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By Elisabeth Altamirano-Smith/ Community Columnist

Fall is in the air! As autumn leaves begin to pour down in tones of red, yellow and orange, so does the cool northern air. This week temperatures have dropped which has allowed residents to take advantage of much enjoyed outdoor activities. Besides opening the windows to allow the crisp breeze to flow through the house and scouring over pumpkin-flavored recipes, nature lovers hike their favorite trails, have bonfires and plan next year’s flower garden.                                                                                                                 Autumn is the perfect time to work in the garden. Besides raking away the leaves that begin to fall, there is a variety of perfect seasonal plants that homeowners can use to dress up the home such as marigolds and violas.

Local garden center Petals from the Past will have an upcoming lecture on fall gardening entitled “Why? What? & When?” which will discuss favorite fall blooms and plants.

“The lecture will be about an hour and a half,” said Lori Peterson of Petals from the Past. “The event is free, those interested just need to register online, so we can keep a head count to maintain social distancing.”

The event will be hosted by Jason Powell in the Education Building. Register online at www.petalsfromthepast.com.

Local plant nurseries, such as Holleywood Gardens and Sandra’s Nursery, also have porch favorites in stock, including decorative pots and fall flowers for purchase.

“We have mums in stock right now,” said Sandra Blackwell, owner of Sandra’s Nursery. “Pansies haven’t quite come in yet.”

Whether gardening or sitting by the fire in a favorite sweater, autumn welcomes all spectators.