Asters get their name from the Latin word for "star," and their flowers are indeed the superstars of the fall garden. Some types of this native plant can reach up to 6 feet with flowers in white and pinks but also, perhaps most strikingly, in rich purples and showy lavender.

• Add a thin layer of compost with a 2,inch layer of mulch around the plants every spring
• If you receive less than 1 inch of rain a week, remember to water your plants regularly during the summer
• However, many asters are moisture-sensitive; if your plants have too much moisture or too little moisture, they will often lose their lower foliage or not flower well
• Keep an eye out for any stressed plants and try a different watering method if your plants are losing flowers
• Cut asters back in winter after the foliage has died
• Divide every 2 to 3 years in the spring to maintain your plant s vigor and flower quality