No doubt, days through October and early November are the most splendid of the year, with low humidity, and cool, clear afternoons. There are times when a few weeks in September will have delightful weather, though the month can also be dreadfully hot. In recent years September has been abnormally wet, with late season hurricanes…
Tag: autumn foliage
Dogwoods in autumn
From a distance, the rich crimson foliage of the native dogwood (Cornus florida, below) is quite marvelous in early November. Dogwoods typically turn early, and the foliage persists at least a week or two into November. But, on closer inspection the leaves are curled and spotted, a consequence of high humidity and summer rains in…
Native or cultivar?
Alongside my garden are towering native swamp maples (Acer rubrum, more commonly called red maples), tulip poplars (Liriodendron tulipifera), and an occasional oak (Quercus rubra) and dogwood (Cornus florida) in the narrow swath of forest that is bisected by a small, spring fed creek. The native forest is a blessing, and sometimes a hindrance as…
Oakleaf hydrangea
The Oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) planted in deep shade against the forest’s edge have only a few leaves remaining, and these show little of the autumn color of ones planted in more sun. The leathery foliage of Oakleaf hydrangea begins to color early in October, but the colder temperatures of November bring out its boldest reds…
Yellow
Before the autumn foliage of deciduous trees and shrubs disappears completely I feel compelled to discuss the color yellow. Yellow is common, and perhaps the predominant color of autumn leaves, and for the most part it is my least favorite. With exceptions. Too often yellows are faded, or signs of disease. The foliage of hostas…
The storm’s aftermath
My house and garden are situated in a valley of sorts between tall hills and bordered to the south by a strip of towering maples and tulip poplars. The land sits low enough that strong winds often whistle through the tree tops, but the garden below is somewhat protected from the worst of it. But,…
Ramblin' through Dave's Garden 