As we move into fall, the garden begins to take on an overripe, languid feel, an aging beauty going to seed, in this case, quite literally. However, it is still a beautiful place to stroll and take in the sights.
Lemon Queen sunflower (Helianthus ‘Lemon Queen’) dominates the central island. I didn’t get around to staking the Queen earlier in the season, and now she is so well-attended by bumblebees, I am content to let her tumble out over her lesser neighbours.
The ornamental grasses are taking on a starring role in the border as their seedheads mature.
My favorite is probably Redhead Fountaingrass (Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Redhead’), which has already been magnificent for weeks.
Its little cousin Piglet (Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Piglet’) has a softer look, with gently arching stems.
In addition to airy seedheads, the blades of switchgrass add colour interest. Here is Shenandoah (Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’) touched with scarlet.
The various ligularia species have been brightening shady corners since midsummer. Here is Desdemona (Ligularia dentata ‘Desdemona’).
Of course, fall is the season for asters. Here is Pink Bouquet (Aster dumosus ‘Pink Bouquet’) backed by Silver Brocade artemisia (Artemisia stelleriana ‘Silver Brocade’).
By autumn, the annuals have matured and are adding touches of brillant colour. The caryopteris, or bluebeard, is adding a pretty blue and the deep wine-cerise of Angelica is outstanding with phlox and sedum. Here is a selection of other garden highlights.
To visit other September gardens, please drop by May Dream’s Garden Bloggers’ Day roundup, linked here.
Cleome
Caryopteris x clandonensis ‘Longwood Blue’
Angelica gigas
Rainbow Knockout Rosa ‘Radcor’
Calamintha nepeta ‘Blue Cloud’
Echinacea ‘Green Jewel’
Black Adder Agastache and Hosta Krossa Regal
Anemone hupehensis ‘Pink Saucer’
Joe Crow
Woodland Walk
Tamarack Walk
Shade Walk
Japanese Painted ferns and hostas underplanting Amur Maple with Tiger Eye Sumac in background.
Royal Standard Hostas
Willow House Chronicles 