Sadly, this weekend I made the decision to dump some containers that housed annuals such as begonias, impatiens and petunias.  They were looking pretty pathetic due to the streak of cool nights we've had lately.  I admit it....I had a bit of a pity party thinking of the eminent winter and lack of all things green.  But I gave myself a swift kick in the ass and I replaced the spent flowers with new, happy and festive fall plantings!  

I stuck to the basics:  mums, pansies and ornamental kale.  

I love the deep green and purple hues of this variety of kale.  The contrast really makes the yellow pansies pop.  

The grass adds some much needed height to this squat container.  

Darling bubble gum pink mums accent the dusty foliage of the kale.  

I'm happy with the outcome of my fall plantings this year.  They are lush, colorful and seasonal.  Replacing summer containers with fall annuals is a great way to prolong the growing season and add that extra punch of color into the autumn landscape.  Now I just need to insert  the quintessential pumpkin here and there for the finishing touch.  

Speaking of pumpkins, I recently saw this AFTER I had purchased my mums for the year.  Guess I will keep this in mind for next year's fall inspiration.  Absolutely beautiful!  I will be on the hunt for white pumpkins this year - they really make these spicy burnt-orange mums pop!

With so many varieties and colors, the recipes for a successful fall container are endless.  Please share some of your winning autumn containers!

It's not even officially fall yet and the National Weather Service has issued a frost warning for Iowa tonight. Frost can damage annuals, tender perennials, veggies and herbs,  Ha!  A freeze isn't going to bring my garden to a halt - no way, no how!  Follow these tips to prevent frostbite from damaging your garden:

• Water thoroughly.  Water emits heat as it condenses to ice and will keep your plants warmer than the air.
• Move small containers into a garage or shed.
• Cover large containers and garden beds with a sheet or light blanket.
• Harvest any remaining veggies and herbs. 

The forecast calls for temperatures in the 70's for the weekend, so make sure you take the precautions to prolong your garden into the fall season.