Fall: Nature’s Planting Time
Fall is a season of mixed messages. On one hand, many plants lose their foliage and revert to a dormant state. On the other hand, fall is nature’s greatest opportunity to introduce new life into our landscapes. Seeds from all kinds of plants are spread over a wide area through the help of natural forces and wildlife. The timing of fruiting and seeding in plants is directly related to climate and seasons. Berry-producing plants yield their annual crops in fall, a season of major bird migration. Within the stomach of migrating birds, seeds can hitch a ride for hundreds of miles before being dropped! Wind speeds also increase in fall. Trees take full advantage of the wind by losing their leaves. Winds then sweep swiftly through the bare branches and disperse the seeds of species such as the black willow.
Viewer Tip: Planting native plants is the best way to attract and keep native wildlife. Birds enjoy easy access to food, so using fruit-producing natives is a sure way to succeed. For more information on what to plant for wildlife, visit the Georgia Wildlife Federation at www.gwf.org and check out the new Online Guide to the Native Plants of Georgia for Wildlife.
Season: Fall
(Source: Noble Proctor, Song Birds, Edison, NJ: Chartwell Books, 2001)