Plan High-End Fall Displays for Your Northern Virginia Estate

While the air in Northern Virginia is still warm and summer lingers, the transition to fall is already underway – at least for those who plan ahead. Now is the ideal time to design and schedule your autumn garden displays, ensuring your property is a seasonal showpiece by the time cooler weather arrives.

At Rossen Landscape, we don’t just create containers. We craft custom fall arrangements – elevated compositions that blend vibrant plantings, layered textures, and curated décor to greet guests and enhance your home’s entrance, patio, or entertaining area. These displays reflect the refinement and lifestyle of our clients, and they’re designed to impress well into late fall.

Start Planning and Planting Early

By mid to late October, Northern Virginia typically sees its first frost. This means displays should be installed before temperatures begin to drop and plant availability becomes limited. Planning in August allows for early sourcing, tailored design, and stress-free execution – ensuring your outdoor space looks impeccable just as fall’s natural beauty peaks.

Early planning also gives our team the flexibility to design around your home’s architecture and hardscape features, resulting in displays that feel integrated and intentional.

Elements of a Refined Fall Garden Display

A Rossen fall display is never one-size-fits-all. Each design is built around seasonal classics, balanced with thoughtful structure and natural elegance. Here's what we often include:

Signature Plants for Fall in Zone 7

Mums (Chrysanthemums)

An autumn staple, these dense, colorful blooms hold up beautifully in cooler temperatures and add immediate vibrancy.

Ornamental Kale and Cabbage

Bold and architectural, these foliage plants thrive in chillier weather and add sculptural appeal.

Heuchera (Coral Bells)

With deep-toned leaves and reliable texture, Heuchera is ideal for layering contrast.

Cold-Tolerant Grasses

Varieties like fountain grass or switchgrass provide softness, motion, and height.

Gourds and Pumpkins

Used in a curated palette – ivory, sage, deep orange – for a sophisticated seasonal touch.

Design Tips for Elevated Autumn Arrangements

Layer at Varying Heights

We use hay bales, stone plinths, or natural risers to create a tiered effect, which adds dimension and visual rhythm to the display.

Incorporate Natural Elements

Dried cornstalks, birch poles, and grapevine wreaths create seasonal structure that feels both organic and elegant.

Choose a Refined Color Palette

Rather than bright orange overload, we opt for deeper rust, plum, soft white, and chartreuse to create harmony with your home’s exterior.

Accent with Lighting

Discreet uplighting or lanterns can turn your fall display into an evening feature, perfect for entertaining or setting the mood at dusk.

Designed for Seasonal Transition

Our fall displays are not static – they are designed to evolve. As the season progresses, we can update or refresh elements to carry you from early autumn into Thanksgiving. This flexibility is especially ideal for clients who entertain often or simply appreciate a seamless seasonal transition without the hassle.

Ready to Begin?

Request a consultation today and discover how Rossen Landscape can bring your vision to life this fall.

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Our mission is to create an environment that nurtures our clients, our team, and our community. Our values guide us to that destination.