Front Yard Fall Landscaping & Decor Ideas for Minnesota

As summer gives way to cooler temperatures and vibrant autumn colors, it’s the perfect time to refresh your landscape and home décor with fall plants and accents. Even though Dundee is no longer a traditional nursery, our expert landscaping and design team is ready to assist you in transforming your outdoor living space into a fall haven. Whether you're adding fall plants or accentuating your garden with seasonal décor, we’re here to help design and implement the perfect fall landscape.

Why Fall is Perfect for Planting in Minnesota

Fall is an ideal season to get outside and refresh your garden with plants that thrive in Minnesota’s cooler temperatures. Here’s how you can make the most of the season:

When Should You Start Planting?

As the end of summer approaches, your annuals may begin to wilt, signaling it’s time to plant fall varieties. Timing is crucial, especially with Minnesota’s unpredictable autumn weather. Start planting as temperatures begin to drop but before the first frost, which usually hits by mid-October. Even if the ground is too warm or wet, many plants can survive in pots until the conditions are right for planting.

What Should You Plant in Minnesota?

Not all plants thrive in fall, but certain perennials and annuals do particularly well in Minnesota's cooler climate.

• Fall Perennials: Mums (chrysanthemums), asters, and salvia are great options for vibrant color that will last well into fall. Available in rich tones like purple, yellow, and red, these perennials add a pop of color that contrasts beautifully with autumn's golden leaves.
• Ornamental Plants: Consider adding ornamental grasses or kale for texture. Ornamental grasses like switchgrass or feather reed grass add movement and height to your landscape, while kale provides a stunning green base for your fall display.
• Annuals: If you're looking for fall annuals, marigolds and pansies are excellent choices. Their bright, cheery colors thrive in cooler weather and complement perennials in your garden beds or fall planters.

Fall Landscape Accents & Décor to Enhance Your Space

In addition to refreshing your plantings, fall is a great time to update your garden and home accents. By thoughtfully incorporating seasonal elements, you can extend the beauty of your landscape well into autumn.

Use Fall Planters to Create Welcoming Displays

Planters are a versatile and stylish way to showcase your fall plants. Use different container styles—such as traditional clay pots, metal buckets, or woven baskets—to create a dynamic arrangement for your front porch, patio, or garden.

• Container Ideas: Combine plants of varying heights, textures, and colors to create eye-catching displays. Consider planting mums, kale, and ornamental grasses in separate pots and arranging them together to add dimension.
• Gourd Display Ideas: Combine pumpkins, squash, or gourds in your planters or garden beds to enhance the seasonal vibe. Don’t limit yourself to classic orange pumpkins—white Lumina pumpkins, green kabocha squash, and striped gourds add unique shapes, color, and texture to your fall décor displays.

Accentuate with Fall Colors & Décor Items

Fall is the season of rich, opulent hues and bold combinations. Whether you're mixing or matching, now’s the time to experiment with vivid tones.

• Complementary Color Schemes: For a harmonious look, stick to colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel. For instance, red asters planted near orange pumpkins and yellow mums create a warm, inviting display. Alternatively, pair opposite colors for a more dramatic effect—try deep purple asters with bright green ornamental cabbage.
• Outdoor Lighting: As the days grow shorter, outdoor lighting becomes essential. Consider adding string lights or lanterns to create a cozy atmosphere that highlights your fall plants and décor, especially for those early evening gatherings.
• Fall Hardscape Additions: As part of your fall refresh, Dundee Nursery's landscape team can help design and install hardscape features such as stone pathways, patios, or fire pits. These elements not only enhance your fall garden but also create inviting spaces for year-round enjoyment.

Preparing Your Garden for Winter

In Minnesota, preparing your garden for winter is essential for protecting your fall plantings and ensuring a vibrant landscape come spring.

• Frost Protection: Be prepared to cover tender plants when frost is in the forecast. Use burlap, blankets, or frost cloth to shield plants overnight. This simple step can extend the life of your fall flowers and foliage.
• Mulching: Adding a fresh layer of mulch to your garden beds insulates plant roots, helping them survive winter's chill. Mulch also prevents weeds from sprouting, conserves moisture, and gives your yard a beautified, finished look for less.
• Prune Before Winter: Many perennials benefit from a good pruning before the cold weather hits. However, avoid trimming spring-blooming shrubs during fall—wait until after they bloom in spring. Proper pruning encourages healthy growth when the weather warms up again.

Your Fall Landscaping Partners in Minnesota

At Dundee Nursery, we may no longer operate a physical nursery, but our passion for helping you achieve a beautiful outdoor space remains. Our expert landscaping team is here to assist you with:

• Fall Landscape Design: Whether you need help choosing the right fall plants, creating stunning seasonal displays, or adding new hardscape elements, our designers will create a custom landscape plan tailored to your space and preferences.
• Hardscape and Garden Accents: From stone walkways to fire pits, we specialize in integrating hardscape features that complement your garden’s fall transformation.
• Ongoing Maintenance: We also offer maintenance services to keep your landscape looking its best year-round. From pruning and mulching to preparing your garden for winter, we’ll ensure your yard stays healthy and beautiful.

Ready to Refresh Your Garden This Fall?

If you're looking to refresh your landscape with Minnesota-hardy plants or elevate your space with stunning fall décor and accents, let Dundee Nursery’s landscaping experts guide you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and we’ll help you create the perfect fall garden oasis.