Whether you’re looking for structural elements, seasonal color, or wildlife-friendly plantings, here are top ideas to keep your garden vibrant in November.

Ornamental Grasses – A Must-Have for Late Fall

Ornamental grasses truly shine in November, providing movement, texture, and golden hues that contrast beautifully with evergreens. Many grasses hold their seed heads through winter, offering a natural food source for birds.

Top Picks for November Interest:

‘Karl Foerster’ Feather Reed Grass – Stays upright with tall golden plumes.

‘Northwind’ Switchgrass – Sturdy, fountain-shaped grass with blue-green blades.

‘Little Bluestem’ – Stunning bronze and copper hues in fall.

Pro Tip: Avoid cutting grasses back until late winter—their texture and movement add beauty all season long!

Shrubs & Trees with Stunning Fall Interest

Even after the leaves have fallen, some trees and shrubs continue to impress with vibrant berries, striking bark, and evergreen foliage.

Best Shrubs & Trees for Late Fall Interest:

Winterberry Holly – Bright red berries provide stunning contrast against bare branches.

Redtwig Dogwood – Striking red stems stand out beautifully in winter landscapes.

Paperbark Maple – Peeling cinnamon-colored bark adds warmth and texture.

American Holly – Glossy green leaves and red berries last all winter.

Bonus: These selections also attract birds, creating a wildlife-friendly landscape!

Evergreen Highlights – Color & Structure Through Winter

While deciduous trees shed their leaves, evergreens steal the show, offering rich green hues and year-round structure.

Great Evergreens for November & Beyond:

Boxwood – Compact, versatile, and perfect for winter interest.

Blue Spruce – Stunning silvery-blue foliage for contrast.

Juniper – Provides blue-toned berries and textured foliage.

False Cypress – Feathery texture and golden or lime-green color options.

Pro Tip: Use evergreens as backdrops to highlight fall foliage and ornamental grasses for a dynamic landscape.

Seasonal Décor: Natural Touches for Your Garden & Porch

As the last of the fall colors fade, bring seasonal charm to your garden with natural accents that blend beautifully with your landscape.

Simple & Elegant November Décor Ideas:

Pumpkins & Gourds – Keep them until Thanksgiving for a festive touch.

Dried Cornstalks & Wheat Bundles – Perfect for entryways & garden beds.

Pinecones & Evergreen Boughs – Transition your garden into winter.

Outdoor Lanterns & String Lights – Add warmth and ambiance as daylight fades.

Pro Tip: Combine natural décor with plants like ornamental cabbage, kale, and winterberry for a seasonally rich look!

Supporting Wildlife in Late Fall

November is a critical time to support local wildlife as they prepare for winter.

Simple Ways to Help Birds & Pollinators:

Leave Seed Heads – Plants like coneflowers and black-eyed Susans provide food for birds.

Provide Fresh Water – A heated birdbath keeps water accessible as temperatures drop.

Plant Berry-Producing Shrubs – Winterberry, holly, and viburnum offer essential nourishment.

Pro Tip: Let fallen leaves remain in garden beds—this provides insulation for plants and a habitat for beneficial insects.

Get Your Landscape Fall-Ready with Us!

November is not the end of gardening—it’s an opportunity to extend interest and prep for winter beauty. Whether you’re adding structural plants, seasonal décor, or wildlife-friendly features, we’re here to help!

 Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. These plants are important to the local habitat as they provide nectar, pollen, and seeds for butterflies, insects, birds, and other animals. Native plants also require less water and do not require fertilizer to thrive in their local climate. Here are just a few of our favorite native plants to use in our landscapes.

Summersweet

Clethra alnifolia 

Summersweet grows all along the east coast of the United States from Maine to Florida and as far west as Texas. They typically grow 3-6 feet tall and wide and prefer full sun to partial shade. Summersweet produces small white to light red flowers and blooms from July to August. In the fall these Pepperbush leaves turn bright yellow adding to their seasonal interest. They attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. During the fall the bush produces seed capsules which provide for birds during the winter months. 

Butterfly Weed

Asclepias tuberosa

Butterfly weed is a member of the milkweed family. Found across most of the contiguous United States and parts of eastern Canada. Butterfly weed most commonly grows with striking orange flowers. They attract hummingbirds, bees, and of course butterflies. These plants prefer full sun to thrive. Typically growing 1-2 feet tall and wide. Butterfly weed is great for any garden with its long blooming season from early to late summer. 

Garden Phlox 

Phlox paniculata

Garden phlox is a hardy, long-lived perennial. From midsummer to early fall, these sturdy, upright plants are topped with large clusters of fragrant flowers that come in a fantastic range of colors including white, pink, fuchsia, red, lavender, purple, and orange as well as dozens of eye-catching bicolors. Garden Phlox prefers full sun.

Winterberry

Ilex verticillata

Winterberry can be used as a property border or to screen views. Winterberry provides seasonal interest in autumn and early winter when female plants are covered in red, orange, or yellow fruit. Winterberries are an important source of food for many native bird species. The brightly colored berries persist throughout the winter providing much-needed food during the cold months.