Leaves Are Falling - But Winter Is Calling!

Fall Color in Orlando, FL

Fall weather arrives in Florida next week, bringing record low temperatures statewide that could impact tropical plants, fruits, and vegetables. Winter doesn’t arrive across the country till December 21st, and Florida doesn’t usually see freezing temperatures until January, sometimes December. Thirty degree temperature drops this early are rare for our winter season but I’m going to enjoy them.

Cold fronts often bring rain a few days before they arrive; if not, water your landscape on Monday. There's no need to irrigate overnight for warmth, as it won't stay cold long enough to help plants.

Make sure to wrap your most vulnerable tropical shrubs and trees. Frost blankets keep tropical plants 3 to 5 degrees warmer and let sunlight and water in, so daily removal isn't needed. Unlike sheets or boxes, which must be placed and removed each day, frost blankets save time and effort. They are easy to store and last up to three years.

Temperature predictions for North Florida.

Another surprise, although not unexpected is that there is a chance for a tropical storm “Nestor” to develop in the Caribbean.  Hopefully not, but hurricane season ends November 30th. Stay alert and prepared.

Take a look at “What to Do In Your Backyard” for November advice on caring for your indoor plants and outdoor gardens. Autumn is an ideal time to start growing herbs—cooler weather won't damage most varieties, and these tasty plants can make your homemade soups and stews even better. 

Each November in preparation for Thanksgiving, one of my kitchen must-dos is that I go through my spice cabinet and any spices that are a year old are emptied in my compost pile.  Even with cool temperatures, make sure to turn your compost pile every few weeks to keep the decomposition active.  Keep an eye on what you add to your compost to maintain a 2 parts green, 1 part brown balance.  Green materials include grass clippings, pruned plant debris, raw vegetable peelings, tea or coffee grounds, fruit cores and peels. Brown materials include dried autumn leaves, wood chips, peanuts and nut shells, and clean paper products. Egg shells are neither green nor brown but mineral and add calcium to your compost.

My Plant of the Month is a compact shrub or perennial that produces bright orange-red blooms in winter and thrives in tropical shade. This spicy delight should be added to more Florida landscapes.

Lizzie, the dedicated Camp Counselor and caretaker at Camp Turkey, has prepared Team Turkey for winter. Whether the turkeys value her efforts remains uncertain. See what she's accomplished!

An interesting renovation delivered a surprise last month. It is a first for my Landscaping Malpractice experiences and they were kind enough to allow me to use their project as a learning lesson of what not to do in your landscape.

I have added my top Landscape Design Tips for choosing hardy, year-round palms in Florida—there’s a suitable palm for your yard, whether you’re in Zone 8 or Zone 11.

Mount Vernon, home of our 1st President George Washington.

Art in Bloom Garden Tours has thrilling trips planned for 2026, perfect for any gardening fan, including a unique event during America’s Semiquincentennial. Additionally, the company now offers a $200 referral credit to anyone who refers a new guest who books a regularly priced tour for 2026. Contact Art in Bloom Garden Tours for all the details.

Thanksgiving is a great time to publicly acknowledge all our blessings throughout the year.  I am so grateful for all the support, listeners, and opportunities to spend time with you, whether in person or by email or on the radio. Thank you very much and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.

Photograph credit: Flickr

ALERT - Freeze predicted Tuesday Nov 11th and 12th in Florida Zones 8 - 9. Protect your tropical plants next week!

Dreaming of relaxing under a palm on a sunny January day is one of the main reasons retirees move to Florida. Florida's mild winters attract new residents who want to plant those palm trees in their yards. Florida’s gardening zones span 8b to 12, covering both tropical and subtropical climates. Subtropical areas can experience freezes that harm tropical plants, and despite USDA zone updates, Florida will continue to have occasional freezes.  The general demarcation of Florida’s subtropical regions starts on the northern side of Lake Okeechobee (Zone 10) up through North Florida (Zones 8b). Zones 11 and 12 below Lake Okeechobee is considered tropical with rare chances of a freeze.

These are the palm tree species I suggest for surviving freezing temperatures in subtropical landscapes. I’ve included the lowest temperature for each palm species.

