Behind-the-Trowel: Fall Planting Tips & Tricks with Katie Cook, Gurnee Park District’s Landscape Horticulturalist

If you’ve visited our facilities, we’re sure you’ve seen the amazing work of our talented Horticulturalist, Katie Cook, aka “Katie the Plant Lady”. Season after season, Katie ensures our spaces greet visitors with a beautiful blend of color, design, and a welcoming touch of cheer. Katie’s work is both thoughtful and meticulous, combining her passion for landscaping as well as her knowledge of plants to intricately lay out the stunning displays we all enjoy each season.

With fall approaching, we sat down with Katie to get a behind-the-scenes look at how she prepares for the season, including her favorite fall plants, design tips, fall planting strategies, and beginner-friendly ideas. Take a look!

Let’s start with the season ahead — fall!
Q: What makes fall such a good time to plant, and what should people focus on doing before the first frost?
Katie: “It depends on what you’re planting—spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils need to overwinter in cold temperatures as part of their life cycle, so fall is ideal. Early fall is also great for planting perennials, as cooler weather reduces watering needs while allowing roots to establish. For annuals, consider swapping out high-traffic areas with cool-season varieties for longer-lasting color.”

Your seasonal arrangements are always so striking.
Q: Which plants really shine in the fall garden that people might not think to use? Do you have favorite plant combinations for fall color and texture that hold up through the season?
Katie: “Traditionally, mums and ornamental cabbage are popular fall choices, though mums can be brittle and prone to breakage during planting. I like to mix in ornamental kale for its taller growth and lacy texture, which contrasts nicely with the leathery-leafed cabbage. Cool-weather flowers like osteospermum (African Daisys), violas, and pansies also add vibrant color and thrive well into fall.”

We know fall is also the time for tulip bulb planting!
Q: Any advice on how home gardeners can think ahead when planting bulbs?
Katie: “Be sure to read the directions on the packaging when buying bulbs so you know the plant’s height—for example, tulips that grow 10–12” shouldn’t be planted behind those that grow 18–24”. Tulips also bloom at different times; some bloom early with daffodils, while others bloom later. Knowing the bloom time helps when planning for summer annuals. Pro Tip: Make sure bulbs are planted 6–8” deep so squirrels don’t dig them out.”

Your attention to detail doesn’t go unnoticed.
Q: What are your must-have tools or tricks that make fall planting easier?
Katie: “Rototilling the soil will make fall planting easier, but if that’s not an option, using a manual claw or hoe works well for smaller areas. Adding organic material to the soil benefits all plantings. For bulbs, a drill attachment can be used to make individual planting holes.”

Finally, for those who want to bring a little of your magic to their own gardens —
Q: What’s one simple, beginner-friendly fall planting idea or project you’d recommend? Something low-effort with a big payoff?
Katie: “Making a planter or pot for the front of the house is a great way to add fall color without removing summer annuals that still look beautiful. I suggest mums and cabbage as the focal points, with dust miller around the edges as an underlying filler.”