Rooted in Fun: Fall Brings Excitement to the Garden & Your Weekends!

Alexandria, VA – As autumn colors appear in Alexandria, the season fills gardening fans and nature lovers with excitement. Fall offers more than crunchy leaves and pumpkin spice; it’s a chance to try new things in the garden and enjoy outdoor adventures that make weekends special.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a curious beginner, fall brings many activities to improve your outdoor spaces and join in local festivities. See how this magical season can bring new life to your garden and fill your weekends with fun, garden transformations, and memorable fall adventures!

Let me share with you some fall gardening tips & tricks:

Prepare Your Garden for Fall

Start preparing your outdoor space by cleaning up the garden beds. Remove dead plants and trim back perennials to reduce the risk of pests and diseases. This will give your garden a tidy look and support better growth next season. Add a layer of compost to enrich the soil with nutrients and improve its structure. It’s also a great time to plant fall perennials and bulbs for vibrant spring blooms. Protect roots with a thick layer of mulch to keep in moisture and maintain soil temperature. Use fallen leaves as natural mulch or compost. Setting up your garden in the fall ensures a beautiful and lively landscape come spring.

Choose Seasonal Plants

Choose hardy perennials for both color and resilience this season. Asters and mums bring bright colors that catch the eye even as it gets cooler. Ornamental grasses can add movement and texture to your garden as they sway in the autumn breezes. For a dramatic touch, consider adding kale and cabbages with their unique shapes and colors. Don’t forget to plant tulip and daffodil bulbs now; they will burst into color come springtime. By adding these plants, your garden will stay vibrant and full of life year-round.

Develop Smart Gardening Practices

Smart gardening practices are crucial during fall, as they help ensure your garden stays healthy in the long run. Start by saving water; adjust your watering schedule to match the cooler weather and increased rain. This not only saves water but also helps your plants grow strong. Use natural fertilizers like compost to improve your soil without harsh chemicals. Rotate your crops to avoid draining the soil of nutrients and to encourage a variety of plants. Plant cover crops like clover, which add organic matter and fix nitrogen in the soil. Choose native plants—they need less upkeep and are better suited to the local climate. Regularly check for bugs and diseases to keep your garden happy and healthy!

Then, take some time to enjoy the season at the Fall Festival!

Fall Festival Fun for the Family

Experience the beauty of autumn at the Greenstreet Fall Festival, a must-visit weekend event for families near Alexandria. Starting on Saturday, September 14 and running every weekend through Sunday, November 3, this exciting celebration is packed with activities for all ages! Held in Lothian, MD, this family-friendly event is just 30 minutes away from Alexandria.

Each year, Greenstreet Gardens invites families to join in exhilarating activities such as navigating a six-acre corn maze, sliding down the underground slide, exploring the magical Woodlands, and enjoying hayrides, pillow jumping, face painting, and more.

This year, delight in a Peanuts-themed corn maze, a tribute to the 75th anniversary of Charles Schulz’s beloved comic strip. Test your puzzle-solving skills in this intricate maze and enjoy scenic hayrides that showcase breathtaking landscapes. Kids will love the cow train rides and the petting zoo, which promises an educational, hands-on experience.

Capture memorable moments in the stunning pumpkin patch, where families can pick the perfect pumpkin and savor local delicacies, including traditional apple cider and seasonal snacks. The festival features live music, enhancing its lively atmosphere, and offers craft stalls with handmade items by local artisans. Greenstreet Fall Festival is a joyous celebration of autumn, fostering community connections and unforgettable experiences.

In addition to thrilling activities, the Fall Festival offers delectable food options. The Lothian Ruritan Club mans the grill in October, with brews from Greenspring Brewing Co. and local food trucks. The festival hosts events like Movie Under the Stars, Dog Daze in the Maze, and Heroes’ Weekend, honoring community heroes with special admissions. Families can also reserve spots for birthdays, bonfires, or field trips.

Don’t miss this autumn extravaganza starting September 14! Check Greenstreet’s social media for updates or visit greenstreetgardens.com/fall-festival for details. We eagerly await your visit!

ICYMI: Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington Announces 2024 RAMMYS Awards Winners