Ah, Autumn…
Sweater Weather! The time of year dedicated to grand colour changes. A time when our thoughts wander to putting our gardens to bed, maybe raking leaves, or moving around a few perennials.
The Autumn Garden
I believe the autumn garden can be just as inviting and interesting as any summer garden. Deciduous trees, flowering shrubs, woody vines, and ornamental grasses share the garden spotlight as their colours change and intensify. It only takes a few select plants to create an ‘alluring autumn garden’.
Garden Design
When I work on a garden design, plant materials are selected for their unique summer qualities, however they are also chosen for their ‘autumn talents’. Plants really need to work in all seasons. To make my fall selection list, I look for plants with dazzling foliage colour, brilliant blooms, colourful berries, unique or interesting bark texture, plants for a bit of movement, and plants with interesting shapes (weeping would be a good example). I look beyond the pretty flowers. I consider plants without their blooms. I keep in mind the softer fall light and it’s golden rays can highlight and enhance any fall garden.
Take time to enjoy the special moments in every autumn garden … they have their allure.
‘Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower’ – Albert Camus
Combinations for Fall Colour
The bright purple blooms of fall crocus planted with the dark green foliage of periwinkle make a winning combination in the autumn garden.
The golden fall foliage of Stephanandra creep over a stone wall blending with the deep maroon foliage of a Bloodgood Japanese Maple. While the white bark of a Heritage Birch is highlighted by the deep red foliage of Red Carpet Sedum drawing the viewer’s eye to this stunning autumn garden.
The bright red maroon foliage of a Bloodgood Japanese Maple combines with the fading blooms of Blushing Bride Hydrangea and the waxy fall foliage of white Bergenia.
Match lavender blooms and seedheads with the bright yellow fall foliage of Ice Dance Sedge for a winning combination.
Rozanne geranium is a ‘star’ in a sunny summer border however with a bit of cutting back in mid-August, Rozanne will bloom through until frost. Mix with Mugo Pine and Dwarf Spirea for fall colour and texture.
If you’re looking for fall berries, try Bittersweet Vine. The berries are ideal for outdoor decorating. This vine produces a dense, twinning thatch of stems for birds to take shelter in and the ripe berries are a good food source for winter birds, bunnies, and squirrels.
Maybe, it’s just as simple as the striking foliage of fading ferns and the bright red foliage of maples.
If you are looking for texture and colour for your fall garden, you can’t go wrong with Tiger Eye Sumac. Place in your summer garden for interest however it is at its best in the fall garden with fiery orange and scarlet red foliage. Tiger Eye Sumac is a good replacement for Japanese Maple in northern climates.
There is no question Panicle Hydrangea (known as pee gee hydrangea) provide an amazing show in late summer garden. The white cone-shaped blooms of summer fade to dusty rosy, hot pink, or red as the weather cools. There are numerous panicle hydrangea varieties available on the market today ranging in height and width, blooms size, and fall colour. Fall bloom colour depends on the variety you select with some hydrangea blooms changing in entirely all at one time, while others change gradually over time.
Ornamental grasses offer exceptional foliage colour and seedheads in the late season garden. With only a light breeze, the swaying seedheads and foliage create a ‘rustling’ sound. Leave the seedheads to over-winter as they are a good food source for winter birds.