Water suppliers also have the added responsibility of guarding stream water levels for fall-spawning of salmon. October's one of the best months to look in nurseries for new shrubs and trees - and, indeed, for all garden plants. Look at areas of the garden that need screening, could use a shade tree, or just need the boost of an intriguing new shrub. Nurseries and garden centers have good supplies of all plants this month, so put your dreaming to work. If you miss the brilliant colors of autumn in the eastern United States, choose some of the richly-colored deciduous plants that do well in Northwest gardens.
Japanese maples provide some of the most stunning fall color.
They grow rather slowly, but add grace to the landscape at all stages of their lives. My garden glows in late October with the red of Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki,' a vivid intense redleaved celebration of fall. Japanese maples of all types require summer irrigation, though they are somewhat tolerant of dry days after establishment. Be sure to keep them well watered during their first 5 years, at least. My fall color garden faces west and gets the backlighting of the afternoon sun, accentuating its brilliance.