As summer gives way to cooler breezes and golden light, Atlanta homeowners have a fresh opportunity to reinvigorate their landscapes with rich fall color and structure. Fall is not just a time for winding down the garden—it’s a prime planting season. With the right choices now, you can enjoy a thriving, elegant outdoor space all through autumn and well into winter.

At Outdoor Makeover, we guide clients in designing luxury landscapes that flourish year-round. Our approach for fall gardening focuses on beauty, sustainability, and long-term performance, tailored specifically to Atlanta’s climate. Here’s what to plant now to create a captivating autumn landscape.

1. Cool-Season Annuals for Bold Color

Fall annuals are an easy way to refresh your landscape beds and containers. They provide instant color and often thrive well into December.

Top picks for Atlanta gardens:

Pansies and violas – Cold-hardy and available in a wide range of rich hues
Snapdragons – Tall and textural with long-lasting blooms
Ornamental kale and cabbage – Adds architectural interest and cool tones
Chrysanthemums – Classic fall blooms in vibrant colors

We love mixing these in curated clusters for color-blocked containers or framing entryways for seasonal curb appeal.

2. Ornamental Grasses for Movement and Texture

Grasses bring elegance and drama to fall gardens. Many varieties reach peak beauty in late summer and fall, when plumes emerge and foliage changes color.

Favorite selections include:

Muhly grass – With pink, cloud-like plumes
Little bluestem – Rusty-orange foliage in autumn
Fountain grass – Soft, cascading texture
Switchgrass – Sturdy and upright with fall color and motion

We often use ornamental grasses as backdrops in perennial beds or to soften hardscape edges.

3. Shrubs with Fall Interest

Shrubs are the anchors of a well-balanced landscape. In fall, we look for varieties that offer brilliant foliage, berries, or even blooms.

Plant these now for long-term beauty:

Oakleaf hydrangea – Bold leaves turn burgundy, bronze, or red
Nandina – Evergreen with fiery fall color and red berries
Beautyberry – Vibrant purple berries for seasonal flair
Camellias – Fall- and winter-blooming varieties offer evergreen structure with seasonal flowers

These shrubs provide structure and year-round performance while anchoring seasonal displays.

4. Trees for Autumn Color and Canopy

Planting trees in the fall allows them to establish roots before the heat returns. Choose varieties that offer brilliant color or unique texture.

Recommended trees for Atlanta landscapes:

Japanese maple – A classic with fiery fall foliage
Crape myrtle – Offers fall color and sculptural bark
Ginkgo biloba – Stunning golden fall leaves
Chinese pistache – Deep oranges and reds for a bold statement

We carefully site trees to enhance views, frame entryways, or create dappled privacy.

5. Perennials That Shine in Fall

While some perennials fade, others peak in fall—bringing color, pollinator support, and resilience.

Best performers include:

Sedum (Autumn Joy) – Late blooms and sculptural form
Goldenrod – Bright, pollinator-friendly blooms
Anemone – Graceful flowers on tall stems
Asters – Excellent for late-season color and pollinators

We combine these with evergreen companions and ornamental grasses for layered, year-round beds.

6. Bulbs for Spring Splendor (Plant Now!)

Fall is the time to plant spring-blooming bulbs that lie dormant through winter. With a little planning now, you can enjoy a spectacular early-season show.

Bulbs to plant in Atlanta in fall:

Tulips
Daffodils
Hyacinths
Alliums

We recommend grouping bulbs in masses or borders, and layering them under shrubs or near pathways for surprise spring color.

7. Edibles That Thrive in Cooler Weather

Edible gardens aren’t just for summer. Fall is a fantastic time to plant cool-season vegetables and herbs in raised beds or containers.

Fall edibles to plant now:

Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and arugula
Broccoli and cauliflower
Radishes and carrots
Herbs like parsley, cilantro, and thyme

We design elegant, edible beds that integrate seamlessly with ornamental landscapes—beautiful and functional.

8. Groundcovers to Protect and Beautify

Groundcovers add polish to planting beds and help retain moisture, reduce erosion, and prevent weeds—especially important going into winter.

Great groundcover choices for fall planting:

Creeping Jenny – Golden foliage and fast spread
Ajuga – Glossy leaves and spring blooms
Mondo grass – Evergreen and hardy
Thyme or creeping phlox for texture and light fragrance

We select low-maintenance varieties suited to sun or shade, depending on your site conditions.

Design Tips for a Gorgeous Autumn Landscape

Beyond plant selection, fall landscape beauty comes from thoughtful composition and visual rhythm.

Our design principles include:

Mixing evergreen structure with seasonal color
Creating focal points using bold shrubs or trees
Using repetition and massing for impact
Incorporating stone, wood, and lighting for contrast and warmth

We ensure your fall garden not only thrives—but tells a cohesive, refined story that matches your home’s style.

Why Fall Is the Ideal Time to Plant in Atlanta

Many homeowners think of spring as the time to plant—but in Atlanta, fall is often better. Cooler air temperatures, still-warm soil, and seasonal rainfall create ideal conditions for roots to establish.

Fall planting advantages include:

Less heat stress on plants
Improved root development
Reduced need for frequent watering
More time to grow before next summer’s heat

At Outdoor Makeover, we help homeowners plan with intention, so each planting enhances your lifestyle, aesthetic, and long-term curb appeal.

Let Outdoor Makeover Prepare Your Landscape for a Beautiful Fall

Our expert team combines horticultural knowledge with refined design sensibilities to create Atlanta landscapes that thrive through every season. From planting and lighting to layout and drainage, we manage every detail to ensure performance and beauty.

📞 Call us at 404-301-8340 or
📋 Contact us online to schedule your personalized fall landscape consultation.

Let’s create a landscape that glows with autumn color, texture, and elegance—perfectly prepared for today, tomorrow, and the season ahead.

Fall Garden Prep: What to Plant Now for a Gorgeous Autumn Landscape