By Gary R. Bachman

MSU Horticulturist
Coastal Research & Extension Center

Pansies and viola bring vivid hues to many gardens during the winter months, but adding the engaging colors and textures of ornamental kale takes a landscape from safe to sensational.

Skeptical? Comments I have heard about ornamental kale include, “You only see it planted in commercial landscapes,” and, “It’s not for the average home garden.” I used to be in this group until I saw the light, or should I say, the ornamental kale.

By Gary R. Bachman

MSU Horticulturist
Coastal Research & Extension Center

Just as the changing colors in nature signal the arrival of autumn, so do the appearance of beautiful, flowering mums at our local garden centers.

Adding fall mums, which is the short name for Chrysanthemums, is a stress-free way to provide color to the fall landscape. It’s easy to see why, as these plants will produce more flowers than you could possibly count. The selection of colors seems limitless, from rustic earth tones to bright and cheery pastels.