I couldn’t help but wonder...
As the leaves turned from vibrant green to rich shades of amber and crimson, was it possible that fall gardening had more to do with love than we realized? Much like relationships, gardens require attention, a little pruning, and the occasional leap of faith. And just like in love, what you put into your garden now, you’ll reap in full bloom later.
I know what you're thinking: Fall? For gardening? Isn’t that when we retire our trowels, toss on our chunky sweaters, and cozy up with a pumpkin spice latte? Well, not quite. Fall gardening is like the second act of a romance — it’s quieter, sure, but just as important. In fact, it’s the perfect time to prep for next season, to plant the seeds (literal and figurative) of future growth.
The Beauty of Letting Go
First, let’s talk about letting go. One of the most underrated yet therapeutic gardening tasks in the fall is clearing out the old, the dead, the spent. Those leggy tomato plants, crispy sunflowers, and faded marigolds? Out they go, making space for something new, something fresher. Because sometimes, holding onto the past just takes up room for what could bloom next.
As I pulled up the last of my summer veggies, I thought about how in life, we also hold onto things — past relationships, old habits, worn-out jeans (jk more like yoga pants) we swear will come back in style — even when we know it’s time to say goodbye. Fall gardening is a reminder that endings aren’t bad. In fact, they’re a necessary step toward new beginnings. In the same way, the end of a season can lead to a beautiful, crisp new chapter, and the end of a garden bed makes space for cover crops or cold-hardy veggies like spinach and kale. It’s the circle of (plant) life.
Planting for the Future
But fall gardening isn’t just about ending things. It’s about planting for the future. A little prep work now leads to a more beautiful, bountiful experience later. Think garlic. You plant those cloves now, tuck them in with a blanket of mulch, and by the time summer rolls around, you’ll be harvesting plump bulbs that will spice up your kitchen.
Bulbs are another fall favorite — daffodils, tulips, hyacinths. You plant them now, and while they seem dormant all winter long, come spring, they burst in with color when you’re finally ready to move on from the dormant and quiet life of winter to show the world you are ready for next season.
Embracing the Slow Season
Fall isn’t about rush-rush-rushing to the next thing. It’s about savoring the quiet moments, whether that’s enjoying the last warm days in the garden or taking a walk through the park, admiring how nature effortlessly transitions from one season to the next. Maybe it’s time we embrace that in our own lives. Slow down. Appreciate the changing colors, the cooling air, and the way the garden starts to rest — but not retire.
Perennials are like the steady love you can count on. Even when everything else seems to fade away, there they are, sending their roots deeper, ready to return again next year. In the fall, you can divide them, give them a little attention, and know that they’ll be back when the time is right.
The Final Flourish
So, as you pull out your cozy scarves and settle into this cooler season, remember this: Fall gardening is all about balance. It’s about knowing when to let go, when to nurture, and when to trust that the work you’re putting in now will pay off in the future. It’s about appreciating the quiet beauty of a garden that’s winding down — but not done.
Because just like in life, when it comes to gardening, every season has its purpose. And while spring may bring the big, bold blooms, fall gives us a quiet sense of satisfaction. It’s not the end of the story — it’s just another beautiful chapter.
PS I might be rewatching Sex and The City, and Carrie Bradshaw's writing might have inspired me. <3
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