6. Ornamental Kale and Mum Display Bed
Fall gardening is not just about growing food; it is also about celebrating the rich, warm colors of the season. If you want to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your small backyard, dedicating a raised bed to a vibrant ornamental display is a wonderful choice. By combining structural, colorful ornamental cabbages and kales with classic autumnal flowers, you can create a breathtaking focal point that retains its beauty long after summer annuals have faded and withered away.
Ornamental kales and cabbages are prized for their dramatic, ruffled leaves that develop intense shades of pink, purple, and creamy white as the temperatures drop. Pair these structural foliage plants with compact, heavy-blooming garden chrysanthemums (mums) in warm shades of rust, gold, burgundy, and deep orange. To add depth and texture, tuck in some trailing pansies, violas, or ornamental peppers around the edges of the raised bed. This low-maintenance, high-impact combination thrives in the cool autumn weather and will keep your small backyard looking cheerful, warm, and inviting throughout the entire season.