The Cost of: Embracing fall with affordable ways to transform your home

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As the days begin to shorten, many New Yorkers are embracing the arrival of fall. With the season comes a variety of pumpkins, colorful leaves and the opportunity to decorate homes on a friendly budget. Local businesses are stepping up to help residents transition into this cozy time of year. “Everybody is looking to add some color to their stoop right before it gets a little frosty,” says Alexander Protell, the general manager of Chelsea Garden Center . “It’s hard to put a number to it, but it’s definitely in the thousands. We try to encourage people to add a little vibrance to their brownstone or inside their apartment.” One of the easiest ways to refresh your home for fall is by adding greenery. From small evergreens to vibrant seasonal plants, there are options for every taste and budget. Protell tells News 12 the importance of plants during this time, since they offer both color and texture as the weather begins to cool. In addition to greenery, seasonal accents such as mini pumpkins can add a festive touch. “The prices will range from smaller sizes at about $4 to the jumbo extra-large pumpkins, which can go for around $35 to $40,” Protell explains. Colorful mums are also a popular choice. “This kind of plant, despite being very thick and full, will give you this exact color up until it starts to get cold,” he adds. “For specialty items like this, prices haven’t significantly gone up. There’s still a similar demand to last year, and it’s a good crop this season, so there hasn’t been a huge shortage.” "