From the Garden: September's Seasonal Charm
Are you someone who embraces the magic of fall? The kind of person who feels energized by the crisp air, ready to dive into new adventures with sharpened pencils in hand? For many, fall is synonymous with back-to-school season, a time of fresh beginnings. For me, it feels like the actual start of a new year.
As a garden designer, spring and summer are when I'm most activeâbuzzing around in both my clients' gardens and my own, cultivating beauty and growth. But fall...fall is different. It's a season of maturity, where the fruits of our labor come to fruition, bringing new ideas, insights, and a wealth of experience. The harvest has been generous, with cupboards brimming with jars of homemade jamâa true testament to the season's abundance.
In the garden, fall is a time for reflection and anticipation. After the whirlwind of spring and summer, itâs a moment to pause and savor the bounty of the past months. Itâs also the perfect time to start immersing yourself in the vibrant colors of the changing leaves and begin preparing your garden for the promise of next spring.
Letâs embrace this season of transformation together, enjoying every golden moment and shopping the bulbs for a beautiful year ahead.
Warmly,âš
Designerâs Corner: Creating a Timeless Fall Flower Bed
As the season transitions into fall, itâs always thrilling to reflect on how the flowerbeds have evolved throughout the growing season. One of the most cherished projects that I have been visiting frequently this year is the historical Kumpula allotment garden in Helsinki. In 2022, I had the privilege of redesigning two 50-square-meter perennial beds in the entrance square, framing the central axis of this allotment garden. The original plan, crafted by Elisabeth Koch, the Grand Old Dame of Finnish garden design, dates back to the 1920s. To be entrusted with bringing this legacy into the new millennium while honoring Kochâs vision has been an absolute honor.
Iâm delighted to share that the new plantings have been in full bloom since last spring after being established just a year ago in fall 2023. Theyâve become a true highlight of the entrance garden, drawing admiration from allotment gardeners and visitors alike. Every time I visit to see and photograph the beds, Iâm met with warm, appreciative comments from people thrilled by the transformation. Thereâs a special kind of joy in hearing praise from strangers who are so captivated by the beauty of these perennial beds that they canât help but start a conversation.
As autumn deepens, the flower bedsâ color scheme has turned into the sunny yellows of Summer Sun false sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides âSummer Sunâ) and Moonbeam thread-leaved tickseed (Coreopsis verticillata âMoonbeamâ), the reblooming cranesbills, and the violet hues of asters and phlox, which are beautifully complemented by the ornamental grasses. Initially, the plan also included the brilliant orange tiger lilies (Lilium lancifolium) with their striking recurved petals. The orange tiger lilies would provide a vibrant focal point amid yellows and purples of blooms and the subdued, warm tones of grasses.
A year ago, these planting areas were planted in late summer - early fall, the perfect time to plant perennials. However, lilies are best planted as bulbs in spring. So, lilies are missing this fall but will be added next spring. Iâm eagerly anticipating the fiery orange of tiger lilies standing against the warm yellow flowerhead of false sunflowers and soft, tawny hues of grasses in all their late summer glory next year. The landscapers of the City of Helsinki did an excellent job - it is hard to believe that the planting has just turned one year old!
As the fall proceeds, the design starts centering around ornamental grasses, which genuinely come into their own during this season, offering both striking structure and movement that hold the eye through the season's end. These grasses serve as seasonal anchors, providing a dynamic quality that brings the garden to life as they sway in the autumn breeze. The color of their seedheads intensifies with the cooler weather, turning shades of mellow gold and golden tan, perfectly complementing the tones of the surrounding perennials. This transformation adds a rich layer of visual interest, ensuring the flower beds remain captivating even as flowering plants begin to fade.
Design Tip: When combining flowering perennials with ornamental grasses, one of the most critical factors to consider is the spreading behavior of the grasses. Knowing how a potential ornamental grass will spread is essential to ensure it complements your perennials without overwhelming them. It is necessary to consider both of the following aspects when choosing ornamental grasses for your flowerbeds:
- The grass doesnât produce fertile seeds or many seeds that could make it spread aggressively.
- It is clump-forming and has a non-aggressive root system that does not spread with rhizomes that could overtake the planting area.
Before purchasing, research how the grass spreads and choose varieties that match your design goals and garden space.
