As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the Bay Area transforms with the magic of fall. Gardens shift from the lush, vibrant green hues of summer to the warm, cozy tones of autumn—burnt oranges, deep reds, and golden yellows. It’s also the season filled with Halloween fun, when porches glow with jack-o’-lanterns, scarecrows keep watch over yards, haunted houses delight visitors, and whimsical decorations turn ordinary gardens into festive, spirited spaces.
At Central Wholesale Nursery, we know this time of year is all about celebrating both the spooky and the cozy sides of fall. Whether you’re looking to deck out your garden with Halloween décor, create a haunted house display, or refresh your landscape with seasonal fall plants, our garden nursery in the Bay Area has everything you need to make your outdoor space shine.
In this blog, we’ll share decorating ideas, highlight plant selections that thrive in autumn, and inspire you to create garden memories worth celebrating.
Why Fall Is the Perfect Time to Refresh Your Garden
Many gardeners mistakenly think of fall as the end of the growing season, but in reality, it’s one of the best times to plant. Cooler temperatures and shorter days give roots the perfect chance to grow strong before winter. This means fall plantings often grow stronger and healthier by the time spring arrives.
Some of the most iconic seasonal flowers and plants—like chrysanthemums, pansies, and ornamental cabbages—thrive in cooler weather. With the addition of pumpkins, gourds, and Halloween décor, you have the perfect recipe for a welcoming, seasonal garden filled with fall plants for home and garden.
At our garden nursery in the Bay Area, you’ll find a full range of plants, décor, and supplies to make your fall garden spectacular.
Seasonal Fall Plants to Brighten Your Garden
One of the easiest ways to bring the beauty of autumn into your yard is by incorporating fall plants that reflect the season’s rich color palette. Here are some of the top choices available at Central Wholesale Nursery, your Bay Area native nursery, this time of year:
Chrysanthemums (Mums)
Mums are the ultimate fall flower. With vibrant blooms in orange, yellow, burgundy, and purple, they bring instant seasonal cheer to porches and garden beds. Place them in pots by your entryway for a welcoming touch, or mix them into garden beds for pops of color that last well into late fall.
Pansies and Violas
These cold-hardy flowers thrive in cooler weather, adding playful bursts of color when most summer flowers are fading. Their cheerful “faces” make them perfect for both Halloween décor and harvest-themed displays.
Ornamental Cabbage and Kale
With ruffled leaves in shades of green, purple, and white, these plants add texture and interest to fall gardens. They thrive in chilly weather, making them a great addition to containers or borders. Their vibrant colors often deepen as temperatures drop, creating striking contrasts against other autumn foliage. Easy to care for and long-lasting, they provide beauty well into the colder months.
The Bay Area’s mild, cool winters and the frequent fog create conditions where ornamental cabbage/kale can hold colour and form for longer. These plants intensify in colour with cooler temperatures and are very tolerant of the season.
These plants are primarily grown for their foliage colour (pink, rose, purple, white, cream) rather than flowers. A frost or cool weather often triggers stronger coloration. Once established, they require little upkeep—just occasional watering and removal of yellowing outer leaves. Their tough nature makes them perfect for both experienced gardeners and beginners decorating for fall!
In many garden traditions, ornamental cabbage symbolizes renewal and endurance—a fitting message as gardens transition from the abundance of summer to the dormancy of winter. Their ability to thrive when other plants fade gives them a quiet strength that pairs perfectly with autumn’s reflective, transitional spirit.
Pumpkins and Gourds
No fall garden is complete without pumpkins! Beyond the classic jack-o’-lanterns, decorative gourds and specialty pumpkins (like white or striped varieties) can be used in creative Halloween décor displays around your garden, porch, or patio. Check out these creative pumpkin decorating ideas from Better Homes & Gardens.
Perennials and Shrubs for Long-Term Beauty
Fall is an excellent time to plant perennials and shrubs, as their roots establish well in cooler weather. Consider hydrangeas, Japanese maples, and berry-producing shrubs like holly. These plants bring seasonal beauty now and help shape your landscape all year long.
By combining these plants with seasonal Halloween décor, you’ll create a garden that’s both festive and timeless—all sourced from your trusted Bay Area native nursery.
Spooky and Stylish: Halloween Décor Ideas for Your Garden
Halloween is all about creativity and fun, and your garden is the perfect canvas. With the right touches, you can create anything from a whimsical autumn display to a spooky haunted yard. Here are some ideas to inspire your decorating this season with Halloween décor and seasonal home décor touches:
Pumpkin Pathways
Line your walkways with carved or painted pumpkins to guide trick-or-treaters to your door. Mix classic orange pumpkins with white and green varieties for an elegant twist. Place them in areas with full sun to keep your pumpkins vibrant longer.
Hay Bales & Cornstalks
Stack hay bales and surround them with pumpkins, mums, gourds, and other fall plants suited for full sun. Add cornstalks for height and rustic charm, creating a festive, harvest-inspired display.
