Front Planter, with October Daphne Sedum and a small grass called Feather Grass Ponytails. This sedum just looked okay during the summer but in the last month it has really started to shine (I guess it is living up to its name)! Also behind the plant see the Amsonia tabernaemontana, which has turned the most beautiful golden yellow.
I am always looking for ways to extend the season in the garden. So today I thought it would be helpful to show you a few of the plants that do well in my garden after the first frost. We went from no frost here, to a couple of inches of sleet followed the next night be a hard frost. I took these pictures yesterday, so I think it is a good indicator of which plants will add some nice fall interest after a lot of the summer plants have faded. Don’t get me wrong, I have plenty of plants that are looking well past their prime, but I think it is important to have a mix of plants to last extend the season. On the opposite end of the spectrum I am in process of adding more spring bulbs to try and get the season started earlier before a lot of the perennials have fully leafed out. I have about 2/3 of my bulb in the ground now but I also need to put a few last perennials and shrubs in before it gets much colder. Fingers crossed the weather this weekend will hold out for me!
My shade planting bed: all of the annual coleus are DEAD but a number of the perennials are hanging in there. The coral bells, painted Japanese ferns, hosta and brunnera are all doing quite well.
Close up under the Birch Tree: I find that some of the ferns come back this time of year after looking quite burned in the middle of the summer. At the bottom are the forget me nots mixed with coral bells.
Toad Lily looking amazing!
Lambs Ear 'Big Ear' Looking great, especially when the morning dew sits on it
Monks Head, looking a little droopy
