Tips for Fall Landscaping in Charleston

Summer is quickly coming to end and we are in full fall planning mode at Meeting Green! If you're looking for ways to survive the end of summer heat, then start planning your fall landscaping projects! Whether you hope to enhance an existing bed or if you have big goals for your yard this upcoming season, now is the time to get your projects started.

Why Fall is the Best Time to Plant in Charleston

Spring time is often associated with growth in the garden, new beginnings, and bold blooms. But, pro tip: a beautiful spring garden starts in the fall in the Lowcountry! Fall is the best time to plant anything from shrubs, trees, and perennials to spring blooming bulbs and leafy cool season vegetables. Why?

• The soil is still nice and warm from the hot summer temps

• Your plants won't immediately suffer in the intense heat

• Less watering required from you

• Slow above ground growth means the plant is focusing on important root growth

The list goes on! Take advantage of the beautiful weather and mild season and get new plants in the ground! As long as you plant in the ground about 6 weeks before our first frost (typically at the end of December), you'll have strong, well established plants ready to take on their first spring next year!

Go-To Plant Pairings for Year Around Texture

This West Ashley projects features shade loving plants nestled under mature oak trees. The beds are full of lush evergreens of various sizes and textures for interest all year, no matter the season. We've paired broad, tropical leaning leaves of farfugium and fatsia with narrow leaf mahonia. The mahonia not only adds contrasting texture but also provides yellow blooms fall through winter when other warm season blooms start to fade. Additionally, azaleas anchor the beds and add bold blooms in the spring for that classic Charleston charm!

Make a Statement while Maintaining Cohesion

One issue people typically have when approaching their landscaping projects is how to incorporate existing features. This yard had beautiful mature camellias along the fence that needed to work with the new design. We planted around the camellias, seamlessly filling the voids and staggering the plants to create rhythm. The same plant palette is mimicked against the house for cohesion and we added Japanese maples to remain visually cohesive in height while providing an additional statement feature.

Create Contrast and Add Interest

When designing a client's space, we always ask how they want to use their yard. When pets and children are part of that vision, it's typically important to leave plenty of room to run and play. For this project, that meant leaving a large portion of the yard free of any plant material or garden features. To incorporate contrast back into the design, we added a stucco planter against the green turf and highlighted the area with ledge lighting. At the other end of the yard, we designed and installed a patio to balance the space and create a designated area for gathering with friends and family.

Use these tips in your yard this upcoming season! We'll be stocking the shop with our go-to plants for fall and classic foundational shrubs and trees so you can #getplanting this fall! We're here to help, both in the shop and in your yard! Fill out the design consult form to get on the schedule in time for fall planting!