Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2006
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/nurseryplants.html

Invasion Of Fall Colors
September 2006
Isaac Coronado, Johnson's East Nursery Manager & KS Certified Nursery Professional

    Fall is an excellent time to plant trees and shrubs. The cooler
temperatures help promote good root growth and reduce transplant shock.
Another added bonus is that we don't have to water quite as much as in
the summer. However, the best reason is all the color. From our sturdy
foundation plants, to the eye-catching specimens, color invades our
landscape like no other season.

Foundation Shrubs
    Speaking of sturdy foundation plants, pyracanthas put on a wonderful
show of bright orange berries that show off nicely against the
semi-evergreen glossy leaves. When they are given afternoon shade, these
shrubs look their best. Another good one for the shade is the Little
Rascal Holly. This compact dwarf turns a deep purple color in the fall,
requires minimal maintenance and is also very cold-hardy. Nandinas
perform wonderfully in the sun with a spectacular show of fall berries.
Another good foundation idea for fall color is sweetspire. With a triple
play of purple, red and yellow, these shrubs hold their leaves well into
the fall. And we can't forget about our maroon-leaved and ever-blooming
Endless Summer Hydrangea.

Specimen Trees
    We also have some good show-stopping specimen trees that are
guaranteed to catch an eye or two. The seedless Autumn Purple Ash puts
on a stunning deep purple color followed by an accent of yellow that
creates a wonderful fall specimen. The Amur Flame Maple blazes with
fiery red leaves on this multi-stemmed beauty. A new variety this year
at Johnson's is the Autumn Splendor Sugar Maple. This well-rounded
specimen is known for its consistent, brilliant, red-to-orange fall
color.

And More!
    With these plants, and more, your landscape will be bursting with
fall color. And remember that whether your fall color plantings include
pansies, mums, hydrangeas or sugar maples, the best plantings start with
a million dollar hole. For more information about proper planting
techniques, stop by any one of Johnson's three locations.