As summer fades and Houston readies for cooler weather, homeowners in Aberdeen Green and across the Greater Houston area are turning their attention to revitalizing their landscapes with a touch of fall color. But creating a vibrant, seasonally-appropriate yard takes more than just a trip to the nursery—it requires planning, smart plant choices, and an understanding of Houston’s unique climate conditions.

To help Aberdeen Green homeowners make the most of the season, Terry’s Landscape, a trusted commercial landscaping company based in Katy, Texas, is sharing professional advice from their experienced team on how to install fall color that’s both beautiful and sustainable. Specializing in commercial and HOA community landscapes, Terry’s knows how to create polished, practical curb appeal that can withstand the test of time—and weather.

1. Choose Plants That Work With Houston’s Climate

Joe W., from the Operations and Maintenance team at Terry’s Landscape, advises residents to “be sure to choose colors and plants that complement the natural environment and work well with the weather and water available.”

In Texas, where homeowners often face both drought and heavy rainfall in the same season, choosing resilient plants is key. Native options like Gulf Coast Muhly, Salvia, and Turk’s Cap are favorites for a reason—they’re hardy, drought-tolerant, and beneficial to pollinators. Incorporating xeriscaping principles, such as grouping plants by water needs, can reduce maintenance while keeping beds lush.

Resource Tip: Consult your local Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office for a list of drought-tolerant plants suited for your area.

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2. Design Cohesion Starts With Color

Tyler C., also on the Operations and Maintenance team, emphasizes thinking long-term: “Consider your color scheme so planting feels cohesive year-round, and it matches/complements your architecture.”

Whether your home features warm brick or modern neutrals, your landscaping should echo and enhance those tones. For example:

• Earth-toned homes pair well with golds, burgundies, and soft greens.
• Gray or white exteriors look sharp with bold contrast—like deep purple foliage or bright yellow blooms.

Design Hack: Stick with 2–3 primary foliage colors and one seasonal accent. Repeat these in your outdoor decor for an Instagram-worthy look.

Fall Favorites for Greater Houston Area Beds

When designing for autumn, use plants with bold color, varied texture, and seasonal durability:

• Dusty Miller: A cool-toned silvery plant that contrasts beautifully with bold flowers. Great for edging beds.

• Marigolds: Hardy and bright, with warm orange and yellow tones that scream fall. Perfect for sun-loving areas.

• Mums (Chrysanthemums): A seasonal staple that adds structure and rich color—ideal for mass plantings or containers.

• Crotons: Known for their vivid, variegated leaves in red, yellow, and orange. Best in protected spots with good drainage.

• Purple Fountain Grass: Adds height, movement, and deep burgundy tones. Works well in the center of beds or as a striking accent in containers.

• Ornamental Cabbage & Kale: Cool-season favorites with bold rosettes in green, purple, or white; great for texture and symmetry.

• Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas): A fast-growing, trailing plant available in chartreuse or deep purple; excellent for spilling over borders or containers.

Design Tip: Combine upright plants (like mums or purple fountain grass) with mounding forms (like kale or marigolds) and trailers (like sweet potato vine) to create a balanced, layered look with continuous visual interest.

Take It Further

Combine upright plants with cascading or mounding varieties to create dimension. Place taller plants like mums or crotons at the center or back of a bed, and surround them with lower growers like marigolds and dusty miller. This layering adds visual interest and helps the entire display feel polished and intentional.

And don’t forget bloom timing: Select plants with overlapping bloom cycles to keep your flower beds colorful from late September through early winter. This prevents bare spots and keeps your home looking fresh well into the holiday season.

3. Keep It Beautiful—But Also Practical

While visual appeal matters, maintenance is just as important—especially in HOA neighborhoods where curb appeal and compliance go hand in hand.

Avoid plants that overgrow sidewalks, drop excessive debris, or require constant trimming. Instead, favor slow-growing, low-maintenance varieties that will still look neat after a few months without hands-on upkeep.

