Fall is a great time to plant those perennials. Trees, shrubs, and flowers all planted this time of year do very well. The reason is they have time to develop some root growth before hot summer days begin.

One caution to gardeners is a bargain plant is not always a bargain. I visit lawns with many problems bought and brought home with bargain plants. Check each plant to make sure it is healthy.

If the plant leaves are discolored or bark is damaged, look for another plant. Trees take years to grow and develop. A misshaped or damaged tree may never grow well or correct. Your efforts to have a beautiful tree are in vain.

Plants should be planted at the same depth they were planted in the pot. I like to raise them slightly like about one inch. This allows the plant to settle down some but not much.

Holes for each plant should be twice as big as the container. This surrounds the plant with loose soil so root development can begin quickly.

Large trees and shrubs should also be staked for the first year to keep them upright and secure. Do not fertilize the plants at planting, wait until spring. Apply the fertilizer around the plant but away from the trunk. Use a complete fertilizer like 12-12-12 or a similar product. Everyone seems to forget about looking up and down before they plant a tree or shrub. Up to see if the tree or shrub will be growing into a power line or home. Look down to see if roots will be growing over the water or sewer line. This simple observation will prevent future problems.

Perennials are great in any garden because they come back year after year. The work of planting yields flowers, foliage, or shade for multiple years not just one.

So get out and tour those local nurseries for your favorite plant and get it in the ground