Bismarck Palm, Bismarckia nobilis 25°F

Mexican Blue Palm, Brahea armata 25°F

California Fan Palm, Washingtonia filifera 15°F -20°F

Chinese Fan Palm, Livistona chinensis 20°F – 25°F

Dwarf Palmetto, Sabal minor 0°F             

European Fan Palm, Chamaerops humilis 15º – 20°F

Lady Palm, Rhapis excelsa 15º - 20°F               

Mexican Fan Palm, Washingtonia robusta 15ºF – 20°F

Mazari Palm, Nannorrhops ritchiana 10°F

Needle Palm, Rhapidophyllum hystrix 5°F – 10° F

Paurotis Palm, Acoelorrhaphe wrightii 20°F – 25°F

Pindo Palm, Butia capitata 5°F – 10°F

Saw palmetto, Serenoa repens 0ºF – 5°F                  

Sago Palm, Cycas revoluta 10°F – 15°F                     

Windmill Palm, Trachycarpus fortunei 5ºF – 10ºF

Palms prone to diseases like Lethal Bronzing, Yellowing, or Fusarium Wilt are not on this cold-hardy list. Check each species for size and site needs before buying. Only mature palms tolerate low temperatures; young palms need protection.

Gardening was a disaster after the summer of hell fire heat then the flash flood, so I will focus on our Turkey Brats.

As I retire the summer misting a/c fans, I proudly install 12 heaters throughout the different run areas to keep the turkey's cozy and found a new use for painters' drop cloth, moving blankets and tarp clips. But do the turkeys care? Absolutely not. They waddle straight to the coldest parts of the run areas like it’s a frosty spa retreat. We’ve tried pep talks, warm bedding, even turkey-sized earmuffs (don’t ask). Still, they snooze in the chill like rebellious toddlers. Maybe they’re just trying to toughen up for Thanksgiving negotiations.

Updates through “Lizzie Said What” socials. 

Remember, life can be a joyful journey. Enjoying all moments is up to YOU!

Landscape consultations always provide opportunities to uncover deep dark secrets. Last month, I visited front yard shaded by mature scrub oaks that had been growing naturally for over 30 years, spaced about 10 to 15 feet apart. The problem was that over the decades, hundreds if not a few thousand, oak tree saplings had emerged to cover the entire ground under the trees, up through the azalea’s roots, and in the mondo grass lining the sloped embankment.  Managing this overwhelming growth had become a true maintenance headache. 

After consultations with professional arborists, one suggested solution was root collar excavation, which was extremely expensive but would not get rid of the saplings or the mulch mountain that had raised the bed up 2 feet above the front door sidewalk.

We decided on manually removing the mulch and seedlings, an arduous job for the crew. After three days, 9,000 lbs. of debris was removed and hauled away. Stripping nearly 30 years of fallen oak leaves and mulch brought the bed level with the sidewalk and revealed two layers of landscape fabric laid years apart!  The landscape fabric was laid over a foot higher than the previous landscape material. 

Landscape fabric should never be used in garden beds to prevent weeds (never mind two layers). It doesn’t prevent weeds — they will still grow on, in, and through the supposed barrier and makes an even bigger maintenance nightmare when the fabric must be removed.

The bed was left with the existing oak leaves, and the front yard looks cleaner and much healthier now for the oak trees.  Soil and plants need to breathe. Landscape fabric should only be used under pathways made of mulch or gravel. This will keep the pebbles in Florida’s sandy soil from making their way to China.

Thank you to the best landscape crew - Otis’ Outdoors of Central Florida.

This perennial shrub produces striking orange-red blooms in autumn, enhancing the visual appeal of any shaded garden. It requires consistently moist soil and should be provided with adequate air circulation to prevent fungus. Although it is suitable for growth in Zone 8, it may experience freezing; however, recovery is generally expected.

Bolivian Sunsets can be found in local nurseries and online. 

Photo credit: Costa Farms

What to Do In Your Backyard in November

 Average temperature: High 79 Low 59 

 Rainfall: 2.32 inches

 November Plantings

Vegetables: Beet, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celery, Chinese cabbage, collard, endive, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, onion, pea, radicchio, radish, rhubarb, rutabaga, spinach, Swiss chard and turnip.

