It is hard to believe that the summer has come to an end and fall officially started on Wednesday, September 22. Soon we will all begin the task of cutting back our gardens and putting things to bed before the approach of winter. Ah "winter" that long cold expanse of time when you gaze out your window to your garden and see very little. Keep that in mind when you start to cut back your perennials this fall. Many of them, if left standing, are very interesting even throughout the winter months.

Rudbeckia nitida 'Herbstsonne'

Why not leave some seed heads standing? If you want certain plants to colonize, this will assure success. Be careful of plants like Rudbeckia nitida 'Herbstsonne' and fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm' as they are very prolific and can take over a perennial border very easily.

Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila'

Heuchera villosa

Many different perennials have interesting seed heads and can also provide nourishment for the birds during the winter. I love how dried astilbe plumes look pushing their way through the snow. Leave on the lacey flower stalks of Heuchera.

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm'

This Belamcanda chinensis has wonderful winter interest. After it is finished blooming it produces these black berry like seeds that will last for quite some time. If you would like this plant to colonize, make sure you bury some of its berries below the service of the soil.