There's no reason to give up on the garden just because the temperature is dropping, the leaves are down and squirrels are digging holes all over your yard. Successful planting design always includes four seasons, but if you haven't got a clue what will work throughout autumn and into the winter season, consult Fallscaping (Storey Publishing, 2007) by authors Nancy J. Ondra and Stephanie Cohen.
They take you through the basics of how to care for everything in the fall (dividing, deadheading, pruning, etc), but if your level of knowledge is well beyond that, just head straight for the sections on stunning fall plant families and successful combinations. Aside from the hollies, viburnums, dogwoods, and maples, the authors profile the "not-exactly-evergreens" -- abelias, heaths and heathers, rhododendrons and nandinas -- whose leaves can provide a splash of welcome color.
Beautiful photographs by Rob Cardillo show you the way to combine perennials, shrubs, and ornamental grasses for maximum effect. Wait until you see the photo of brilliant purple callicarpa berries against a background of golden amsonia. Or Artemisia 'Powis Castle' setting off the seedheads of showy sedum and orange coneflower.
Finally, the authors have developed a number of planting plans for front entries, sunny side yards, shady corners, and other locations that serve as useful guides for those who don't have the knowledge, time, or confidence to take on the task themselves.
It's an indispensable book for anyone who wants to extend the garden's interest until spring comes around once again.
(click on image to purchase book)
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