There is something magical about frosty plants in the landscape. So I’ve put together photos I took one recent November morning into a photo essay. It’s a nice break from technical or rant blog posts.
Normally, landscape workers have their daily tasks and the focus is on production. As a landscape supervisor, I sometimes take liberties by “stealing” time on site to shoot pictures. I don’t advertise it and the boss knows about it. I know because some workers report to the boss on me. Then I make them mow all year.
Rudbeckia
While most of its spent cousins have long been cut back, this specimen is still showing its warm yellow. When Black-eyed Susans fade in late summer, you know the fall is coming. I hate to see them go every season.
Acer palmatum
Japanese maples are landscape superstars. Go see them in ancient Kyoto, Japan, where they add colour to ancient temples. But don’t expect to see any leaf blowers.
Azalea
Viburnums
Viburnum davidii has nice blue berries…..
……Viburnum bodnantense is flowering.
Pennisetum alopecuroides
I love these fuzzy heads. These grasses look their best right now.
Spirea japonica
Spireas are great. If you cut back spent flowers quickly enough, you will get a second bloom. Then comes fall colour. Where space is an issue, you can cut back this woody plant into a small ball. It will push out new growth next season.
Acer griseum
Paperbark maples have decent fall colours but they can’t match the beauty of its cinnamon coloured peeling bark.
Sedum
This Sedum is still plugging away but once the foliage starts to fail we cut them back. This is nice winter work when it’s really cold out and workers are looking for work. You should see next season’s plants at the base of the plant so don’t cut too low.
Ribes sanguineum
Ribes flowers nicely in early spring.
Grass
Even frosty grass looks good. Just try to avoid walking on. Why? Because frosty grass blades have less water and oxygen in them so they can break when stepped on. Take the sidewalk.
Every season in the landscape has something to offer. Fall frosty mornings can bring magic to your garden. Drop your smartphone and stop to enjoy it.
