Tricks and Treats

My October garden is as much of a pleasure as my May garden, namely thanks to the amazing Sedum 'Autumn Joy' which adds so much pizzazz to the Sun Perennial Border at the front of our property. The cranberry red color mirrors the crimson foliage of the Japanese Maple 'Bloodgood', and it's a true statement plant. The chartreuse Sedum 'Angelina' also makes quite an impact, serving as edging for the border while contributing vibrancy and breaking up all the green-ness. What would an October Garden be without Sedums? They are such a treat.

Today I took corrective action and re-designed the Front Entry Border. The Astilbes (mixed) and Geranium 'Biokovo' have now all been transplanted from the sunny right side to the shadier left, and in their place I have planted Japanese Anemone 'September Charm' (5), 'Pamina' (3) and Verbena which can take a lot of sun. I added 5 Creeping Jenny to ring the root of the tree, and then directly front-center I've planted a patch of pansies and will add some Tulips in-between. On the trellis next to the garage, I've now planted Clematis 'Henryi' and Clematis 'Miss Bateman'. I think the trick to dealing with this tricky garden spot, is to forget about symmetry. It will be a real treat if this installation is my final and permanent solution to the sunny/shady conundrum I have faced in the past.

As I close-out the gardening season, it's always a nice treat to put out some seasonal displays, and these containers work like a charm to put a smile on my face