Gardens enter a time of vibrant transformation in autumn, when the landscape is draped in rich, warm hues. Leaves are beginning to shift color, and the air becomes crisp and cool. Gentle breezes float through the trees, removing the first leaves of the season from their attachments. ​It is a peaceful, reflective time when growth slows down and plants begin to prepare themselves for dormancy. The first day of the fall season, which is today, is a great time to start thinking about updating pots and annual beds. A great group of plants to pay attention to this year is ornamental greens. This group includes ornamental Kales and Cabbages, and has the potential to raise your displays to the next level. 

Many of us are used to seeing Brassicas in the veggie garden or on our salad plate, but it may surprise you to find out that they are also quite fantastic at adding interest to ornamental planters. Although they are commonly overlooked in favor of other flowering fall plants like Cyclamens or Mums, they have beautiful colors that are typically brought out even more with cool temperatures. Commonly called Flowering Cabbage or Flowering Kale, these plants are not edible; their leaves tend to be bitter and unpalatable. Leaves are typically deeply cut, frilly, or ruffled, and the only use they get in the kitchen is as garnish. 

Both types of ornamental greens form rosettes of leaves, though flowering kales tend to have serrated or fringed leaf margins and flowering cabbages form more of a head of foliage with smooth edges. Both are considered cool-season biennial plants which grow vegetative leaves in the first year, and send up flowers in the second. They are typically grown as annuals, removed from displays after their foliage begins to wilt with extended freezing temperatures in wintertime.

There are a few different varieties of these plants that are available through nurseries and other plant sellers. Although starting from seed is possible, it is not always recommended because many seed packets are not marked with the exact cultivars included. It is more common to purchase starts at a nursery or other plant seller when the plants are already producing colorful foliage. Popular varieties of ornamental kale include the 'Peacock' series and the 'Chidori' series. Ornamental cabbage varieties include 'Color Up', 'Osaka', and 'Pigeon'.

These foliage plants are relatively easy to care for, and don't have many pest or disease issues. Although they can be planted directly in the ground throughout the landscape, they make a bigger statement in containers or when planted en masse. They pair well with Chrysanthemum, ornamental grasses, Asters, Heuchera, and Pansies. If you're looking for a plant to brighten up your fall containers this year, look no further than these flowering relatives of some of our edible favorites.

Until next time!

A well-maintained garden not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but also adds value to your property. However, achieving and maintaining such beauty requires consistent attention, care, and expertise. For many homeowners, the question arises: how often should you hire a gardener to keep your residential landscape in prime condition? The answer varies based on a number of factors, including the size of the property, the types of plants in the landscape, your local climate, and personal preferences. In this post, we’ll explore the various considerations that impact the frequency of hiring a gardener, along with the benefits of professional garden care.

Each garden is unique, and how often a maintenance crew should visit is largely dependent on the specific requirements of various elements of the garden. For instance, a simple lawn with a few flower beds will have different needs than one with a backyard orchard. Landscape elements include:

The unique climate of a landscape as well as seasonal changes in weather can affect how often garden maintenance is required. Different plants have varying growth cycles, and the care they require changes with the seasons.

In addition to having a maintenance crew visit the landscape, many home gardeners will complete some garden tasks on their own. This can save money in the long run, and can actually be a very enjoyable way to pass free time. How much time homeowners have to dedicate to garden care is an important consideration when deciding how often to hire a garden crew. If you are a busy professional or simply just do not have the time to care for your garden, hiring a gardener of a weekly or bi-weekly basis can ensure that your landscape remains in good condition throughout the year. If you enjoy gardening as a hobby and have a lot of free time, you may only need professional care four times a year.

Arguably the most important factor in how often a professional garden crew is hired for maintenance is budget. Professional gardening services can vary greatly in cost depending on the location, the size of a property, and the specific services required. Many gardening sercices offer package deals for regular maintenance, which can be more cost-effective than hiring a gardener on an as-needed basis. Newer garden maintenance companies have subscription plans with options to add services on an as-needed basis.

A day of garden maintenance is about 8 hours, and a half-day is considered 4. Basic gardeners in the Bay Area, California get paid an average of $25 an hour, which works out to $200 for a full day and $100 for a half day of maintenance. Labor price per hour varies depending on location, and the level of garden care provided. Materials like mulch, topsoil, compost, and plants are extra costs incurred by homeowners, as well, though some subscription gardening companies are changing this, building anticipated regular maintenance materials into their pricing structure.

Hiring a professional gardening service has many benefits beyond simply the convenience factor. Here are some of the key advantages: