It happens to all of us. Something in the garden dies, or those annuals started form seed just aren’t performing as expected or the plan looked better on paper than reality and you end up with bare spots or areas that need a bit more color.

Add a few perennials to beef up the framework of the garden. We have included Vera Jameson sedum. It tolerates the growing conditions and its foliage echoes the purple leaves of a nearby sand cherry.

We also have some good sized annuals for instant season long color. Many garden centers carry larger plants later in the season that work great for this situation. Carefully place new additions among the existing plants. Space annuals closer for bigger impact and give the perennials enough room to reach their mature size.

Water new additions thoroughly and often enough to moisten the roots.

A bit more information: As summer gives way to fall you may need to give your landscape a colorful boost. Incorporate ornamental cabbage and kale, mums and asters into existing beds. Use these plus pansies, ornamental mustard and other fall beauties to replace faded summer annuals in gardens and containers. Set fall container gardens in bare spaces within the garden, on the deck or patio and by your front door for a colorful welcome home.