October 2025

WHAT NOT TO PLANT IN FALL

Natalie Carmolli, Proven Winners® ColorChoice®

You’ve probably heard it many times: “Fall is a great time to plant.” And it really is! As the temperatures drop and the summer heat fades, the cooler air creates an ideal environment for many shrubs to get established. That said, there are some types of shrubs that should not be planted in fall. 




FANTASTIC FALL COMBOS

Delilah Onofrey, Suntory Flowers

Last year, we partnered with pot manufacturer Crescent Garden on a fall container challenge. Each designer received a Crescent Garden TruDrop Flex Container and four Granvia strawflower plants in gallon pots. Then they worked their magic. Behold seven lovely creations.

HOW TO RESCUE A STRUGGLING HOUSEPLANT AND BRING IT BACK TO LIFE

Justin Hancock, Costa Farms

Even the most attentive plant parents can find themselves with a droopy houseplant dropping leaves and wondering what went wrong. The good news? Most houseplants are resilient and with a few thoughtful tweaks, you can nurse them back to good health. Here’s how. 



CH-CH-CH-CHANGES - PLANTS THAT CHANGE COLOR THROUGH THE SEASONS

Dan Heims, Terra Nova

Hey, campers! Channeling David Bowie’s 1971 “Changes,” Terra Nova Nurseries has bred five well-known plants that change color throughout the year. Though it is known that other Terra Nova offerings, like Heuchera ‘Forever Purple’ and Heuchera ‘Forever Red’, showcase consistent season-to-season color, there are a few color-changing plants in Terra Nova’s catalog that are endeared by many for their unique fall color.  




GIBBS' DESIGNER SHARES FALL DECORATING IDEAS FOR WELCOMING YARDS

Barbara Schneider, Gibbs Gardens

While Gibbs Gardens is a magical place all year long, the month of October ups the ante with dazzling autumn vistas in every direction. There’s something about fall that inspires creativity and fun. 



THE BEST TOOLS FOR INDOOR GARDENING

Centurion Brands

Indoor gardeners often turn to whatever is at hand to perform gardening tasks. They deserve specially sized and specifically designed tools for small spaces and indoor gardening.

HOW TO KEEP MUMS BLOOMING AND PUMPKINS FRESH THIS FALL

GrowJoy

Fall decorating isn’t complete without bright, cheerful mums and festive pumpkins. But once they’re home, many people wonder how long they’ll last — and what they can do to make them last longer. The good news is, with a little care, you can enjoy your mums in full bloom for weeks and keep your pumpkins looking fresh through the season.

PLANT ONCE, ENJOY ALL SEASON: 5 BLOOMS THAT "GROW" THE DISTANCE

Susan Martin, Proven Winners

From a strong start in spring to fall’s last glow, these five hardworking annuals only need to be planted once for an entire season of color. They keep pollinators and hummingbirds happy all season with a single planting and no deadheading is needed for continuous bloom. We’ll show you how to style all five for summer and fall looks. 

TRICK OR TREAT IS FOR THE BIRDS!

Wild Birds Unlimited

OK…it’s October…so you have to believe that we would find a way to make a connection between your backyard birds and Halloween. But trick or treat? This ought to be fun!


PICKLING UNLEASHED - BEYOND CUCUMBERS

Ashleigh Smith, True Leaf Market

Gathering a bountiful harvest is perhaps one of the most exciting phases of the growing season. You may reach a point of wondering what you should do with everything your garden produces. One of the easiest methods for a gardener of any experience level is pickling.



THE DARK AND DRAMATIC LANDSCAPE

Monrovia

If spooky season has you thinking about adding a little mystery to the garden, you’re right on trend. If you’re creating a true Gothic style garden or just want to add a touch of moodiness to the landscape or containers, you’re sure to find the perfect plants to add to your garden for this season and beyond.




SAFEGUARD YOUR ROSES THIS WINTER: ZONE-BY-ZONE TIPS

Jackson & Perkins

From frosty lows to mild winters, ensure your roses emerge in spring healthy and strong with tailored care strategies for every USDA zone.



HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL: HOW TO CREATE A GOTHIC GARDEN THIS OCTOBER

Park Seed

As autumn settles in and shadows grow longer, many gardeners turn to deeper tones and moody textures to match the season’s dramatic flair. With rich maroons, near-black blooms, and silver-toned foliage, this design style creates an otherworldly beauty that feels perfectly timed for fall.



QUIET & GREEN: BUILDING NATURAL PRIVACY IN YOUR GARDEN

Wayside Gardens

Skip the fence — screen, weave, stack your way to a serene retreat.


FLOWER SEEDS THAT ARE GOOD FOR BIRDS

Jean Vernon, Hartley Botanic

Right now, the plants in your garden are approaching the end of their yearly cycle. And that means there are many seeds in your gardens which can and will help support your garden wildlife.


PLANT FLAVORFUL AND NUTRITIOUS GARLIC IN FALL

Melinda Myers

Lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, fight heart disease, boost your immune system, and add a bit of flavor to your meals by growing your own garlic. This vegetable has been used as both food and medicine for thousands of years. 

FALL PRUNING

When to prune is a frequent question. The macrophylla hydrangea, which is the big leaf hydrangea, or the mop head hydrangea, blooms on second year wood. Watch the video...

PLANNING & PLANTING FOR THE SEASONS

In this Episode GardenSMART visits an industry expert and author in Wilmington, North Carolina who provides some great insight into plant selection. Learn more...

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