With the approach of fall and cooler weather, most of our gardens are in need of attention.

Garden centers in our area have good selections of fall blooming plants available now. Good choices include “Autumn Joy” sedum, Russian sage, ansies, ornamental kale and, of course, the many colors and varieties of mums.

Not all plants need to be replaced, however. Some summer blooming annuals such as salvia can be cut back now to produce a new bloom cycle.

Clean up flower beds, pull weeds, and cut back bushy, overgrown perennials that have finished blooming Fall is also time to dig and divide irises and day lilies. Now is also a good time to plant winter hardy ferns and ground covers, such as periwinkle and creeping phlox.

Many plants will re-seed if seed pods are left on the plant. If, however, you wish to collect seeds to plant, gather them when they dry and either scatter them in another area of the garden or place them in paper envelopes, label and date them, and place in a cool, dry storage. Plants such as Texas star hibiscus and purple coneflower have seeds that are easily collected.

Herbs, such as basil and sage, can be rooted to produce new plants. Snip cuttings of begonias and geraniums 5 to 6 inches long, just above a set of leaves, and place in water in bright light. You can check for roots in two weeks. When strong roots have formed, place in a warm, sunny spot for the winter. Cuttings from Angel Trumpets or Confederate roses can be taken before frost and either rooted in water or placed in pots in a basement that will not freeze.

If your containers need a facelift for fall, replant them with crisp fall colors of marigolds or mums, paired with ornamental cabbage and trailing ivy or sweet potato vines.

House plants that have been outside for the summer need to be prepared for going back indoors before cold weather. Repot, prune as needed, and check for plant damage or insects. Also, check the pots for any critters such as frogs or lizards that may have made their home there. Fertilize them now before you move them in for winter.

Take a walk and enjoy the wildflowers we have such as Joe-Pye weed, goldenrod, iron weed and fall sunflowers. As a beautiful bonus, most will be covered with butterflies of every color.

Take a deep breath; now is time to start planting for next year. Bring on cool weather and all the new seed catalogs.