Fall Garden Top Dressing

In the spring, gardeners in the Kansas City area celebrate the planting of the last flowering annual with the abundant spreading of java brown mulch. It's amazing how neat and tidy flower beds look with the top dressing. Not only is it attractive, but it helps retain moisture for the plants.

For the first time I've just added a new top dressing as we go into fall and winter. The springtime mulch was faded and compacted, and it is dry this time of year. We entertain in our home several times between September and December and I want the front entry to look its best. Why should summer get all the glory?

Ahead of the new mulch we trimmed and shaped the boxwoods, replaced some day lilies with new liriope and yellow perennial mums, and trimmed the red drift roses. It is neat and tidy again. The right level of formality leading to the front door.

The porch is now welcoming with shiny clean windows, pretty flowerpots and a simple fall wreath.

Welcome to my modern cottage.