Flowers: Ageratum, alyssum, baby's breath, black-eyed Susan, bush daisy, calendula, California poppy, candy tuff, carnation, cat's whiskers, chrysanthemum, cleome, cornflower, delphinium, dianthus, Drift roses, dusty miller, foxglove, gaillardia, geranium, goldenrod, heliotrope, hollyhocks, Iceland poppy, impatiens, larkspur, lobelia, ornamental cabbage & kale, pansy, petunia, phlox, salvia, Shasta daisy, snapdragon, stock, sweet pea, verbena, viola and wax begonias.

Herbs: anise, arugula, basil, borage, chive, cardamon, chervil, cilantro, coriander, dill, fennel, garlic, ginger, lavender, lemon balm, lovage, Mexican tarragon, mint, nasturtium, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, sweet marjoram, thyme and watercress.

Bulbs: African iris, amaryllis, anemone, bulbine, crinum, day lily, rain lily, ranunculus, society garlic, spider lily and narcissus; refrigerate Dutch iris, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and similar bulbs needing a cold treatment before flowering.

 Lawn Care

•  Fall is a good time to sod or plug problem areas in lawns; delay Bahia seeding until spring.

• Sow winter ryegrass seed at end of November.

• Complete fall feedings with a low phosphorus fertilizer during early November.

• Lawns can dry quickly during the warmer days of November; water as permitted.

• Set irrigation times to once a week when Daylight Savings Time on Nov 2nd.

• Water lawns separately from trees and shrubs that need less moisture.

• Repair and adjust sprinklers to water efficiently

• Chinch bug and caterpillar control may still be needed during warm fall weather.

• Have lawn soil tested by the University of Florida lab before fertilizing.

• Brown patch disease can be severe in zoysia; treat this month or when first noted.

• Apply herbicides for your lawn type if needed for broadleaf and sedge weed control.

• Continue mowing at normal heights.

• Aerate hard to wet, compacted and nematode infected soils.

• Remove and compost fallen leaves.

• Fill in shady problem spots with ornamental ground covers.

Vegetable & Fruit Tree Care

•  Fall rains and heat have damaged many plants; continue good care to obtain a harvest.

• Remove declining crops and plant the cool season vegetables

• Herbs like cooler weather; begin new plantings and revive older ones.

• Start seeds of broccoli, cauliflower, collards, onions and produce transplants.

• Cool season vegetables can be added to the garden until February.

• Add a few vegetable plants to the garden each month to have a continual supply.

• Tomato and pepper planting time is over until spring.

• The dry season is here; water when the surface soil begins to dry to the touch.

• Improve sandy soils with garden soil, compost, peat moss and composted manure.

• Feed the garden every 3 to 4 weeks with composted manure or a general garden fertilizer.

• Stake or trellis taller growing crops to prevent wind damage and pests.

• Maintain 3” of mulch between plants and rows to conserve water and control weeds.

• Caterpillars have been feeding in the garden; hand pick or use natural controls.

• Build raised beds to better contain plantings and make their care easier.

• Give bananas and pineapples a final fall feeding with a general garden fertilizer.

• Many early citrus are ready to harvest; use the taste test to tell when they are ripe.

• Feeding time for citrus and other fruit trees is over.

• Water citrus trees once or twice each week during dry times.

• Add new citrus or other fruiting trees to the landscape.

• Sow papaya seeds to over winter in containers.

• Delay all fruit tree pruning until late January or February.

 Landscape Chores

•  Renew mulches to help conserve water during the drier months ahead.

• Most shrub pruning should be completed this month to allow new growth to mature before winter.

• Only remove declining fronds and flower or fruiting stalks from palms to maintain vigor.

• Palm diseases may be spread by pruners; disinfect at least between palms. 

• Remove declining warm season flowers and replace them with the cool season flowers.

• Work organic matter into flower beds and replace soil in planters before planting.

• Slow-release fertilizers are best way to feed flower beds and containers.

• Extend chrysanthemum life; remove faded flowers, keep the soil moist and feed lightly.

• Make sure poinsettias receive no nighttime light; keep the soil moist and feed monthly.

• Established trees and shrubs need infrequent watering; moisten only during dry times.

