November in the Garden: Planning, Plotting, and Planting for Year-Round Beauty

November might feel like the end of the gardening season—but for those in the know, it's actually the beginning of something new. It’s a time for reflection, imagination, and preparation.

The nurseries are quiet, the rush is over, and now you have room to think.

Tagawa and Pine Lane Nursery are peaceful this time of year. It’s the perfect moment to start dreaming—what do you want to replace? What new plants are on your wish list? Who can you talk to about next year’s plans? The staff at these nurseries are more available now, and so is The Happy Gardener.

Whether you’re shopping, taking notes, or asking questions about blooming schedules and availability, this is your time.

Planting for Anticipation: The Power of a Blooming Calendar

One of the best strategies for a dynamic landscape is to design with blooming cycles in mind.

By combining:

• Early spring bulbs (like daffodils),

• Summer perennials (like peonies and irises), and

• Fall-blooming shrubs or ornamental grasses,

you ensure that your garden offers something new to see in every season. As one wave of color fades, another begins. This rhythm creates movement, harmony, and something most landscapes lack—a sense of anticipation.

Light Matters: Placing Plants Where They’ll Thrive

As you plan, think about how the sun moves through your yard.

• The east side will get gentle morning sun and afternoon shade—great for more delicate plants.

• The north side stays cooler—perfect for hostas and shade-loving foliage.

• South-facing areas are a sun-lover’s dream—roses, lavender, and irises will thrive here.

• And the west side? That’s for the tough plants. The sun there can be intense.

Here’s a tip: don’t just plant for color—plant for texture and movement. Let the wind do its thing. That breeze can bring a garden to life in unexpected ways.

Favorites to Consider This Season

Here are a few personal favorites that bring joy, structure, and surprise to the garden year after year:

Hydrangeas, Coral Bells & Friends (for Morning Sun & Afternoon Shade)

• Hosta

• Brunnera (False Forget-Me-Not)

• Coral Bells

• Astilbe

• Anabelle Hydrangeas (leave space—they get big!)

These thrive with some shelter from the afternoon heat and offer layered texture and soft movement.

Daffodils—The First to Arrive

Plant in clumps of 10 or more, with varied colors and sizes for a natural look.

• Avoid planting too close (give them room to divide over time)

• Skip tulips and lilies if you have deer—they’ll eat your dreams before they bloom

Roses Need Protection from Deer

If you’ve got a fenced-in space, consider:

• William Baffin Climber (big, bold, and breathtaking)

• David Austin Shrub or Climbing Roses (especially for fragrance lovers)

  
  

But please—don’t plant where deer visit unless heartbreak is your hobby.

Peonies & Irises for a Showy Early Summer

• Peonies: Sarah Bernhardt, Karl Rosenfield, Duchesse De Nemours

• Pair with: Siberian Irises or Bearded Irises for stunning contrast

• Bearded Irises can be divided and shared in late summer. Plant with space unless you enjoy dividing them yearly on your hands and knees.

Grasses That Dance

Tired of the same ol’ Karl Foerster? Me too. Try:

• Korean Feather Reed Grass (cool-season, soft and elegant)

• Undaunted Ruby Muhly Grass (warm-season, stunning in fall) Give grasses room to move—they’re at their best when the wind runs through them.

  
  

And Don’t Forget the Trees

Two trees I’m excited about this year:

• Eastern Redbud: Tricky to place but worth it. Soft pink flowers in early spring.

• Seven-Son Flower Tree: Graceful, multi-stemmed, with tan, peeling bark and beautiful late blooms. Adds winter interest and architectural beauty.

Final Thoughts

November might not be planting season in the traditional sense—but it’s when great gardens begin. This is when you make decisions, ask questions, and imagine something more beautiful than what’s already there.

Let’s walk the yard together. Let’s visit the nursery while it’s still quiet. Let’s plan for spring before the snow falls.

The best gardens aren’t built in the dirt.

They’re built in November.