Garden Ghosts & Skeletons
Transform your yard into a haunted hideaway with playful ghost figures or skeletons “gardening” among your plants. These decorations are easy to move and mix with seasonal flowers for a spooky yet cheerful effect. Perfect for Halloween décor enthusiasts looking to add whimsy to their home décor.
Lanterns & String Lights
Lighting sets the mood. Add lanterns with flickering candles, solar-powered lights hidden among shrubs, or orange and purple string lights to bring your Halloween décor to life after dark.
Spooky Containers
Repurpose old pots, cauldrons, or even wheelbarrows as planters filled with fall plants. Add cobwebs, plastic spiders, or fake bones for a creepy touch. Choose plants that thrive in full sun to keep your containers looking lively all season.
Need more inspiration? Explore Martha Stewart’s Halloween outdoor décor gallery for festive ideas to match your fall garden theme.
At Central Wholesale Nursery, we stock a variety of Halloween décor pieces and seasonal accents perfect for home décor projects. From pumpkins and planters to themed garden décor, we’ll help you create the perfect spooky setup.
Blending Spooky and Cozy: The Perfect Garden Balance
One of the joys of fall decorating is blending the playful spirit of Halloween with the warm, comforting atmosphere of autumn. The trick is to create layers that allow you to transition seamlessly from the spooky season and Halloween party vibes into cozy November harvest charm filled with rich fall color.
Here’s how to achieve that balance while incorporating Halloween décor and seasonal home décor touches:
- Base Layer: Start with timeless fall plants like mums, kale, and pansies. Their vibrant fall color will stay beautiful well beyond Halloween.
- Seasonal Layer: Add pumpkins, gourds, and cornstalks to highlight the harvest season. These elements also double as fun accents for your Halloween party and home decor.
- Halloween Layer: Add temporary Halloween décor like skeletons, ghosts, and cobwebs that you can easily remove after October 31 to keep your space festive all through the spooky season.
This layering approach ensures your garden remains both playful for Halloween and a cozy, colorful fall retreat through Thanksgiving.
Capture Autumn Memories at Central Wholesale Nursery
Visiting a garden nursery in the Bay Area isn’t just about shopping—it’s about experiencing the season. At Central Wholesale Nursery, we pride ourselves on creating an atmosphere where families, gardeners, and plant lovers can celebrate fall foliage together.
Imagine strolling through rows of colorful mums in red and orange hues, discovering unique pumpkins, and gathering inspiration for eye-catching focal points in your home décor. Many families make it a tradition to visit us year after year, picking out their seasonal plants and Halloween décor while enjoying the cozy atmosphere. These moments are picture-perfect—worthy of Getty Images—capturing the essence of autumn.
Visiting our nursery is about more than shopping—it’s an opportunity to create lasting seasonal memories and enjoy the beauty of fall.
Expert Tips for Your Fall Garden
To help you make the most of the season, here are a few pro tips from our nursery experts with years of experience:
- Plant Early: Get your fall plants in the ground or containers now to ensure they have time to establish before colder weather arrives. Choose locations with draining soil to keep roots healthy.
- Mix Heights & Textures: Combine tall cornstalks, round pumpkins, trailing vines, and textured ornamental kale for dynamic displays that help you decorate your home and garden beautifully.
- Water Wisely: Even in cooler months, new plants need regular watering to establish strong roots.
- Add Mulch: A fresh layer of mulch not only insulates roots but also gives your garden a polished, finished look, making your outdoor spaces ready to decorate your home for fall.
- Have Fun: Fall is all about creativity—mix and match Halloween décor, experiment with colors, and don’t be afraid to go bold!
Why Choose Central Wholesale Nursery?
We are more than a store—we are a trusted resource for seasonal decorating and gardening expertise. We’re your partner in creating beautiful, memorable outdoor spaces. Customers choose us because:
- We offer a wide selection of healthy, locally suited plants.
- We curate our fall plants and décor collections to bring you the highest quality and most creative seasonal displays.
- Our team is here to give you guidance that fits the Bay Area’s growing conditions.
- Shopping here feels like an autumn adventure—not just another stop on your to-do list.
Visit Us This Fall
Whether you’re searching for the perfect pumpkin, stocking up on colorful fall plants, or gathering inspiration for your Halloween display, Central Wholesale Nursery is your go-to garden nursery in the Bay Area.
This season, elevate your space with thoughtful seasonal décor and celebration. Bring your garden to life with spooky Halloween fun and cozy fall charm, and let Central Wholesale Nursery be part of your autumn traditions.
Ready to refresh your garden and celebrate the season in style? Visit Central Wholesale Nursery today for the best selection of fall plants and Halloween décor in the Bay Area. Our friendly staff is here to help you design the perfect festive display for your home or business.
Stop by our nursery, explore our seasonal collections, and let’s make your garden the ultimate autumn destination. Don’t wait—shop now and capture the magic of fall with Central Wholesale Nursery!