Discover the Secrets to a Gorgeous Autumn Garden
Hello, garden friends!
Autumn has truly arrived in my corner of Southeast Michigan, bringing with it chilly temperatures, gorgeous leaf colors, and the gentle winding down of the gardening season.
I’m Sue from Garden Moxie, and I’m thrilled to welcome you to my Autumn garden as we appreciate these last moments before the leaves start falling. Let’s take a stroll through my autumn garden and I’ll share some of the highlights (and a few challenges) that come with this beautiful season.
The Beauty of Autumn Foliage
One of my favorite sights this time of year is how the leaves change colors. Take my variegated Solomon’s seal—a plant that truly shines in the fall. During the sumer, the green and white variegation looks great in the shade, but come autumn, it fades into a beautiful golden shade that’s just mesmerizing.
Another standout in the Autumn garden is my Japanese maple (Bloodgood variety). The leaves are just beginning to turn a brilliant red, promising an absolutely gorgeous display. Alongside them, the forest pansy redbud trees are turning a lovely yellow. I’m fortunate to have wonderful borrowed views of my neighbors mature trees as they change colors.
Navigating Seasonal Challenges
The Autumn garden isn’t just about beauty; it also brings its own set of gardening challenges. This year, I’ve been battling with moles. It’s amazing to me how much damage a single mole can do to the turf. I haven’t seen moles in the garden in over two years, but they’ve arrived this fall. I confess it’s a bit frustrating.
I’ll miss walking under the leaves of the redbuds once they fall. These trees make this path a cozy space during the garden season. It’s my favorite place to read.
The boxwood in my garden has faced some troubles with the pesky boxwood moth. While most of the boxwood around the garden is holding up well, the central area near the fountain has been severely affected. I’m keeping a close eye on it and exploring solutions like using BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) to manage the issue.
Highlights of My Autumn Garden
Despite these challenges, there are plenty of highlights to enjoy:
Pollinator Garden: This area remains my favorite with plants like verbena bonariensis, bronze fennel, and Calamintha nepeta ‘Montrose White’ continuing to attract bees. It’s heartwarming to see the critters thriving even as the season winds down.
Hornbeam Hedge (Franz Fontane): These column-shaped trees are just starting to show hints of yellow. They’ll retain their leaves through the winter, adding structure and greenery to the garden even when other plants have shed theirs.
Hellebores and Hydrangeas: The hellebores keep their green leaves all winter, while my limelight hydrangea, grown from stem cuttings, has done a fantastic job blooming this season. The Annabelle hydrangeas are winding down, but their brown flower heads complement the evergreens beautifully.
Ornamental Grasses: These grasses are changing color wonderfully, adding texture and movement to the garden. I even spotted a ladybug enjoying the scenery!
Planning for the Future
As the garden season wraps up, I’ve been busy preparing for next year. This includes:
- Redesigning Plantings: I’ve cleaned up the perennial phlox beds and am excited to redesign the plantings for spring. This winter project will bring fresh life to the garden next year!
- Protecting Plants: To safeguard against hungry bunnies, I’ve added protective metal mesh sleeves around the bark of certain trees. It’s a small step that helps keep my plants healthy through the colder months.
- Preparing for Spring: I’ve taken cuttings from several plants, like the purple heart plant and mahogany splendor hibiscus, and I’m growing them under grow lights to ensure they thrive come springtime. These cuttings will help me propagate new plants without the added cost.
Winter Activities and Upcoming Projects
Looking ahead, I’m brainstorming winter gardening activities to keep the creativity flowing until spring arrives. One exciting idea is a series on historic garden designers—exploring their timeless techniques and how we can incorporate their wisdom into our own gardens.
If you’re interested in this series, keep an eye out for my upcoming weekly newsletter. You can sign up here.
Final Thoughts
Autumn is a beautiful time in the garden, but I am always a bit sad to see the garden season end. I’ve faced some challenges this season like moles and boxwood moths, I know nature is resilient. I’m grateful for the colors, the bustling pollinator garden, and the quiet moments spent reading under the canopy of golden trees.
Thank you for joining me on this autumn tour of my garden. I hope it inspires you to appreciate the beauty of your own gardens this season. Stay tuned for more gardening adventures, and I can’t wait to see you in the next post!