Christopher S. Raimondi got his start in Horticulture at the age of 12, after becoming the top salesman for a local plant nursery during a Boy Scout troop fundraiser. He now shares over 50 years of horticultural knowledge with clients, as well as his students at The New York Botanical Garden and Bergen Community College, where he is an Adjunct Professor of Horticulture. He has held numerous volunteer industry positions, including serving as a Board Member, at National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).

For his educational and professional efforts, he earned the coveted NALP Trailblazer Status, designating him as a credible source for horticultural advising. In the last year, he was a founding member of Pinnacle V, an international peer group of plantscape professionals who share best practices and progressive business strategy.

2. Build a fire ring or fire pit for family gatherings

A fire ring or fire pit can extend your outdoor time into cooler seasons and they’re multifunctional as well. “A fire ring or fire pit can be a wonderful addition to your backyard, provide a focal point for family gatherings, and be used for cooking, roasting marshmallows, or just warming up on a cool evening,” Raimondi says. You can purchase a pre-made fire pit, and there are plenty of types to choose from. However, Raimondi notes that building one from scratch using stones or bricks could be a fun DIY project.

3. Plant spring flowering bulbs now

Admittedly, spring is a long way off. However, you need to start planting spring flower bulbs (like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths) in the fall so they can bloom in the spring. Fortunately, Raimondi says planting bulbs is relatively easy—even if you don’t have a green thumb. “Simply choose a location with good drainage, dig a hole to the appropriate depth, place the bulb in the hole with the pointy end up, and then cover it with soil.”

4. And plant late-season vegetables now for late fall harvest

Although we’re in September, this doesn’t mean it’s too late to plant vegetables. Raimondi says you can definitely have a late fall harvest. So, what can you plant this time of year?  “Hardy vegetables like kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, as well as root vegetables like carrots and beets.” And if you plant them now, he says you can extend your gardening season and enjoy fresh produce well into the fall.

5. Divide and transplant perennials now

Perennials are plants that come back year after year, and can include chrysanthemums, hardy hibiscus, daylily, black-eyed susan, dianthus, allium, and other plant varieties bursting with gorgeous color. However, Raimondi warns that over time, they can become overcrowded and may not perform as well. “To keep your perennials healthy and vigorous, consider dividing and transplanting them,” he advises. “This involves digging up the plant, splitting it into smaller sections, and then replanting these sections – and depending on the plant, this task can be performed in early fall or early spring.

6. Plant annuals for seasonal color impact

Unlike perennials that return year after year, annuals complete their life cycle in one year. Examples include apple blossoms, pansies, grape myrtle, angel whiteface, and African daisy.  Raimondi explains that annuals are often used in garden design because they can provide bold, seasonal color. “Consider planting annuals in your garden to create a dynamic and colorful display, which could include summer annuals like petunias and marigolds or fall annuals like mums and pansies,” he says.

7. Add pumpkins, gourds, cornstalk, and hay for entrance accents

September is also a great time to start decorating your entrance with seasonal accents. “This could include arranging pumpkins and gourds on your front steps, tying cornstalks to porch columns, or placing hay bales in your yard,” Raimondi says.

Using these natural elements creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, which also contributes to curb appeal. In addition, Raimondi says they celebrate the bounty of the season.

8. Remove leaf litter from the lawn

“If your yard is buried in leaves, remove most of them so light and air can reach the grass,” says Lori Johnson,” president of The Grounds Guys, a Neighborly company. “It’s okay to leave some leaf litter behind to give pollinators a place to nestle over the winter.”

While you’ve got the rake out it could also be a good time to rake the garden beds. However, Johnson advises wait to do this step until after you’ve completed any jobs with the pruners. “That way, you don’t have to tidy up the beds twice,” she explains. “Watch out for drip irrigation systems and sprinkler heads while raking and doing general clean-up.”

9. Dethatch and possibly aerate the lawn

In early fall, Johnson also recommends removing the yellowish-brown thatch from your grass. “If the soil is also compacted, aerate it,” she says.

One of the perfect tools to help with this is something like the Greenworks 14in Cordless Dethatcher and Scarifier which will remove thatch and aerate the soil.

10. Fertilize the lawn

Johnson also ponts to early fall as the best time to fertilize your lawn. “Before adding fertilizer, you may want to test the pH of your soil to see if it’s lacking in nutrients,” she advises.

With each of these projects, Raimondi suggests considering your climate and the specific needs of your yard.

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