Fall in Pennsylvania brings a natural palette of reds, oranges, and yellows as trees change their leaves. But your yard can showcase even more vibrant colors with some simple additions.
Adding colorful elements now creates a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy before winter arrives.
1. Plant Late-Blooming Mums
Chrysanthemums burst with vibrant yellows, deep purples, and fiery oranges when most other flowers have called it quits. These hardy plants thrive in Pennsylvania’s cooling fall temperatures.
Local garden centers typically stock mums in September and October when they’re ready to show off their brilliant colors. Group different colored varieties together in beds or containers for maximum impact against the backdrop of autumn’s golden light.
2. Scatter Decorative Pumpkins
Beyond the classic orange jack-o’-lanterns, pumpkins now come in ghostly whites, moody blues, and even striped varieties. Arrange them along walkways, on porch steps, or clustered around trees for instant charm.
Small decorative gourds add interesting shapes and patterns when mixed with larger pumpkins. For a longer-lasting display, choose uncarved pumpkins and protect them from direct rain to prevent early rotting.
3. Install Colorful Garden Flags
Garden flags offer a no-fuss way to inject personality and seasonal flair into your landscape. Look for designs featuring fall leaves, woodland creatures, or harvest themes that complement Pennsylvania’s natural autumn beauty.
Rotating these inexpensive decorations throughout the season keeps your yard looking fresh. Place them along garden paths, near mailboxes, or anywhere that needs a pop of color visible from the street.
4. Create A Painted Branch Display
Gather fallen branches from your yard and transform them with spray paint in metallic gold, copper, or bright autumn hues. The contrast between natural and painted surfaces creates eye-catching visual interest.
Stand taller branches in weatherproof containers filled with rocks for stability. Shorter painted sticks work beautifully arranged in vases on porches or tables. This upcycled art brings color to your yard while making use of natural materials.
5. Add Ornamental Kale And Cabbage
Ornamental kale develops stunning pink, purple, and white centers as temperatures drop, making it perfect for Pennsylvania’s fall climate. These edible plants double as beautiful landscape elements that thrive until hard frost.
Plant them in borders or containers where their ruffled textures contrast nicely with smooth-leaved plants. Unlike flowers that fade quickly, ornamental kale maintains its rich colors throughout the entire season, often becoming more vibrant after light frosts.
6. Hang Colorful Bird Feeders
Brightly colored bird feeders not only add visual interest to bare branches but also attract beautiful native birds to your yard. Cardinals, blue jays, and goldfinches bring natural color through Pennsylvania’s fall and winter.
Choose feeders in weather-resistant materials with vibrant colors that stand out against autumn’s earthy backdrop. Fill with black oil sunflower seeds or thistle to attract the widest variety of birds, creating a living display that changes throughout the day.
7. Switch To Vibrant Outdoor Cushions
Replace faded summer cushions with rich autumnal hues like burnt orange, deep crimson, and golden yellow. Weather-resistant fabrics stand up to Pennsylvania’s unpredictable fall conditions while creating inviting outdoor seating areas.
Mix patterns like plaids and leaf motifs for visual interest. Adding a few coordinating throw blankets nearby encourages family and friends to enjoy your outdoor spaces even as temperatures drop, extending your yard’s usefulness into the later season.
8. Set Up A Rustic Corn Shock Display
Corn shocks—bundled dried cornstalks tied together—create dramatic vertical interest while celebrating Pennsylvania’s agricultural heritage. Group them around mailboxes, entryways, or as focal points in garden beds.
Local farm stands often sell these seasonal decorations ready-made. Enhance your display by adding colorful gourds at the base or tying on bright fabric ribbons that flutter in the breeze. This traditional decoration brings authentic fall charm that perfectly suits Pennsylvania landscapes.
9. Plant Fall Pansies For Lasting Color
Fall-planted pansies offer cheerful faces in purples, yellows, oranges, and bi-colors that brighten dreary autumn days. Unlike summer annuals, these hardy flowers can survive Pennsylvania’s first frosts and often return in early spring.
Mass plant them in borders or containers where their low-growing habit creates carpets of color. Water them regularly until the ground freezes, and mulch well for protection. Their unexpected blooms provide welcome color when most gardens have gone dormant.
10. Showcase Colorful Yard Art
Weather-resistant sculptures, metal flowers, or glass garden stakes add permanent color that doesn’t fade when frost arrives. Look for pieces incorporating rich jewel tones that complement fall’s natural palette.
Position art where afternoon sun will illuminate it, creating dramatic shadows and highlights. Garden centers often discount outdoor décor in fall, making this an economical time to invest in pieces you’ll enjoy year-round. Choose items that reflect Pennsylvania’s wildlife or natural elements for regional charm.
11. String Outdoor Lights In Fall Colors
Outdoor string lights in amber, orange, or multi-colored options create magical evening ambiance while adding daytime color to trees and structures. Battery-operated versions offer flexibility for areas away from electrical outlets.
Drape lights through tree branches, along fences, or around porch railings. The warm glow extends your enjoyment of outdoor spaces into evening hours, perfect for Pennsylvania’s earlier sunsets during fall. Choose commercial-grade options that withstand moisture and temperature changes.
12. Create A Fall Container Garden
Large containers filled with autumn-hued plants make perfect focal points for entryways, patios, and bare garden spots. Combine ornamental grasses, purple fountain grass, orange marigolds, and trailing ivy for dynamic displays.
Use containers you already have and refresh them with fall plants. The beauty of container gardens is their mobility—move them to highlight different areas as needed. A single dramatic pot can transform a boring corner into an eye-catching vignette that celebrates Pennsylvania’s fall splendor.