How to Transition from Summer to Fall Landscaping

by Beau

As the days get shorter and the Oklahoma heat finally starts to fade, it’s time to give your yard a fresh, seasonal update. Fall is one of the most rewarding times for landscaping — cooler weather, rich colors, and the perfect opportunity to refresh your garden beds after the long summer.

At Five Stones Landscape and Garden Center, we’re here to help you make the smooth transition from summer to fall with fresh seasonal plants, professional landscaping services, and the largest nursery in the area. Here’s how to keep your outdoor space looking healthy and vibrant all season long.

🌻 1. Refresh and Clean Up Your Summer Beds

Before planting anything new, start by cleaning up what’s left of summer. Pull out faded annuals, trim back overgrown plants, and remove any weeds or debris. This helps prevent disease and gives your fall flowers plenty of room to grow.

Once cleaned, add a fresh layer of mulch or compost to restore nutrients lost over the summer and improve your soil’s moisture retention. A neat, refreshed bed creates the perfect canvas for your fall color.

🌼 2. Replace Summer Blooms with Cool-Weather Color

Summer flowers like petunias and marigolds fade as temperatures drop. Replace them with cool-weather plants that thrive through fall and early winter. Some of the best options include:

  • Mums: The signature fall flower that provides big, bold color.
  • Pansies: Cold-hardy blooms that last through frost.
  • Ornamental Cabbage & Kale: Add texture and deep purple tones.
  • Violas: Small, colorful flowers that pair beautifully with mums and pansies.

All of these are available at Five Stones Landscape and Garden Center, where we grow many of our plants in-housefor superior quality and longevity.

🌾 3. Add Warm Fall Colors and Textures

As you plan your fall landscape, think in layers. Fall landscaping is all about mixing color, height, and texture. Try blending:

  • Warm colors like orange, yellow, and burgundy.
  • Deep greens and purples from ornamental kale or cabbage.
  • Textured elements like ornamental grasses or small shrubs.

For an even cozier look, add natural elements like pumpkins, hay bales, or rustic planters to tie everything together.

🧤 4. Prune, Edge, and Feed Your Landscape

After a long, hot summer, your plants and lawn need a little care. Fall is the ideal time to prune shrubs, reshape hedges, and edge your flowerbeds for a clean, finished look.

Fertilize your lawn with a slow-release, fall-formulated fertilizer to strengthen roots and encourage new growth before winter. If your grass looks thin, overseed any bare patches — fall moisture and mild temperatures are perfect for seeding.

🏡 5. Update Your Outdoor Spaces

Fall isn’t just about plants — it’s also the perfect time to make upgrades to your outdoor living spaces. The mild weather makes it ideal for installing hardscapes like:

  • Patios and walkways
  • Retaining walls
  • Pergolas or covered seating areas
  • Fire pits and stone edging

These features not only add beauty and functionality but also increase your home’s value and curb appeal.

At Five Stones, our professional landscape and hardscape crews specialize in creating outdoor spaces that blend comfort, style, and practicality — perfect for enjoying crisp fall evenings.

🌸 6. Protect Your Plants for the Cooler Months

As nighttime temperatures start to dip, take steps to protect your plants and prepare them for winter. Add mulch around the base of shrubs and flowers to insulate roots. Move any delicate potted plants to a sheltered area or porch.

For more sensitive plants, consider covering them during the first few frosts — or ask our team at Five Stones Landscape and Garden Center for advice on which varieties can handle the cold best.

🌻 7. Shop Local for the Best Fall Plants

When you buy your plants locally, you’re not only supporting your community — you’re getting healthier, hardier plants that are grown specifically for Oklahoma’s climate.

At Five Stones Landscape and Garden Center, we’re proud to grow much of our fall inventory right here in-house, ensuring each plant is well-acclimated and ready to thrive. Whether you need a few colorful mums for your porch or a full landscape redesign, we’ve got you covered with both retail and wholesale options.

📍 Visit Us Today

Ready to refresh your yard for fall? Visit Five Stones Landscape and Garden Center today to explore our full selection of mums, pansies, ornamental cabbage, kale, violas, and more.

🍁 From seasonal planting and flowerbed design to full landscaping and hardscaping services, our expert team is here to help you create a beautiful outdoor space that lasts all season long.

Five Stones Landscape and Garden Center — Oklahoma’s go-to destination for landscaping, plants, and everything fall.