Reasons why autumn is my favourite season as a Toronto gardener:
- I was born in September
- My wife was born in October
- We were married in September
- It's the best time to work outside
- no bugs, no humidity, deals at the garden centres
and....
- fall foliage!
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| "Arnold Promise" witchhazel on fire, figuratively |
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| Detail of Hamamelis x intermedia "Arnold Promise" witchhazel leaf in autumn |
This witchhazel at my clients, A & M's, has a different colouring than mine at home which has no red margin. Unusual and beautiful nevertheless. Another reason why you need a witchhazel in your garden and not another purple leaf sandcherry from a big box store!
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Fall leaf colour and pome (fruit) of Cotoneaster lucidis (Hedge cotoneaster) |
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Oranges and russets of Cotoneaster lucidis (Hedge cotoneaster) in autumn |
You're likely more aware of "Coral Beauty" cotoneaster or Cranberry cotoneaster (C. dammeri and horizontalis cultivars) with their vivid red berries but I came across a hedge type which I think has superior fall colouring. I don't see C. lucidis that often in nurseries. Maybe a good alternative to privet if you're considering putting in a hedge next year.
Happy birthday to my wife today.
As I tell her, gardening in the fall is all about the foliage, baby!
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| Acer ginnala (Amur maple) fall colour |
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| Acer ginnala (Amur maple) fall colour with a halo effect |
Here are some shots of the Amur maple doing its autumn thing in my backyard. The leaves will only be on for about a week so I had to take some photos before they all drop. Acer ginnala is one tough and hardy maple. It's often sold multi-stemmed and shrubby. I prune mine as a tree form. My plant i.d. prof at Humber College called it a "poor man's Japanese maple" which I think is a bit unkind!
Yet another reason to plant Cornus kousa (there are many wonderful cultivars to choose from) is the outstanding fall foliage. Chinese dogwood is one of the best plants I know with multi-seasonal interest.
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| Cornus kousa var. chinensis (Chinese dogwood) brilliant autumn foliage |
Yet another reason to plant Cornus kousa (there are many wonderful cultivars to choose from) is the outstanding fall foliage. Chinese dogwood is one of the best plants I know with multi-seasonal interest.
Happy birthday to my wife today.
As I tell her, gardening in the fall is all about the foliage, baby!
By Paul Jung, author of "garden muses: a Toronto gardening blog"Google Google Find us on Google+ Find us on Google+
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