Ah, Autumn!
The time of year dedicated to grand colour changes. A time when our thoughts wander to putting our gardens to bed, maybe raking the leaves, or moving around a few perennials. I often wonder if we miss some of the greatest moments in our own gardens. I know I have!
“Design for All Seasons!”
I believe the autumn garden can be as inviting and interesting as any summer garden. Trees, flowering shrubs, woody vines, and ornamental grasses share the garden spotlight as their colours intensify. It only takes a few wonderful plants to create an Alluring Autumn Garden.
When I work on a project, plant materials are selected not only for their great summer qualities, but for their ‘talents’ in the autumn garden. Plants really need to work. To make the list, I’m looking for talents like great colour – in foliage or blooms or both, wonderful fall berries, interesting textures, movement, or maybe it’s just as simple as a great shape. I look beyond the pretty flowers. I consider plants without their blooms. And remember, autumn’s light can be stunning to work with so take advantage of the golden to red glows of fading light to enhance your Alluring Autumn Garden.
Take time to enjoy the special moments in every Autumn Garden … they all have their Allure.
‘Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower’ – Albert Camus
The bright purple blooms of Fall Crocus, planted with the dark green foliage of Periwinkle make a winning combination in the autumn garden. Picture taken Mid October.
The golden leaves of Stephanandra creep over a stone wall, blending with the bright red blooms of a Blushing Bride Hydrangea and the deep red and maroon foliage of a Bloodgood Japanese Maple. While the white bark of a Heritage Birch is highlighted by the deep burgundy foliage of Red Carpet Sedum, drawing the viewer’s eye to this stunning autumn garden, set in a simple raised stone garden.
The bright red and maroon foliage of a Bloodgood Japanese Maple blends with the fading blooms of Blushing Bride Hydrangea while the waxy foliage of White Bergenia starts to turn burgundy. This White Summer gardens turn to shades of red in the autumn. Picture taken the first week of November.
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