Ponderous grows the landscape, sluggish is the lawn. The vibrant, lively hues of Summer ripen and languish. Glowing sprays of Goldenrod permeate the garden while ornamental grasses brandish their feathery tufts of bronze seed heads. Gold finches return to assess the maturing Coneflower’s bounty. Autumn whispers its intentions warmly but fervently as Summer begins her retreat.
As we begin to shift gears and schedules, it’s time to start thinking about Fall plants – Mum, Kale, Ornamental Cabbage, Celosia, Pansies and Ornamental Peppers. Plants that complement the rich palette and splendor of Autumn.
Mums! Trite? Maybe. Beautiful and traditional? Yes! Mums form the backbone of the Fall landscape and can be planted in a bed or container. There are many colors and varieties to choose from, including orange, red, yellow, white, pink, purple, and bronze
Asters, specifically, Double Purple Asters are stunning and vibrant and can be used successfully and artfully in containers, alone or combined with other Fall favorites
Kale is both unique and beautiful. There are many different varieties, some of which actually mimic blooms, and I have seen bouquets made solely of Kale and Ornamental Cabbage that were as lovely as any rose or peony bouquet. Flowering Wavy Leaf Red Kale’s purplish-red hue intensifies as temperatures cool. Works well in a bed or container.
Songbird White Cabbage is an ornamental cabbage with rosettes of white central leaves surrounded by green foliage. It’s the rose of cabbages! Does well in a bed, container, and can even be used in an unusual but stunning Fall bouquet.
Chilly Chili Peppers are ornamental and offer a whimsical and colorful touch to containers. Fruit starts off yellow changing to orange then finally red.
Sangria Ornamental Peppers are reminiscent of Halloween candy – colorful and fun and somewhat edible, although I don’t think it’s recommended. Upright fruit emerges green than matures to a rainbow of colors – orange, crimson, red, lavender, and finally deep purple. Perfect for a container but can also be planted in a bed.
Ice Cream Yellow Celosia’s golden-yellow plumes are a wonderful addition to the Fall garden. Celosia come in many colors, including red, orange, pink and purple and do well in containers or borders.
If you’re interested in any of the aforementioned plants or other available varieties, please reach out to Sweeney’s today. Quantities are limited, so don’t delay! Fall plants, whether tucked into a bed, container, or planter, are festive and fun ways to welcome the season!
Plant of the Week
Photo of Desert Plains Fountain Grass courtesy of Midwest Groundcovers
Desert Plains Fountain Grass
Upright, vase-shaped finely textured, green foliage matures to a bronzy-gold in Fall. Showy, feathery plumes of bottle brush shaped flowers emerge a dusky purple before mellowing to a flaxen tan in September – October. Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Grows 3-4′ tall and 3-4′ wide. Wonderful fall color and winter interest. Deer resistant.
“When summer gathers up her robes of glory, and like a dream of beauty glides away.”
-Sarah Helen Power Whitman
Best wishes,
Kim Sweeney