, they will do great!
• Texas Aster: This pretty purple flower blossoms from September to November in North Texas. They do particularly well in the fall and adapt to the changing daylight schedule.
• Snapdragons: These are a great choice for later in the fall, around November. They love the winter months and actually die off at the first signs of heat. You can now keep your flowerbeds alive even during the coldest weather of the year!
• Marigolds: Marigolds are one of the best picks because they bloom in all the classic autumn colors: orange, yellow, gold, etc. The two most common groups of marigolds are the French marigolds (Tagetes patula) and the African (Tagetes erecta).

LIGHTING:
With less hours of daylight this time of year, lighting is a great option to extend your usage. Adding some string lights along a handrail to create a border, putting some bulbs in a seasonal wreath for interest, or running some Edison lights to light up the sky all will enhance your space. When it comes to safety and showing off the dynamics of your property, we suggest LED fixtures. These will help visitors navigate walkways and split-level patios while highlighting features at the same time.