Ask Yourself: “Will this still look clean and tidy with minimal attention in six months?” If not, reconsider placement or variety.

Expert hands carefully place fall flowers into fresh soil during a seasonal planting in a Houston-area garden.

4. Don’t Forget the Irrigation

“No matter how beautiful your seasonal color is, it won't last without proper water flow,” says Noell Myska, Brand Ambassador for Terry’s Landscape.

In fact, she recommends that HOAs budget 10–15% of their total landscape spending specifically for irrigation maintenance. With Houston’s shifting soil and fluctuating water pressure, irrigation systems often need more frequent attention than residents realize.

This same perspective applies to individual homeowners as well—neglecting irrigation maintenance can lead to dry patches, poor plant health, and wasted water. Taking time to inspect your system each season can help protect your landscaping investment and keep your fall color thriving.

Pro Tip: Before planting, perform a simple drainage test—dig a 12-inch hole, fill it with water, and observe how quickly it drains. This helps match the right plant to the right zone (sun vs. shade, dry vs. wet).

5. Layer for Year-Round Appeal

Smart fall landscaping isn’t just about what looks good now. It’s about planning for a continuous rotation of beauty.

Consider evergreens for winter structure, bulbs that will bloom in spring, and summer perennials that come back stronger next year. Layering ensures your yard won’t look barren in the off-season.

Easy Win: Use low groundcovers like sedum or Asian jasmine to keep garden beds looking polished, even when seasonal blooms fade.

6. Cut Backs and Cool Weather Prep

As fall approaches, it’s time to cut back tired perennials and remove spent summer blooms. Take time to prune trees, remove dead limbs, and ensure nothing threatens structures in high wind or freeze events. Then, fill those cleared-out spaces with fall-loving flowers to infuse warmth and welcome into your outdoor space.

These steps not only refresh your landscape’s appearance but also give your new seasonal color the space, light, and airflow it needs to thrive—helping flowers establish more easily and shine brighter throughout the cooler months.

“Nothing adds curb appeal to a property like lush seasonal color from healthy, thriving flowers and foliage,” Terry’s team notes. “Have your beds cleaned out, perennials cut back, and fresh mulch added as you install colorful flowers carefully chosen for your Texas landscape and the seasonal temperatures ahead.”

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Recommended Fall Plants for Aberdeen Green

Terry’s Landscape suggests the following tried-and-true plants for fall color success in your region:

• Gulf Muhly – Striking pink/purple plumes, drought-tolerant.

• Dwarf Adagio Maiden Grass – Elegant weeping habit, pink blooms.

• Autumn Sage – Evergreen, heat-tolerant, great for borders.

• Texas Sage – Silvery foliage, purple blooms, hardy and low-maintenance.

• Lantana – Long blooming season (May–November), ideal for hot, dry areas.

About Terry’s Landscape

Founded in 2011 by James Terry—a Texas A&M graduate in soil science—Terry’s Landscape has grown from a one-man operation into one of Greater Houston’s most respected commercial landscaping firms. With a team that specializes in HOA communities, retail centers, parks, and public spaces, Terry’s is known for its personalized client service, high-quality results, and proactive communication with property managers.

Their expertise extends beyond just plants—they understand irrigation, soil science, seasonal design, and long-term maintenance planning. From community entrances to neighborhood green spaces, their work is designed to stand out and last.

Final Thoughts for Aberdeen Green Homeowners

After a long, hot summer, your landscape deserves a little TLC. Fall is the perfect time to reset your flower beds, restore structure, and introduce the seasonal color that brings joy and personality to your outdoor spaces. With tips from trusted professionals at Terry’s Landscape, you can make thoughtful decisions that will pay off in both beauty and ease of maintenance.

For more local gardening ideas, irrigation reminders, and fall preparation tips, stay tuned to My Neighborhood News—your community guide for landscaping, home care, and everything in between.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.