Fall is for Planting at Christianson’s

Experienced gardeners know a secret: fall isn’t the end of the growing season—it’s the very best time to plant. At Christianson’s Nursery, the crisp mornings, golden light, and cool soil signal opportunity: time to set roots deep and strong for seasons to come.

Why Fall? The Gardener’s Advantage

Autumn brings the perfect balance for new plantings. Cooler air temperatures reduce stress on young plants, while the soil stays warm long after summer fades, encouraging vigorous root development. By the time spring rolls around, trees, shrubs, and perennials planted in fall are already settled in, ready to surge with growth when the weather warms.

For the avid gardener, this means:

  • Less watering. Fall rains help take over irrigation duties.

  • Stronger roots. Roots establish during winter dormancy.

  • Earlier blooms and foliage. Plants wake up in spring already “at home.”

  • Easier transplanting. Plants shift focus from top growth to below-ground resilience.

Trees: The Legacy Plants

Planting trees in fall is an investment for generations. Whether it’s a fiery Japanese maple, a fruiting apple, or a stately oak, trees benefit immensely from autumn planting. With leaves dropping, energy is funneled into root systems, anchoring them before winter storms.

Christianson’s offers a diverse selection of ornamental and edible trees suited to the Skagit Valley and beyond. Gardeners can find inspiration walking the nursery grounds, where mature specimens showcase what’s possible.

Pro Tip: When planting trees, always dig twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Amend lightly with compost, and water deeply to settle the soil.

Shrubs: The Bones of the Garden

Shrubs provide year-round structure, wildlife habitat, and seasonal drama. In fall, planting shrubs means less stress during establishment and more reliable flushes of growth next year. Consider hydrangeas for summer flowers, camellias for winter color, or native evergreens for a hardy backbone to the landscape.

At Christianson’s, fall shrub arrivals bring both classic favorites and unusual finds, perfect for filling borders, hedges, or mixed plantings.

Pro Tip: Group shrubs in odd numbers and vary heights for natural rhythm in the garden.

Perennials: Plant Once, Enjoy for Years

Perennials are the gardener’s palette, and autumn is prime time to expand. By planting in fall, perennials spend winter establishing roots instead of fighting heat or drought. The reward is stronger plants, often blooming weeks earlier in spring than their spring-planted counterparts.

From echinacea and rudbeckia with their seed-heads feeding birds, to hardy hellebores promising late-winter blooms, Christianson’s perennial benches brim with options for both pollinators and year-round beauty.

Pro Tip: Cut back only what’s diseased—leave seed heads for birds and stems for overwintering beneficial insects.

Fall at Christianson’s: Inspiration All Around

Beyond the practicalities, fall at Christianson’s is a sensory season. Stroll the nursery paths lined with pumpkins, ornamental cabbages, and autumn-blooming perennials. Visit the Schoolhouse for workshops that deepen gardening knowledge. And take advantage of staff expertise: our horticulturalists love helping gardeners match plants to microclimates, soils, and long-term visions.

Trees

  • Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum) – Gorgeous fall color, perfect for smaller gardens.

  • Dogwoods (Cornus florida & Cornus kousa) – Spring blooms, fall foliage, and winter bark interest.

  • Fruit Trees – Apples, pears, plums, and cherries establish well in fall.

  • Oaks (Pin Oak, quercus palustris) – A beautifully shaped and stunning legacy tree.

Shrubs

  • Camellias – Glossy evergreen leaves and winter/spring flowers.

  • Viburnum (V. tinus, V. davidii, etc.) – Year-round structure, berries, and sometimes fragrance.

  • Hydrangeas (paniculata & macrophylla) – Stronger blooms next year when planted in fall.

  • Pieris japonica – Evergreen foliage with cascading spring flowers.

  • Native Evergreen Huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum) – Great for wildlife, with edible berries.

Perennials

  • Hellebores – Early-blooming “Lenten roses” for winter/early spring color.

  • Rudbeckia & Echinacea – Fall seed heads feed birds, roots strengthen in winter.

  • Hardy Geraniums (Cranesbill) – Reliable groundcovers with long bloom seasons.

  • Hostas & Ferns – Shade-loving stalwarts that settle in well before spring.

  • Sedums (Stonecrop) – Hardy, drought-tolerant, and attractive to pollinators.

Bulbs (plant in fall for spring bloom)

  • Tulips

  • Daffodils

  • Crocus

  • Alliums

  • Snowdrops

Natives for Low-Maintenance Gardens

  • Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium) – Evergreen foliage, yellow flowers, blue berries.

  • Red-Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum) – A hummingbird favorite in early spring.

  • Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum) – Adds instant texture and thrives in shade.