Now that we have consumers convinced that the gardening season doesn't have to stop at Labor Day, it's time to stretch their comfort zone a bit further. Like convincing them that the autumn gardening season can last well into November -- or beyond in temperate zones.

Many plant breeders are helping retailers in this regard by introducing season-extending plants in traditional autumn lines(mums, pansies and asters) as well as plants that we haven't traditionally marketed for autumn.

Here are two plants and a collection that are being promoting as fall season extenders.

Chrysanthemum Brigitte

Botanical name: Dendranthema Brigitte
Supplier: Yoder Brothers Inc.
Description: Flowers measure about 2 inches in diameter and are white with an ivory center. Plants have a compact, mounded growth habit.
Why stock it: Brigitte is the first white decorative mum to join the Prophets Season Extender family. It brings a classical growth habit and quality flowers to the group.
For more: Yoder Brothers Inc., P.O. Box 230, Barberton, OH 44203; (800) 321-9573; fax (330)745-3098.

Jacob's-ladder 'Brise d'Anjou'

Botanical name: Polemonium caeruleum 'Brise d'Anjou' (pronounced breeze DAWN jhew)
Supplier: Blooms of Bressingham.
Description: A reliable and robust variegated selection of Jacob's-ladder. Luxurious, creamy-edged, fernlike foliage holds its variegation on handsome, textured clumps until frost.
Why stock it: Be the first in your market to sell these new perennials. They became available to growers just last month to grow for retail sales next spring.
For more: Blooms of Bressingham North America, 115 Third St. S.E., Barberton, OH 44203; (800)745-2143; fax (330)745-3098; www.bobna.com

Proven Winners Fall Magic line

Botanical names: Acorus gramineus 'Variegatus,' Japanese sweet flag; Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, leadwort; Lavandula lanata, lavender; Santolina chamaecyparissus, lavender cotton.
Supplier: Proven Winners.
Description: These Proven Winners perennials are designed as companions for traditional fall-color plants such as pansies, mums and asters.
Why stock them: When planted in combination with fall-flowering favorites -- or just by themselves -- Fall Magic plants add pizzazz to autumn gardens, window boxes or hanging baskets. Fall Magic plants can be ordered individually.
For more: Proven Winners, P.O. Box 289, Bonsall, CA 92003-0289; (760) 731-6029; fax (760) 731-3054.

© 1999 Branch-Smith Publishing