5 Steps to Creating an Outdoor Entertaining Garden for Fall

Garrett and Cathy Poshusta, founders of The Grit and Polish, make farmhouse-lovers on Instagram drool regularly as they renovate and restore their 1912 home in Ellensburg, Washington. But it's their self-described outdoor entertaining garden — complete with string lights, chaise lounges, raised garden beds, and overflowing potted flowers — that are a plant lover's dream.

Summer might currently own the concept of "outdoor entertaining," but as its cooler, cozier, and no-less colorful cousin, fall is arguably the best season for al-fresco everything (at a safe social distance, to boot). The good news? It's not too late to achieve a vibrant fall garden for just that.

"Fall is an excellent time to try out gardening even if you didn't have a summer crop," Garrett says. "Quality potting soil and consistent watering are keys to any successful planting, so if you have a hard time remembering to water or if you travel often, use an automatic timer to give your plants a regular drink."

To update their planters and beds for the season, the Poshutas turned to Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® All Purpose Container Mix. "I didn't have to wonder about what types of soils and nutrients to combine in the containers for different plants," Garrett says. "The Organic All Purpose Container mix comes pre-formulated with naturally derived plant foods for both vegetables and flowers planted inside or outdoors." Scroll down for more tips on creating a lush outdoor gathering place that's just as inviting.

Think of colorful flowers as the art in your space, adding different hues and textures in key spots. "Everyone loves flowers, and planting them in your garden will create a welcoming atmosphere," Garrett says. "In summer and fall, I like to mix in colorful blooms into my garden beds and around the seating area in pots."

And if you're looking for a low-maintenance, high-yield flower, Garret recommends mums. "They come in a number of different colors, and nurseries often have a nice stock of these starting in September," he says. "To get the most blooms from your mum plant, delicately clip the spent blooms when they start to curl and turn brown. Mums also need well-draining soil, lots of sun, and occasional fertilization to grow their best."

Once you remove your plants from their containers, repot with Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® All Purpose Container Mix, which feeds for up to three months so you're covered for the season. "This Miracle-Gro product is blended with aged compost, and I was glad to be working with a product that is naturally derived and organic," Garret says.

You can't have a fall garden for gathering if there's nowhere to, well, gather. Seating can be anything from an outdoor rug with a few chairs to a full-on furniture set and fire pit, Garrett says. "The main goal is to define a space for relaxing and conversation and to encourage people to linger all evening."

The days are getting shorter, which means you can't rely on that golden-hour hue to light up your backyard oasis. Garrett suggests going with string lights for a quick-and-easy way to give your garden a glow.

"To hang string lights in our garden, we attached them to posts around the deer fence that rings our garden, but you could also hang them from trees or a nearby structure like a shed, garage, or house," he adds.

If you don't have a lot of outdoor space, try growing plants vertically — as a bonus, the look adds a subtly romantic mood to your garden. "Climbing roses, grapevines, wisteria, etc. are a great way to add a green border to your space and lend a whimsical ambiance," Garrett says.

Give off more of an autumnal feel with plush throw blankets in burnt oranges and bold yellows (or whatever hues align with your mums of choice) or a few cushions for lounging. Then get started on your invite list.