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C O N T E N T S Tips for putting your landscape to bed Size trumps material in awnings Debunking myths on energy efficiency before cold weather settles in A publication of the Waukesha Freeman and Oconomowoc Enterprise • SEPTEMBER 2018 By Catherine Jozwik Special to Waukesha County Home Although summer is coming to an end, decorating your garden doesn't have to. Many flowers, plants, and yard decorations are available to help complement the rich reds, oranges, browns, and yellows of autumn. Henry Beck, retail manager of Minor's Garden Center, 7777 N. 76th St. in Milwaukee, and Deb McRae, director of the Wehr Nature Center, 9701 W. College Ave., Franklin, both noted that growing one's own fall garden requires planning. Chrysanthe- mums, sunflowers, flowering kale and other fall flowers must be planted in the spring in order for them to bloom in fall. However, those crunched for time can purchase flowers and other plants in pots at area garden centers and grocery stores. To get into the autumnal spirit, McRae recommends decorating a garden with chrysanthemums. These attractive flowers come in many shades, including yellow, bronze, purple, white and laven- der. "Chrysanthemums are one of those classics that are always available through fall," McRae said. "They put that great color out there." Mums can also survive a light frost, but can't tolerate winter's chill. Beck said placing a sheet over the flowers can help protect them against crisp fall tempera- tures. "You can make them last a few weeks after that," he said. Beck, who has been with Minor's since 1994 ("last century," he joked), said the flowers are a popular seller at the garden cen- ter. "I've had a fair amount of mums already leave," he said. Pansies, available in many col- ors, are hardy flowers that can brighten up a yard, said Chris Simon, owner of Simon's Gardens, Fall blossoms in its unique way Henry Beck Chrysanthemums come in a variety of autumn colors, including yellow and bronze. End of summer doesn't mean end of blooms See FALL/Page 2