Fall is the ideal time to plan and plant for next spring season's garden. Following are some ideas to prepare for some beautiful blooms when warmer temperatures come around:

Plant bulbs: Planting bulbs is one of the easiest ways to add colors to your garden. As a rule of thumb, spring-bloomers need to be planted in the fall as they require exposure to temperatures of 40 degrees or colder for several weeks to kickstart root growth. If you are looking for a departure from the common tulip and daffodil, consider these flowering bulbs: glory-of-the-snow ( Chionodoxa ), cape cowslip ( Lachenalia ), and flowering onion ( Allium ).

Scatter seeds: You can get a head start and spread seeds once autumn has set in. These are some great selections that need a period of cold prior to sprouting: Shirley poppies ( Papaver rhoeas ), foxgloves ( Digitalis pupurea ), hollyhocks ( Alcea ), and columbines ( Aquilegia ).

Add garden décor: Spruce up your backyard by adding some garden ornaments, such as steppingstones, outdoor lanterns and string lights, statues, and birdbaths. These decorations can help frame your lawn and give your garden a more personal touch.

Remember to check your hardiness zone to get a better sense of when to plant. Gardeners in the coldest USDA zones should plant bulbs in late August and early September, while those in warmer climates must wait until temperatures cool down, generally in October or November, as long as the ground has not yet frozen.

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