Fall has officially arrived in our Zone 6A garden here in upstate New York, and October is truly when the garden earns its keep. This is the moment when foliage, structure, seed heads, bark, and late-season blooms all come together—quietly, confidently, and beautifully.

In this full October garden tour, we’re walking the garden path by path, sharing what’s thriving, what surprised us, and what we’re already thinking ahead to for winter and next spring. If you garden in a colder climate, this is one of the most important seasons to observe, reflect, and plan.

Oakleaf Hydrangeas: The Undisputed Stars of Fall

If fall had a headline act, it would be oakleaf hydrangea—and our ‘Gatsby Pink’ is leading the show. This four-season shrub blooms on old wood, reaches about 4–6 feet tall and wide, and asks very little of us in return.

In October, the conical blooms soften to pink while the foliage deepens into rich burgundy and wine tones—what we lovingly call a burgundy leather look. And once the leaves drop? You’re rewarded with gorgeous exfoliating bark that carries the garden through winter.

Planted beneath it, roses and geraniums weave up through the shrub, putting on one last performance before frost—a reminder that layered planting pays off all season long.

Why we love oakleaf hydrangeas:

• Incredible fall foliage color
• Winter interest from bark and structure
• No pruning required
• Blooms on old wood

Hydrangeas Everywhere (And Why Fall Is When They Shine)

October always reminds us how underrated hydrangeas are for fall interest—especially bigleaf (macrophylla) and mountain (serrata) varieties. Their foliage quietly turns shades of red, plum, and bronze, even though it’s rarely mentioned on plant tags.

Throughout the garden you’ll see:

• Let’s Dance® series hydrangeas (Sky View, Blue Jangles, Lovable, Big Band)
• Arborescens hedges (Invincibelle® Ruby, Incrediball®, Incredible Blush)
• Paniculatas like Quick Fire® and Pinky Winky® holding strong structure

One standout success this year? Let’s Dance® Sky View hydrangea—a continuous bloomer that even came back from dying fully to the ground last winter. It earned its place (and then some) in our garden.

Fall Pruning Decisions (What We Cut—and What We Don’t)

October is not about heavy pruning, but it is about intentional restraint.

We leave:

• Perennials standing for winter insulation
• Seed heads for birds and winter interest
• Roses mostly intact, with only light reductions to prevent snow damage

We do cut back:

• Plants that collapse under snow and ice
• Perennials that turn mushy after frost

In our climate, heavy snow can flatten shrubs, so sometimes cutting back actually preserves structure instead of destroying it.

Deer Management as Temperatures Drop

As freezing weather approaches, our Yard Enforcer motion-activated sprinklers need to be shut down. Live water lines and winter don’t mix.

That means switching to:

• Liquid deer repellents (we prefer Bobbex)
• Planning seasonal deer fencing along the back of the property

Fall is when deer pressure increases, and protecting shrubs now prevents heartbreak in spring.

Trees, Structure & Long-Term Vision

October gives us clarity. Without summer distractions, we can finally see the garden’s bones.

Some highlights from this year:

• Pagoda dogwood showing beautiful tiered branching
• Japanese maples revealing subtle fall color shifts
• Ginkgo ‘Princeton Sentry’ turning bright gold almost overnight
• Birch trees adding texture, height, and lightness

This is also when we decide what needs limbing up, reshaping, or long-term space planning—especially for young trees.

Seed Heads, Self-Sowers & Letting the Garden Choose

Verbena bonariensis continues to generously seed itself throughout the garden, and we happily let it. Foxglove seedlings, ironweed seed heads, ornamental grasses, and rose hips all contribute to fall’s quieter beauty.

Not everything needs intervention. Sometimes the garden tells you what it wants.

What Fall Teaches Us Every Year

October isn’t just about color—it’s about honesty.

You learn:

• Which plants earned their place
• Which combinations worked (or didn’t)
• Where density needs adjustment
• What truly brings you joy when everything slows down

This season shapes the garden you’ll have next year.

Final Thoughts

We hope this October garden tour encourages you to slow down, notice what your garden is offering right now, and trust that rest is part of the process.

The garden isn’t ending—it’s settling in.

Thanks for growing with us!

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