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Trees not the only source of fall colorArkansas Trees aren't the only source of fall color in Arkansas, said Jim Robbins, Extension horticulture specialist-ornamentals for the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. "Color in a fall garden can come from many sources including colorful fruits such as hollies and native beautyberry, as well as flowers," Robbins said. "Annuals, herbaceous perennials and woody plants can all contribute to your fall landscape." He recommends a few cool-season annuals that can be planted in late September through October for a longer flowering season. Pansies and Johnny Jump-ups are popular in Arkansas gardens, as well as ornamental cabbage and kale. Other options include Iceland poppies, bright marigolds and garden mums. On the perennial side "many ornamental grasses really pop in the fall, including reed grass, or Calamagrostis, and feather grass, or Stipa," Robbins said. "Native muhly grass, or Muhlenbergia, is a treat because it looks pretty unassuming until fall when it POPS with seed-head color." For gardeners looking for something more unusual in the fall garden, Sumac and Seven-Son-Flower, or Heptacodium, offer fruit, fall color or fall flowers. Robbins also recommends the Encore azalea, a beauty that has 23 selections that re-bloom in the fall. Fall asters also will be hitting their stride as the temperature drops. Fall is an excellent time to plant garden plants. If you have not tested your landscape soil in a few years, testing the soil before planting is recommended. Be sure to check with your county Extension office for more information," he said. For more information on gardening and landscaping, visit www.arhomeandgarden.org. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture.
Date: 8/8/08
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