How to Use Fall Foliage to Your Advantage in Garden Design

As summer fades, Metro Atlanta bursts into color.

The brilliant reds, oranges, and golds of fall foliage don’t just make for scenic drives — they’re also powerful tools in garden and landscape design.

With a little planning, you can use Georgia’s natural fall color palette to enhance curb appeal, define outdoor spaces, and keep your yard looking vibrant even as temperatures drop.

At LawnMart, we love helping Atlanta homeowners turn seasonal changes into landscape opportunities.

Here’s how to make autumn work in your favor.

1.

Highlight Focal Points with Fall Color

Fall foliage can act like nature’s spotlight.

Use trees and shrubs that change color dramatically — such as red maples, dogwoods, and sweetgums — to draw attention to entryways, patios, or garden features.

LawnMart tip: Plant your boldest color trees where sunlight hits them in the afternoon.

That golden glow makes your garden come alive during peak leaf season.

Best Atlanta Picks:

Red Maple (‘October Glory’)

Dogwood (‘Cherokee Princess’)

Sweetgum (‘Rotundiloba’)

2.

Use Contrasting Textures for Depth

Combine plants that show off fall color with evergreens or ornamental grasses to create rich visual contrast.

The crisp golds of deciduous trees look stunning beside the deep greens of boxwoods or the silver tones of dwarf grasses.

Design idea: Pair burning bush or Virginia sweetspire with blue fescue or soft liriope for a balanced mix of color and texture.

LawnMart carries: Container-friendly ornamental grasses and fall shrubs perfect for small Atlanta yards or patios.

3.

Frame Outdoor Living Areas

Fall color can frame your outdoor spaces beautifully.

Line patio borders, pergolas, or walkways with shrubs that transition color through the season.

In Metro ATL’s mild fall weather, these splashes of color last longer than you might expect.

Try:

Oakleaf Hydrangea – bold leaves that turn deep burgundy

Spirea – copper and gold tones late into the season

Japanese Maple – elegant structure and fiery red color

Pro tip: Plant in clusters of three or five for natural-looking groupings that feel intentional yet relaxed.

4.

Add Color Through Fall-Friendly Containers

You don’t need to replant your whole yard — just refresh your containers.

Swap summer annuals for mums, pansies, violas, or ornamental kale to keep color popping well into November.

LawnMart idea: Mix pumpkins, gourds, and evergreen sprigs into your planters for quick, seasonal décor.

We offer container soil blends and outdoor planters that complement any fall arrangement.

5.

Design for Year-Round Transitions

When designing with fall foliage in mind, think long-term.

Choose plants that offer beauty in multiple seasons — vibrant fall color, spring blooms, or interesting bark in winter.

Great year-round performers for Metro Atlanta:

Serviceberry – white flowers in spring, orange leaves in fall, smooth gray bark in winter

Nandina domestica – red foliage through winter

Crape Myrtle – peeling bark and colorful fall leaves

LawnMart insight: We recommend grouping seasonal plants to create layered color — ensuring your yard looks great every month of the year.

6.

Let Fallen Leaves Work for You

Don’t rush to bag up all your leaves! Use them as natural mulch around trees and shrubs.

Shredded leaves retain moisture, protect roots, and return nutrients to the soil — saving you money on store-bought mulch.

Eco-friendly LawnMart tip: We carry leaf shredders, compost bins, and organic soil enhancers to help you recycle fall debris the smart way.

7.

Illuminate the Colors at Night

Extend the magic of fall evenings by adding landscape lighting.

Uplight fiery red and orange leaves to create a dramatic backdrop for your patio or garden path.

Try LawnMart’s low-voltage LED kits, which are safe, energy-efficient, and perfect for Atlanta’s mild autumn nights.

Bring Your Fall Garden to Life with LawnMart

At LawnMart Metro ATL, we understand how to design with the seasons.

Whether you need colorful fall plants, planters, lighting, or mulch, our local experts can help you bring your garden vision to life.

We offer:

Atlanta-area delivery on plants, pavers, planters, and soil

Expert design advice for small patios, front yards, and landscapes

Seasonal specials on fall planting supplies and lighting

Visit us in-store or shop online to start transforming your yard today.