Fall Flowers and Fliers

Mums in different colors and sizes line garden center shelves and make their annual appearance outside the entrances of local grocery stores this time of year. They’re popular—and for good reason! Chrysanthemums are tough and available in an abundance of autumnal hues; they also thrive in the cool temps sweeping most of the United States. Learn more about mums in “Fall’s Star Flower” on page 58.

But if you want to garden beyond mums, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best plants for fall containers in “Perfection in a Pot” on page 10. They’re colorful, festive-looking and unexpected— my favorite is the Tiger Eye viola.

With the heat of summer on its way out, it’s also time to pull your suet feeders back out of storage, clean them up and load them up with fatty fuel. Find everything you need to know about serving the nutrient-packed snack in “Suet Season” on page 24. Read about eight birds that can’t resist suet and see how many of them have visited your yard! Plus, if you’re in need of a new feeder, we’ve got you covered—find three of our favorites on page 29.

Also in this issue, check out photos from fellow nature enthusiasts in “The Beauty of Moths” on page 34. The snapshots showcase the intricate detail and stunning good looks of moths, and will likely inspire you to get outside and explore your own landscape.