In the News - October 2009
Discover the natural beauty of fall in decorations
MURFREESBORO - With fall in full swing, now is the time to brighten up front
yards and porches with flowers, pumpkins and decorations, said Robbie McKinnon,
Pike County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of
Agriculture.
"Planting fall flowers creates a vivid color display and will enhance the
carved pumpkins, cornstalks and scarecrows that you might place in the yard,"
she said.
Natural decorations such as flowers and plants are one way of celebrating the
season on a budget. According to the National Retail Federation, only 47 percent
of Americans plan to decorate their home or yard this year, a three percent drop
from 2008.
Marigolds are one popular fall flower. Some can be found at bargain prices in
stores, but they won't last long. "If you saved seeds and have them ready to
plant, then you're not out any money, just some time - and of course, you'll gain
a lot of satisfaction," said McKinnon.
Chrysanthemums come in many colors. Planting chrysanthemums directly into
beds is one way to display their beautiful color. "For the most punch, a host of
mums the same color makes a big statement," said McKinnon.
Choose plants with full buds that have just begun to open. Water them often,
as most mums are root-bound and will dry out quickly if left in the pot. Mums
may also be kept in pots and stored in the garage during winter. When the green
growth appears, it is time to trim the dead foliage and plant them, she said.
Pansies bloom in the fall, hang out during the winter and bloom again in the
spring. "Pansies stop developing new roots when the temperature of the soil
drops below 45 degrees, so it's important to get them into the ground as soon as
possible," said McKinnon. Pick favorite colors from yellow, purple, blue and
white.
Ornamental cabbage and kale make great fall and winter plants because of
their colorful foliage, she said. They become even more colorful after the
frost.
Pumpkins, a fall favorite, come in many shapes and colors. Make a trip to the
pumpkin patch and pick one. Pumpkins come in the ever-popular orange, but also
in whites and light greens. These make an impact when mixed into the decoration,
said McKinnon. "There isn't just standard orange anymore," she said.
Pumpkins can be carved in many ways. For those looking for something other
than traditional face carvings, consider other creative designs. Many pumpkins
are not carved at all - just painted and decorated, said McKinnon. These tend to
last longer than a carved pumpkin, she said.
Pulling out old summer plants and getting beds ready for fall plants is the
first step towards a splash of fall color. "I happen to be on step one," said
McKinnon.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas
Division of Agriculture and offers its programs to all eligible persons
regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability,
marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status, and is an
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
October 30, 2009
Media Contact: Elizabeth Fortune
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2120
efortune@uaex.edu
Related Link
Request an Interview
|
