Change....it is in the air and it is affecting everything. At long last the steamy humid days of summer are giving way to the crisp, blue sky days of fall, and it is time for Mother Nature to put on a new dress. Speaking of new dresses, I recently came back from a garden writing symposium so totally inspired to write, to garden, to mend my misorganized self.....to change! Besides learning so much from the different sessions about how to better pursue my writing career, I was overwhelmed by the beauty and variety of the gardens in the Raleigh, NC area. Over 1200 pictures were taken!! Lots of inspiration for upcoming containers and garden designs.
The first thing I did when I got back was to check out the City containers and the Scented Garden to see how the plants were looking. Were they anxious to take a much needed rest from putting forth all that glorious color? Some were definitely ready for a long winter's nap in the compost pile. But not those dragon wing begonias.....my gosh they are at their peak of beauty right now. Sadly, it is time for the fall color change out and, while the begonias will continue to thrive until the first frost, they must leave and make room for the winter color. Another winner that keeps on going is the Centaurea 'Colchester White'....I know I've raved about it before but it bears repeating. It is a must have in any container. Its companions this year were Verbena 'Blue Princess' and PW Supertunia 'Lavender Skies'. While Blue Princess took a rest from blooming, Lavender Skies never stopped; and was the perfect "socks and shoes" for the centaurea all summer long.
The first thing I did when I got back was to check out the City containers and the Scented Garden to see how the plants were looking. Were they anxious to take a much needed rest from putting forth all that glorious color? Some were definitely ready for a long winter's nap in the compost pile. But not those dragon wing begonias.....my gosh they are at their peak of beauty right now. Sadly, it is time for the fall color change out and, while the begonias will continue to thrive until the first frost, they must leave and make room for the winter color. Another winner that keeps on going is the Centaurea 'Colchester White'....I know I've raved about it before but it bears repeating. It is a must have in any container. Its companions this year were Verbena 'Blue Princess' and PW Supertunia 'Lavender Skies'. While Blue Princess took a rest from blooming, Lavender Skies never stopped; and was the perfect "socks and shoes" for the centaurea all summer long.
It will be a challenge to decide which evergreen plants will remain in the winter containers. Many are now outgrowing their home and will crowd out the annual color. It is nice to have the evergreens; they are permanent color, save money and easy to maintain. But, folks like to be "wowed". I see them walking the streets looking at the containers and, guess which ones they stop to look at? Right, the DW begonias, the Colchester White, the Rustic Orange coleus. The conifers and ivy will definitely remain since they are terrific backdrops and accents for the pansies. Time though for the Autumn ferns to move over to the Scented Garden. With their roots happily fertilized and watered all summer they've become small shrubs, which will be perfect for softening the brick walls in the Garden.
A trip to the nursery brought out the lust for plants again. This season has been particularly difficult for the growers -- lots of rain and not much sun -- so the pansies were not as robust as usual. Still, there were many to choose from. This year I'm going with more violas; they proved to be hardier and more showy. There will be a good representation of pansies in yellows, oranges and reds...gets the attention of drivers as they tour the town. Look for a new pansy in the pots: Amber Kiss....I loved the bright unusual color. You'll have to wait until next blog time to see photos!!
The changes in me have already started and I like the results: lots more energy and lots more finished projects. The changes in the containers will begin next week and should be finished before Halloween. Next time I check in I'll let you know how the Scented Garden is progressing. The cooler weather and rain has made that area lush, green and happy. The 'Tiny Princess' camellia is heavily budded and ready for showing off; and the tea olive is, of course, blooming and fragrant.
One of the most important things learned at the symposium is that everyone likes change, even though they complain about it. Some like change to come about slowly; some like the sudden whosh of a complete makeover. I, for one, am looking forward to the change in season and all that it brings to the garden and the summer weary containers.
No comments:
Post a Comment