Preparing Garden Beds for Fall in Ormond Beach, FL
October 15, 2024
Preparing Garden Beds in Ormond Beach: How to Clean Up and Get Ready for Cooler Weather
As cooler weather approaches Ormond Beach, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your garden beds for fall and winter. Properly maintaining your garden beds now will not only enhance the appearance of your landscape but also ensure that your plants remain healthy and vibrant through the cooler months. Here are some essential tips to help you clean up and prepare your garden beds for the upcoming season.
1. Remove Spent Plants and Weeds:
Begin by clearing out any spent annuals, dead foliage, and lingering weeds from your garden beds. Removing these will help prevent the spread of pests and diseases that can overwinter in plant debris. Be thorough with weeding, as cooler weather can cause some hardy weeds to spread if left unchecked.
2. Prune and Trim Perennials:
Perennials benefit from a good trim before winter sets in. Cut back dead or diseased stems to promote healthy growth in the spring. For plants like hostas, daylilies, and coneflowers, remove any dead leaves and flowers. Avoid pruning spring-blooming perennials like azaleas and camellias, as they’ve already set buds for next year.
3. Mulch for Protection:
Adding a layer of mulch to your garden beds is one of the best ways to protect your plants during cooler weather. Mulch helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and prevent soil erosion. Aim for a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, like pine straw or wood chips, around your plants, but keep it away from direct contact with the stems to avoid rot.
4. Plant Fall Annuals and Bulbs:
Fall is a great time to plant cool-season annuals like pansies, mums, and snapdragons to add color to your garden beds. It’s also the perfect time to plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips and daffodils. Make sure to plant bulbs at the correct depth and water them well.
5. Soil Care:
Finally, consider adding compost or organic matter to your soil. This enriches the soil, improves drainage, and provides essential nutrients for your plants throughout the winter. Turn over the soil gently and mix in compost for best results.
Preparing your garden beds for fall is a crucial step in maintaining a healthy and beautiful landscape. For professional help with garden bed maintenance or any other landscaping needs, contact Kennedy Landscaping, your go-to lawn and garden experts in Ormond Beach. Let us help you create a stunning outdoor space that thrives all year long!
November in Central Florida kicks off the holiday season—family visits, out-of-town guests, and more time spent outdoors enjoying our mild weather. While homeowners up north are packing up their patios, this is when your yard becomes an extension of your entertaining space. If you’re planning to host for Thanksgiving or the holidays, now is the perfect time to give your landscape a quick refresh. Here’s how to boost your curb appeal and get your yard guest-ready, the Florida-friendly way. Freshen Up Your Front Entry Your front entry is the first impression guests get of your home. Simple upgrades that make a big impact: Edge and clean up planting beds so lines look crisp and intentional Add fresh mulch to instantly brighten and unify the space Replace tired or leggy plants near the front door with healthy, colorful options Add a pair of matching containers or planters to frame the entry In Central Florida, you can still plant cool-season annuals like petunias, snapdragons, and dianthus for pops of color that will last through the cooler months. Give Your Lawn a Pre-Holiday Tune-Up A neat, healthy lawn sets the tone for the rest of your landscape. Before guests arrive: Schedule a clean, even mow and edging along driveways and walkways Address any bare or thinning spots so they don’t stand out in photos or to visitors Remove leaves, branches, and debris left from storms or windy days November is also a good time to review your irrigation schedule. With cooler temperatures, your lawn needs less water—but it still needs consistent moisture to stay green and inviting. Add Seasonal Color the Florida Way Holiday color in Florida doesn’t have to mean traditional northern plants that struggle in our climate. Great options for November: Cool-season annuals in reds, whites, and purples to echo holiday colors Flowering shrubs that provide long-lasting color and structure Ornamental grasses that add texture and movement in the breeze Strategically placed color near the front walk, mailbox, and entry makes your home feel warm and welcoming without a full landscape overhaul. Light Up Walkways and Outdoor Spaces With shorter days, lighting becomes a big part of both safety and ambiance. Consider: Path lights along walkways and driveways so guests can see clearly after dark Soft accent lighting on trees, palms, or architectural features Checking existing fixtures for burned-out bulbs or damage If you plan to add holiday lighting, it’s smart to think about how it will work with your existing landscape lighting so everything feels cohesive instead of cluttered. Tidy Up Outdoor Living Areas In Florida, outdoor spaces are often where guests gather during the holidays. Quick wins: Clear clutter from patios, porches, and pool decks Trim back overgrown plants that crowd seating areas or walkways Make sure views from main windows look out onto neat, attractive beds and lawn Even small updates—like a cleaned-up hedge line or refreshed planters—can make your outdoor areas feel more polished and intentional. Schedule Professional Help Before the Rush The weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and December holidays get busy fast. If you know you’ll want your yard looking its best, it’s smart to get on the schedule early. Kennedy Landscaping can help with: Cleanups and bed refreshes Mulch installation and edging Seasonal color installations Ongoing lawn and landscape maintenance A little planning in November goes a long way toward creating a welcoming, beautiful outdoor space your guests will love. Ready to get your yard holiday-ready? If you’re hosting this season—or just want to enjoy a polished, inviting landscape—Kennedy Landscaping can create a Florida-friendly curb appeal plan tailored to your home. Contact Kennedy Landscaping today to schedule your landscape service and welcome your guests with a yard that looks as good as your celebration feels.
Avoid these 5 common fall landscaping mistakes Florida homeowners make. Expert tips from Kennedy Landscaping to keep your Central Florida yard thriving.
