When we plan a garden for fall, we look beyond the one tree that turns bright red in October. Color can start high in the canopy, move through a layer of shrubs, and finish among the flowers and foliage at your feet. That mix gives the garden depth—and more to enjoy on a walk from the driveway to the front door.

A rain garden is a shallow planted depression designed to temporarily collect runoff from roofs, downspouts, driveways, patios, or other parts of the property. Instead of sending all that water straight toward the street—or allowing it to sit beside the foundation—a rain garden slows it down, spreads it out, and gives it a chance to soak into the ground.

August is not the end of the gardening season. In an Indiana garden, it's a transition month—a time to maintain, observe, edit, and prepare.

Vol. 4 — The Living Landscape Landscapes are more than patios, planting beds, and neatly edged lawns. They're living ecosystems that change with the seasons, support wildlife, and become more beautiful as they mature. The healthiest landscapes aren't built by forcing nature into submission. They're built by working with nature instead of against it. When the right plants are in the right place, the lawn drains properly, outdoor spaces remain usable after sunset, and rainwater

A tree that's planted in the wrong place can eventually outgrow its space, require constant pruning, interfere with structures, or need to be removed long before it reaches its full potential.

Today, biophilic design is a cornerstone of modern landscaping — especially in Indiana, where four distinct seasons offer endless opportunities for connection.

If you told a homeowner in 1925 that their great-grandchildren would be spending $20,000 on a "smart" pergola and a tub of freezing water in their backyard, they’d probably assume we’d all lost our minds. Back then, the yard was for work. If you were outside, you were likely weeding a potato patch or dodging a stray goat. But somewhere between the invention of the charcoal grill and the rise of Instagram, the backyard underwent a massive identity crisis. It stopped being a

Desert Garden Tropical Garden Coastal Garden Rock Garden (Alpine) These gardens originate from deserts, tropical rainforests, alpine slopes, and coastal zones, climates very different from Indiana's. While visually stunning, they require extra planning, soil modification, or seasonal protection to succeed in the Midwest.

Native landscaping reduces runoff, cools urban spaces, and attracts pollinators essential to food systems. It also improves soil health, supports biodiversity, and strengthens local ecosystems.

As you get your garden ready for fall, think about adding these stunning Indiana native plants. Beyond their beauty during the autumn months, these plants enrich local ecosystems and support wildlife.

Here’s my personal hit list of native shrubs that I keep coming back to

Timing is crucial when it comes to pruning hydrangeas. Each variety has its own preferred schedule.

The balance of pollinators and other beneficial insects can be disrupted, leading to decreased yields for fruit or vegetable gardens.

Let’s plant with intention. Let’s design for what’s next. Fall planting gives perennials, shrubs, and trees a head start underground. While top growth slows, root systems keep developing until the soil freezes. This means: Stronger root establishment before spring growth Better drought tolerance come summer Less transplant shock and faster recovery

The burning bush (Euonymus alatus), famous for its dazzling red leaves in the fall, has been a go-to choice for years. However, this non-native plant can quickly spread and harm local ecosystems.

Establishing new garden plantings is exciting and requires dedication. A strong watering strategy is crucial for helping plants take root and thrive. Mastering effective watering techniques ensures their success in the new environment.