Today marks the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. This is the farthest north the sun will be all year and the longest day of the year. Jennifer Schack, 6News meteorologist, says the actual solstice (when the Sun crosses the Earth’s prime meridian) will occur at 1:06 p.m. CDT, with the day lasting 14 hours, 54 minutes. On this day, commonly called the first day of summer, our plants receive the most sunlight to manufacture food through photosynthesis. Theoretically, as soon as the amount of sunlight decreases, the amount of chlorophyll to mask the pigment “carotene” decreases, and we get fall color. This change is all but immeasurable, and we certainly have a long growing season ahead of us.

This date can be a reminder to prepare for fall, especially if an outdoor event is being planned such as a Labor Day picnic or an outdoor garden party in September. It’s too late to add big impact with new trees, but grasses, shrubs, perennials and annuals also provide varied and interesting fall color.

Grasses have unique texture and shape. They move in the wind, some with tall golden tassels, others with variegated arching leaves. Selections of miscanthus (eulalia grass) or pennisetum (fountain grass) produce wonderful color and shape lasting well into winter. Varieties of big and little bluestem also add unique blue-green color. Spring is the best time to plant, but the current cool nights and adequate moisture give us some reprieve. The purple fountain grass, although an annual, is a great choice.

Unless you plant a large shrub (3-5 gallon), you may be disappointed with the results in just 2-3 months. Burning bush (euonymus alata) is a great choice with its unique red stems. The barberry (berberis) family shows well in the fall, and hydrangea, although the flowers may be gone by party time, show great leaf color and shape. Most of the viburnam species show dark red or purple. The smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria) starts with a deep burgundy red leaf and holds it even into winter.

The perennials will have mostly flowered out by fall. Perennial sedums will however, be in full bloom. Sedum Autumn Joy is a classic, but do not overlook the others. Hardy geraniums will show dense leaf cover and varied color. Salvia (either perennial or annual) may still have blooms, and the blues, whites and reds are stunning in mass plantings.

Annuals really open up opportunities. Containers may add just the right touch of color in their own right, and filled with blooming flowers, they produce a stunning effect. These containers can be moved to accommodate seating and guests. Mass plantings where the perennials have died back are effective. Most will hold their bloom, color and texture up to the first frost. Annuals include lantana, salvia, zinnia, marigold, begonia, coleus, impatiens, petunias, verbena and zinnia, to name a few. Mass plantings always make the best show.

Mums are the real fall flower with multiple colors, heavy blooms and lush foliage. Growing them in Kansas is iffy and, if successful, continuous care and pinching of the early buds to inspire wide growth is required. They will show, but the best will still come from a garden center purchased in the fall.

Our challenge in the summer is to feed and water these plants, especially the annuals, to make them look fresh and vibrant in the fall. A very early frost may dampen our efforts, but lack of water and nutrients surely will. One inch of water per week is usually good for the in-ground growth. Containers require twice that and must not be allowed to dry out.

Do not neglect the lawn. A brown background for the well-manicured fall show may not be desirable. An in-ground sprinkler system can be programmed to provide the 1 inch per week requirements. If your choice is to let the grass go dormant, maybe you want to reconsider and make an effort to keep it showy for the event. One inch of water per week and a fertilizer application in early September would be a good choice.

With the party, the real thing to remember is the event. Why are we gathered in my lawn and near my garden? The people are the real flowers; the vegetation is just for show.