Hi Reader,
In this week’s newsletter, we’ll explore the process that paints our autumn landscape and look at the legacy of a man whose innovations continue to sow seeds of inspiration. And no, he doesn’t play the flute!
Color In Your Garden
There is no doubt it’s Autumn. And the shift in leaf color is more than just a visual delight; it’s a practical response to the changing seasons. As daylight diminishes and temperatures cool, plants begin to conserve energy.
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Viburnum and Aralia ‘Sun King’ in the back garden
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Garden path under the Forest Pansy redbuds
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View of the hornbeam hedge from the second floor
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Chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for the green hue and vital for photosynthesis, starts to break down. This allows other pigments, previously masked by the dominant green, to emerge.
Carotenoids bring forth yellows and oranges, while anthocyanins contribute reds and purples, each leaf telling a story of its species and the conditions it endures.
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Rose hips turning orange
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Understanding this process not only enriches our appreciation of the seasonal display but also guides us in garden care. For instance, ensuring trees are well-nourished during the growing season can enhance their autumn colors.
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Deep green hellebore foliage with bright yellow Solomon’s Seal
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It’s also a reminder of the importance of planting a diverse range of species. By selecting trees and shrubs known for their striking fall foliage—like maples, dogwoods, and viburnums—we can create a garden that shines even as the days grow shorter.
Embracing these natural rhythms allows us to work with nature, cultivating spaces that are both beautiful and resilient throughout the year.
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Penstemon ‘Midnight Masquarade’ still looking amazing in the Pollinator garden
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Dusty Miller ‘New Look’ grown from seed
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Mahagony Splendor hibiscus in patio pots still looking great |
Wait .. Jethro Tull Was a Farmer?
I am often humbled when I read about garden history and last week, I stumbled onto the name “Jethro Tull” when I was doing research. Being the sophisticated engineer that I am (please note sarcasm), the only thing that came to mind was the English band with the crazy flute-playing lead signer.
You can hear one of their famous songs here.
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Image of the “real” Jethro Tull photo from Britannica |
Jethro Tull was actually an important figure in agricultural history. He changed the face of modern agriculture. He was what we refer to today as “a big deal”.
The band came up with the name because their booking agent was a history buff. The band had no idea who the real Jethro Tull was. They thought the name sounded “cool”. The rest as they say, is history 😊.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE REAL JETHRO TULL
Born: 1674, Basildon, Berkshire, England.
Died: Feb. 21, 1741
Career: Prosperous farmer, studied law, but chose to operate his father’s farm in Oxfordshire. He would go on to profoundly influence the field of agriculture. One of his most notable inventions was the horse-drawn seed drill. It is essentially the predecessor of the seeding machines still used today.
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Midwest Garden Resources
A Grower’s Guide – This guide discusses the most common diseases of peonies in the United State. If you have been struggling with peonies, this may be helpful.
The Power of Repetition – Great article about the notion of repetition in garden design. This article shares some great photographs of naturalistic garden repetition you may find inspiring.
If you’re looking for help creating your garden retreat, here’s how I can help:
Garden Moxie Blog: Where Midwest gardeners discover simple, region-specific design ideas and inspiring resources to transform their yard into a beautiful, relaxing retreat.
Garden Coaching: I offer virtual garden coaching to help you design and manage your garden. Garden Coaching is perfect if you’re looking to start a garden, but don’t know where to start. Or perhaps you want to improve your existing garden, but feel stuck on the next steps.
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