October has arrived
- Connor Evers
- Oct 19
- 3 min read
Hello friends,
October has arrived— cool mornings, golden light, and the gentle hush that settles over the garden. It’s a perfect time to establish trees, shrubs, and perennials—plants that thrive when rooted in fall’s cooler soil and gentler weather. Whether you’re mulching beds, refreshing plantings, or simply admiring the changing leaves, this is a season for reflection and renewal
We also want to recognize the incredible crew that’s shaped our season—both at the nursery and out in the field. Their care and craftsmanship have been essential to our season. This year’s team included Colin, Connor, Robin, Aaron, Truen, Jonda, Todd, Kiana, Joe, and Frank—each bringing their own strengths and spirit to the work.
Our team and family appreciates your support this fall and continue to offer trees, shrubs, perennials, and a selection of foliage houseplants and succulents, at our location in Aurora through October and November. We’ve gathered a few seasonal tips, stories, and updates to help you make the most of this transitional moment. As always, thank you for being part of our growing community.
The Norm’s Greenhouse & Nursery Team
Fall garden care recommendations
Prep for Winter Rest (with ecology in mind)
As gardens wind down, consider leaving seed heads, stems, and leaf litter in place. These provide vital shelter and food for overwintering insects, birds, and small mammals. What looks like mess to us is often habitat to others—especially native pollinators who rely on undisturbed spaces to survive the cold months. Compost what you can, mulch where needed, and let the rest return to the soil in its own time. It’s one of the simplest ways to support biodiversity right in your backyard.
Water Wisely
Even in cooler weather, new plantings need consistent moisture. Water deeply once or twice a week, especially if rainfall is sparse.
Plant Trees, Shrubs & Perennials
Cooler temperatures and consistent moisture help roots establish without the stress of summer heat. Native species especially benefit from fall planting, settling in before winter and bursting forth come spring.
Mulching
A layer of wood bark mulch helps insulate roots, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. Aim for 2–3 inches around new plantings, keeping mulch clear of stems and trunks.
October in photos
Customer Appreciation Fall Promotion Continues
As the season shifts, we’re feeling especially grateful for the community that continues to grow with us. Whether you’ve stopped by for a DIY planting project, worked with us on a garden consult or installation, or exchanged a few words at the market—thank you.
To celebrate, we’re continuing our Customer Appreciation Promotion with special discounts on trees, shrubs, evergreens, and perennials:
$10 off purchases of $100 or more
$20 off $200 or more
$30 off $300 or more
Stop by the nursery to explore what’s thriving this fall—and let us help you plant something lasting.
Plant feature of the month: Little bluestem
If you’ve walked past a prairie this month and caught a shimmer of copper, rust, or dusky blue swaying in the breeze—you’ve likely met Schizachyrium scoparium, commonly known as Little Bluestem. This native grass is a fall standout, offering texture, movement, and ecological value in equal measure
Why we love it: Little Bluestem thrives in tough conditions—dry soils, full sun, and minimal fuss. Its upright form and shifting hues make it a natural fit for both wild and cultivated spaces.
Ecological benefits: It’s a host plant for skipper butterflies and provides winter shelter for birds and beneficial insects. Its deep roots also help prevent erosion and improve soil health.
Design notes: Use it in mass plantings, meadow-style borders, or as a vertical accent in mixed beds. Pair with asters, coneflowers, or goldenrod for a prairie-inspired palette.
Fall magic: As temperatures drop, Little Bluestem turns from steely blue to warm bronze, catching the light and adding movement to the garden long after blooms fade.
Irrigation turned off?
While October is the point in the season where many lawn irrigation systems have been turned off, your trees, shrubs, and perennials still require watering this fall. Check the soil 1-2” below the surface of your plants, if in doubt.
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