Benefits of fall planting

Fall is the perfect time of year to plant trees, shrubs, perennials and ornamental grasses in the Pacific Northwest. Soils are warm — not too wet or too dry. Rains during this season help keep plants watered, requiring less of your attention. Plants also suffer less stress when you transplant them during the cooler autumn season. 

Check out the free seminars held at Seattle nurseries this month to help you get motivated in your garden through the fall and winter months.

The first seminar, “Fall into Lazy Gardening,” takes place Saturday, Sept. 12, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Molbak’s, 13625 NE 175th St, Woodinville (425) 483-5000. Learn what to plant this year for less maintenance and more color all year long. Replace fussy, high water-use plants with better behaved trees, shrubs and perennials. Next summer you’ll use less water and enjoy more leisure time. 

“Shrink Your Lawn, Grow Your Garden” takes place Saturday, Sept. 19, 10 to 11 a.m. at Swansons Nursery, 9701 15th Ave NW, Seattle (206) 782-2543. Tired of spending time, money and effort to maintain your lawn? Want to add color to your landscape and invite wildlife into your yard? Learn how to convert some or all of your lawn into a beautiful landscape featuring native plants and attractive perennials. You’ll be amazed how your newly converted landscape will be packed with birds and keep pests in check.

“Jazz Up Your Garden with a Fall Makeover ” takes place Saturday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Sky Nursery, 18528 Aurora Ave N. (206) 546-4851. Learn how to have beauty every month of the year. This seminar will include garden design, plant selection and proper planting techniques. Fall is a great time to renovate your garden.