Ah, Autumn…
Sweater weather is here!
It’s a time of year dedicated to vibrant colour changes. We start thinking about putting our gardens to rest, raking leaves, and relocating perennials.
The Autumn Garden
I believe that an autumn garden can be just as inviting and captivating as any summer garden.
Deciduous trees, flowering shrubs, woody vines, and ornamental grasses come together to create a stunning display as their colours change and intensify. With just a few carefully selected plants, you can create an alluring autumn garden.
Designing with Autumn Plants in Mind
When designing a garden, I select plant materials based on their unique qualities for summer, but I also consider their contributions in autumn. Plants need to be effective in all seasons. To make my fall selection list, I look for plants that showcase vibrant fall foliage, stunning late-season blooms, colourful berries, interesting bark textures, and those that add movement to the garden. I pay attention to plants with intriguing shapes, such as weeping varieties or symmetrical shapes. I try to look beyond the pretty flowers and consider what plants will look like without their blooms. Additionally, I keep in mind fall light is softer; it has golden rays that can highlight and enhance the autumn garden.
Take time to enjoy the special moments in every autumn garden … they have their allure.
Incredible Combinations for the Autumn Garden
In the autumn garden, the vibrant purple blooms of fall crocus emerge, creating a striking contrast against the lush, dark green leaves of the sprawling periwinkle. This captivating combination forms a beautiful garden scene.
The golden autumn foliage of Stephanandra cascades over a stone wall, harmonizing beautifully with the deep maroon leaves of a Bloodgood Japanese Maple. The golden-white bark of a Heritage Birch stands out against the striking red foliage of Red Carpet Sedum, drawing the viewer’s attention to this breathtaking autumn garden.
Consider incorporating the striking, vibrant red foliage of a Bloodgood Japanese Maple, which beautifully contrasts with the delicate, fading blooms of the Blushing Bride Hydrangea. The glossy, deep green leaves of white Bergenia also add depth and texture, ensuring a captivating display of colour and interest throughout the fall season.
This stunning autumn garden combination features lovely lavender blooms with whimsical seedheads alongside the cheerful golden-yellow fall foliage of Ice Dance Sedge. It’s sure to bring a smile to anyone who sees it!
The Rozanne geranium is a standout for any sunny summer border, making it ideal for use as a flowering ground cover or for cascading over the edge of a stone wall. If you trim the Rozanne geranium back in early August, it will continue to bloom until frost. To enhance the garden, consider adding the texture of Mugo Pine and Dwarf Spirea for colour. This combination creates the perfect summer and autumn garden display!
If you’re searching for fall berries, consider the Bittersweet Vine. Its berries are perfect for outdoor decoration. This vine creates a dense network of twining stems that provide shelter for birds, while the ripe berries serve as a nutritious food source for winter birds, rabbits, and squirrels.
Perhaps it’s as straightforward as a captivating display of autumn textures where the delicately curling, bronze fronds of ferns slowly giving way to the brilliant crimson leaves of maples. The contrast between the earthy tones of the ferns and the vivid reds of the maples creates a striking visual tapestry, celebrating the transition of the seasons.
If you’re seeking texture and colour for your fall garden, Tiger Eye Sumac is an excellent choice. While it can add interest to your summer garden, it truly shines in the fall with its vibrant orange and scarlet red foliage. Additionally, Tiger Eye Sumac serves as a great alternative to Japanese Maple in our northern climates.
Panicle Hydrangeas are a stunning addition to any late summer garden, exhibiting elegant cone-shaped blooms that start as pristine white and transform into shades of dusty pink and deep crimson as the weather cools. With a variety of types available, these hydrangeas differ in height, width, bloom size, and colour. Some change colour dramatically, creating a bold impact, while others gradually blend soft whites, blush pinks, and vibrant reds, adding depth and beauty to the garden.
Ornamental grasses provide fantastic options for stunning foliage colours and seed heads that enhance the late-season garden. The swaying seed heads and foliage produce a pleasing rustling sound in a gentle breeze. For winter interest, please leave the seed heads and foliage in place, as they are a valuable food source for winter birds.
‘Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower’ – Albert Camus
Lexi Dearborn