Now that summer is drawing to a close, you can no longer rely on lush greenery to make your property look its best. The final days of summer are approaching, and it's time to start thinking about fall landscaping ideas. Our real estate agents know how important curb appeal is in any season. Here are some of their favorite tips to help get your home ready for the fall months.

• Use Dead Leaves for Mulch
  Fall weather means lots of dead leaves to rake up – or does it? While it's become common to rake away the last year's foliage before the winter sets in, this practice actually robs your gardens of valuable nutrients they need to grow.
  
  Instead of disposing of the dead leaves, gather them up and place them around your still-growing plants. If you want to keep your garden beds looking neat, you can use a leaf blower with an attached mulcher to grind up the leaves before scattering them. The result will look just like store-bought mulch but will provide much more nutrition for your plants.
  
  
• Choose Plants That Flourish in Fall
  Fall landscapes may not be as rare with growth as spring and summer ones, but some plants thrive in this season. There are many impressive vegetable plants (such as kale and cabbage) and ornamental grasses that do well in cooler weather. Some fruiting plants (including roses, elderberries, and winterberries) continue to produce fruits well into the colder months. 
  
  
• Add Pumpkins and Other Squashes
  Cliché or not, there's nothing like pumpkins to bring out the beauty of fall. Their fellow gourds may not be as well known, but squashes, in general, are still unmistakably connected to the autumn months.
  
  Squashes grow well in colder weather, which is part of why they are so deeply connected with the season. You can grow your own for an impressive display, but be sure to start early to give your gourds time to grow. If you don't have the time or money for this, you can try using plastic pumpkins and squashes instead. If they're viewed from afar, no one will know the difference.
  
  
• Incorporate Gates and Archways
  Doors and arches are a classic symbol for transitions, making them an apt landscaping decoration during changing seasons. They can also serve a practical purpose by blocking access to parts of your property where you may not want animals or other uninvited guests.
  
  If you have a gate or archway in your garden already, dress it up with some vines, trees, or shrubs to draw attention to it. If you don't have one, add one. Stone arches are particularly good for creating a fetching fall look. 
  
  
• Add Rock and Water Features
  Want to keep your garden looking great all year long? Try adding some rock and water elements to the mix. Rock formations and water features add some flair to a garden and look great in all seasons, not just the sunny summer months. 
  
  Fountains and sculptures are some of the most dramatic landscaping elements available and are sure to draw the eye as part of your fall display. If you prefer to keep things more low-key, a tranquil pond, a low stone wall, or some decorative path stones might be just what your need to bring new life to your outdoor spaces.

Wish you had a little more outdoor space to try out these ideas? Many of our Richmond homes for sale have sprawling yards and gardens. Contact us today to book a viewing of any of our stunning properties and see for yourself.