Marvelous Marigolds

When the weather gets chilly and the garden seems to have lost its color there is a flower that can brighten up the garden, the marigold.  Marigolds love the cooler weather; they are hardy, cheerful and pretty so how could they not be our flower of the month for October

Marigolds are an annual plant so they are perfect for filling in areas in the garden that have lost the pizzazz of summer; they also look great in containers and window boxes.  There are two genera of marigold:  Tagetes and Celendula.  African marigolds and French marigolds are part of the genus Tagetes and the very popular pot marigolds are part of the genus Calendula.

Marigolds come many different colors but they are they are most commonly known for their signature fall colors of yellow and orange.  They are not known for their scent as it is a strong and quite unpleasant but it does keep away some critters and pests which can prove very useful.

Marigolds can be grown in the coldest of climates and are very resilient despite their delicate petals; this makes them a great fall flower and a popular pick for many gardeners. They like full sun and do best in well drained soil; mulching around the base of the plant will help it to retain moisture and protect the roots from heavy frosts.  In some warmer regions the marigold can bloom well into the winter, what a lovely cold weather treat.

Like Mums, that other fall favorite, they look good in mass plantings or scattered about in pots on the patio or front doorstep adding cheer and color wherever they grow.  French marigolds are gorgeous flowers with multicolored petals; there autumnal hues look as if they have been painted.  African marigolds are very common and equally lovely, their orange and yellow blooms are a joyful sight and they are the most popular member of all the marigold family.

Marigolds are marvelous and they are a wonderful way to brighten up fall by adding a splash of color to an autumn landscape.