This interplay of colors and textures promises to create a breathtaking display, blending the warm flower colors with the graceful, flowing form of the grasses. The grasses will frame the plants beautifully, enhancing their vivid color while adding a layer of soft, textural contrast. They will continue to provide interest even as the flowering plants begin to fade. This will create a seamless transition and ensure that the gardenâs beauty endures well into the season.
Seasonal Spotlight: Shopping for Spring Bulbs
September is finally here, and with it comes one of the most delightful gardening ritualsâbulb shopping! Stepping into your local garden center now is like entering a candy store, but with an array of jewel-toned bulbs promising to transform your garden into a springtime marvel. Choosing bulbs is not only about the joy of selecting colors and shapes but also about investing in long-lasting beauty and ensuring a vibrant garden for years to come.
Before you dive headfirst into the vibrant world of bulbs, take a moment to ground yourselfâliterally and figuratively. Understanding your soil is critical to making sure your bulbs thrive. While the promise of spring blooms is tempting, the success of your bulbs depends on how well they adapt to your soil conditions. Make sure your soil is well-draining; soggy soil can lead to bulb rot and diminished blooms.
Woodland Tulip (Tulipa sylvestris) as bulbs and in full bloom, showcasing the delicate beauty of its yellow petals and graceful form.
Select bulbs suited to your garden's conditions to get the most out of your investment. I always aim to choose bulbs that will provide a stunning display with minimal fuss, ensuring they continue to bloom beautifully year after yearâthe secret lies in picking the right species for your specific garden environment.
As you visit your local garden center this month, you'll find an impressive selection of bulbsâso itâs a great time to pick your favorites. Just remember to store your chosen bulbs in a dark, cool place until October, when itâs time to plant. This ensures they remain in prime condition until planting time.
Dwarf iris (Iris reticulata 'Harmony') bulbs, ready to be planted to bring early spring color. Below, the same plants in full bloom, with deep blue petals and striking yellow accents, a perfect early spring delight.
When selecting bulbs, keep in mind that larger bulbs generally produce better flowers. Size mattersâlarger bulbs have more energy reserves, leading to more vibrant and robust blooms. Additionally, inspect your bulbs carefully to ensure they are firm and free from blemishes or mold. Healthy bulbs are the foundation of a stunning spring garden!
Learn & Grow: Choose Spring Bulbs for Your Soil Type
As you think ahead to spring, fall is the perfect time to plan and prepare for a spectacular bloom. The variety of fall-planted spring bulbs available is vast, offering countless options in colors, sizes, and blooming times. However, for a truly successful garden, itâs crucial to match your bulbs to your gardenâs soil type and drainage conditions.
To simplify this process and ensure your bulbs thrive, Iâve created a comprehensive curated plant list. This guide categorizes bulb species based on their suitability for different soil types âwhether you have sandy, free-draining soil or clayey, moisture-retentive soil. With this plant guide, you can confidently choose the spring bulbs that will thrive in your garden, ensuring a vibrant and reliable display year after year.
Imagine creating a dazzling array of blooms in your flower beds, each season more spectacular than the last. By selecting the right bulbs for your soil conditions, youâre investing in a garden that will enchant you year after year.
Take advantage of a special offer this month: purchase my plant list and enjoy a discount. Itâs a fantastic way to save time, streamline your choices, and invest in a garden that will continue to delight with colorful blooms.
Embrace the joy of fall planting and set your garden up for spring success. Click below to get your guide and plan your gardenâs spectacular spring show!
Join the Conversation:
Weâve had a fantastic start to fall gardening with ornamental grasses, bulb shopping, and planning for vibrant spring displays. Now, Iâd love to hear from you!
- Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below. Your insights and experiences are valuable and can help fellow gardeners.
- Start by participating in our quick poll: Whatâs your favorite spring bulb to plant? Write below to cast your vote and see what others are choosing.
Comment or vote for a chance to win a free 'GARDEN DESIGN ASSESSMENT & FEEDBACK' SESSION (worth $247 USD)! One lucky newsletter subscriber will be selected at random on October 1st, 2024. Donât miss out on this opportunity to work with me personally!
Letâs keep the conversation blooming! I look forward to hearing from you and exploring garden design and your gardening experiences together.