• Flower beds need watering when the surface soil begins to dry to the touch.

• Scale insects have been heavy this year on shrubs and foliage plants; use Neem oil spray.

• Leaf spots and die-back are normal on many trees and perennials as they prepare for winter.

• Cooler months provide the ideal time to move small trees and shrubs in the landscape.

• Check braces and supports added to new trees, palms and shrubs.

• Hurricane season ends November 30; select small sturdy trees for new plantings

• Remove limbs and weeds interfering with sprinklers.

• Complete all tree, palm and shrub feedings by mid-month.                    

• Collect and refrigerate favorite flower seeds in plastic bags and store them in the refrigerator.

• Hurry to create wildflower plantings that won’t flower until spring.

• Reduce feedings of orchids and bromeliads in the landscape as the weather cools.

• Divide perennials and bulbs

• Create compost piles to recycle yard waste.

• Be prepared to cover or move cold sensitive plants to a warm location.

• Fill hard to mow and problem areas with shrubs and ground covers.

• Clean birdbaths and prepare feeders for winter.

• Reduce feedings of water garden plantings

 House and Foliage Plant Care

•  Plant chilled narcissus and amaryllis bulbs in containers to begin growth for holiday blooms.

• Remember, prevent any nighttime light for holiday plants until they begin to bloom.

• Water holiday cactus and kalanchoe when the soil dries to the touch; keep poinsettias moist.

• Wash away dust and plant pests with a soapy water solution

• Check and treat outdoor plants for insects before bringing them indoors.

• Discontinue or reduce foliage plant feedings to every other month.

• Begin bringing cold sensitive foliage plants indoors.

5. Bleeding Hearts: Clerodendrum thomsoniae is a vine from the mint family (Lamiaceae), though some sources like the USDA Plants Database list it under Verbenaceae. It grows in Central or South Florida with full sun to partial shade, producing red, heart-shaped flowers throughout the year, especially in milder weather.

4. Witches Hair — Cuscuta, or dodder, is a genus of over 201 parasitic plants, usually yellow, orange, or red. Once classified in Cuscutaceae, it is now part of the morning glory family.

3. Black Bat Plant – Tacca chantrieri. – Species of flowering plant in the yam family – National Flower of Thailand. It smells like a rotting corpse, self-pollinating. It can be planted in full shade outside or can be an indoor plant.

2. Snapdragon Skulls – After blooming, snapdragon seeds resemble human skulls. Historically, these plants were believed to protect against deceit, curses, and witchcraft, and some myths claimed they could restore youth and beauty to women who consumed them.

1. Ghost Pipes – Monotropa uniflora Ghost plant or Death plant, Indianpipe is a spectral herbaceous perennial wildflower, Grows throughout Florida naturally in mixed temperate hardwood forests and scrub, particularly where the ground is covered in leaf litter and lichens. It typically blooms in November. Its whitish color is due to it being non-photosynthetic and does not contain chlorophyll.

Hanging baskets are an effective way to enhance entryways, patios, arbors, or gazebos, adding both vivid color and vertical interest to outdoor spaces. Consider these new and attractive low-maintenance flowering options and more from Proven Winners for your landscape.

Embracing the Beauty of Fall

Fall is truly my favorite time of year. Not only is it the season of my favorite holidays (and Tony’s and my birthdays) but the season brings an exquisite Autumn color palette featuring rich shades of burgundy, vibrant orange, earthy browns, and deep forest greens. As the days progress, the temperatures begin to cool, even if only by a few degrees, providing a refreshing change from the heat of summer. Additionally, the humidity gradually decreases, making time spent in the garden much more comfortable and enjoyable. I’m looking forward to the upcoming change of seasons and new year.

Recently, on Better Lawns and Gardens, I had the pleasure of speaking with Katie Dubow, President of the Garden Media Group. In September, the company marked an impressive milestone, celebrating 25 years of forecasting garden trends. Their ongoing research continues to shape the gardening world, and according to their latest findings, the prominent theme for 2026 will be “Lemonading.”

