Autumn is a good time of year to plant just about anything, except plants which are frost sensitive or those planted bare-root in winter. Although most are dormant through winter, roots grow slightly during warm weather and get an early start in late winter. Newly installed plants are also less likely to dry out in cool, damp weather.

It is still too early to plant most bulbs for next year. However, spuria iris should be planted as soon as possible They will not be available in nurseries for long. Already established spuria iris and bearded iris should be divided before the end of the month. To minimize rot, they should be planted in well drained soil and only watered when first planted. Additional irrigation should only be done if the soil dries out and weather is warm before winter. Many ferns, New Zealand flax, yarrow, gazania, day lily, lily of the Nile and many other clumping perennials should also be divided this time of year.

Annuals which may be planted from seed now include, but are not limited to calendula, coreopsis, larkspur, lupine, pansy, viola, nasturtium, snapdragon, stock and the various types of poppy. If purchasing annual plants from home improvement centers, avoid leftover summer annuals which may be sold out of season. Most reputable nurseries only sell annuals appropriate for the season. Hollyhock, penstemon, Shasta daisy, columbine, phlox, violets and dianthus, including carnation and sweet William are good perennials for autumn.