Plan for autumn beauty in your garden

One of the images that immediately comes to my mind when I hear the word "garden" is an area that is green, lush and colorful at the height of the summer. 

I think this might be why I haven't fully appreciated the autumn garden for its full splendor in the past. As the daylight wanes and the cooler temperatures rush in, it's difficult to find anything green and lush. 

But it can be colorful in different ways.

Inspired by The High Line

In October and November I always feel rushed to wrap up the season. I usually focus on all the things I need to still complete in the garden, and often miss the decorative show.

But over the past two years I have found myself drawn to Piet Oudolf's garden designs, and as a result, I believe I am developing an appreciation for the seasons that I used to overlook. 

I've made two visits to the High Line (one of Oudolf's designs) — once in in late September 2017 and the second time in July 2018 (I still need to visit this year!) — and I was surprised to find how much I enjoyed the plants in fall. 

It was great timing that the film screening of Five Seasons with Piet Oudolf was shown in Hartford, Connecticut in 2018, which further inspired me. "Beauty is in so many things you wouldn't think of," Oudolf says during the film. 

I think many gardeners, especially those starting out, focus on the "pretty" factor of plants — such as showy annuals with brilliant flowers — which means we can sometimes miss the other beautiful parts of the seasons. 

Asters bloom in late September at the High Line in New York in 2017.

High Line in late September 2017.

Make room for autumn beauty in your garden

I'm beginning to have a new appreciation for autumn. Perhaps it is because the season seems to extend a bit longer each year. (For example, we are just starting nights with frost, which is late since my growing season warns that can occur as early as Oct. 14 most years.)

Because the season is lasting longer, I'm noticing the plants that are left and add interest this late in the season. There are plants that produce berries (that also feed birds). There are grasses that add movement to the garden. 

'Gatsby Moon' Oakleaf Hydrangea has a gorgeous maroon color for fall. In the background are red berries on the winterberry and yellow leaves on the witch hazel.

There are late-blooming mums that feed pollinators.

'Purple Mist' Global Warming Mum blooming in the front garden. 

'Coraligraphy’ mum.

It can be in the promise of spring for next year, with seeds on display.

 Butterfly weed seeds in the setting sunlight.

In the photos above you can see some examples of the plants that stand out in my garden now — in November! You may have different plants that look good where you garden.

Now is the time to take note of what looks good now in your area.  Keep that list handy when you are planning your garden out next year. You can begin to incorporate those autumn-friendly plants and shrubs in your garden over time.