 Lemonading, the ability to reframe problems with creativity into ideas and solutions. This new phrase provides opportunities for people to enjoy life and stylize it to their own personality and needs. How does Katie and the Garden Media Group Dream Team think lemonading will shape gardening in 2026?  The company’s research shows that people will be:

• Looking for joy, relaxation, seeing their efforts make a difference, not only in gardening but in their world.

• More “kidulting” with new software, using games and technology from our youth (and adulthood) to relax but also to be a better gardener.  

• Setting yourself apart with collections, bento-style vignettes, especially rare and exotic plants, unusual pets, and re-shaping outdoor spaces.

• 2026’s Color of the Year: Faded Petal. A beautiful vintage soft pink color is muted by light ash. See their flower and shrub species recommendations you can add to your landscape to showcase this new color in the link below.

Katie and her all-female staff’s predictions make sense in today’s accelerating by-the-day-world. Each of the categories is explained in depth in the Annual Report.  It’s a fun read and I will be very interested to see how much is spot on target for our future. We’ll see.

The Garden Media Group’s Annual Report can be downloaded free here.

During our final Art in Bloom Garden Tour of the year, in the New York’s Hudson River Valley, participants experienced wonderful weather and vibrant floral displays while visiting distinguished estates and notable botanical garden exhibitions. At the New York Botanical Gardens, attendees viewed The Van Gogh Flower Show, which featured an impressive selection of sunflowers, artistically arranged frames and easels with real floral compositions, as well as landscape beds designed to evoke Van Gogh’s iconic floral paintings. Additional gardens included Stonecrop Gardens, Kykuit at the Rockefeller estate, and the Gothic Revival Lyndhurst Mansion.  

A serendipitous discovery at the Lyndhurst Mansion was that it was used as the exterior backdrop of the mansion for the 1960’s gothic “Dark Shadow” soap opera series. It was my favorite soap opera next to All My Children. The house’s interior was decorated for Halloween and so much fun to walk through. I appreciated that the home did allow for interior photographs.

Another of our garden tour stops, Wave Hill, a public garden that offers incredible views of the Hudson River and features a variety of themed gardens with creative beds, art work, and diverse plant combinations. The botanical garden includes numerous plant displays that are suitable for growing in Florida's climate. The Kate French Terrace garden beds showcase color schemes including jewel tones and soft grays, which are well suited for the fall season. I include my favorite in Teresa’s Landscape Design Tips. Does it work for you?

October marks the start of Fall gardening, so consider a soil test and fertilizing if it's been a while. Adjust soil amendments and pH as needed and consult planting guides for this month's What To Do In Your Landscape in October.

My Plant of the Month is a medium-sized shade shrub with evergreen leaves, fall and winter blooms, and no pest issues—an ideal choice for your garden.

In Lizzie’s Gardening Adventures, discover how her garden gives back and how she finally resolves turkey troubles. She rules her roost!

Horrific landscape malpractice has kept me awake for decades and is as scary today as ever. Just because “Halloween” season is approaching, doesn’t mean you have to create your own “Nightmare on Elm Street.”  Learn how to properly prune your landscape.  

Please comment below if you have any gardening questions or thoughts. I hope you enjoy the newsletter and are looking forward to the cooler temperatures and holiday season. I know I am.

Fall Garden Showcase for florida

Inspirational Fall display I discovered at our Art in Bloom Garden Tour in Wave Hill in the Hudson River Valley, New York. Plants include from left to right:
Front row: Copperleaf 'Ceylon', Salvia pink, Plectranthus argentea 'Silver Spur', ColorBlaze® Rediculous®, Copperleaf 'Louisiana Red',
Back Row: Celosia, Canna, 'Orange Chocolate', Cordyline 'Torbey Dazzler (I think), Leucondendron.

Most of these Zone 8 - 11 plants can be grown in Florida landscapes or container gardens year-round. Tuck a few pumpkins and gourds underneath and voilà, you have a lovely Fall display. For Winter, add a few holiday gold and silver glittery picks to stick in the ground or planter, and it’s perfect. For Spring add pink salvias or a hibiscus, and a butterfly accoutrement, and it becomes delightful. For summer gardens, add yellow Black-eyed Susans or Sunflowers and a metal piece of art featuring a sun and it will be glorious.

Show me your Fall displays! Send your photos to teresa dot watkins at live dot com.