The story you are about to read is true; names are ommitted to protect identities. Our investigator, while driving between appointments, reports on today’s garden crime:
Radio Dispatch: “GC Squad Car One Investigator: How are you doing out there today? Over.”
GC Investigator: “Copy; I’ve done all schvitzing I want to do for today; I thought the weather would be cooling off by now! Over.”
Radio Dispatch: “Weather predictions all week are for very warm, dry conditions. Maybe some late-day pop-up showers. Otherwise, no relief. We have a report of disturbance on Holly Lane. Over.”
GC Investigator: “Copy; I’m on the way. Over.”
With a sigh she turned her squad car into the neighborhood while rolling up the windows and cranking up the a/c. Another scorcher in Lilytown.
Before she reached the center of the cul-de-sac, she saw the offense from 200 feet; plants burnt and bent over from heat exposure; some prostrate in the plant bed, beat down by the last hard rainstorm never to regain a vertical form. Weeds, pressing into the large, open mulched spaces between some sad and tired looking plants, have taken over much of the plant bed. A refuse container, half full of weeds and a pair of garden gloves draped sadly over the edge. Disordered and disheveled, the plant bed has given up for the season. The only thing missing from the scene is a white flag of surrender. Our investigator pulled up alongside the curb, shaking her head. “And it’s at the front of the house, too, for the whole world to see; tragic.”
The gardener appeared as soon as she saw our investigator’s squad car pulling over, the spinning green light on top signalling her arrival.
“Good morning,” our investigator called out. “What brought your call to our department today?”
“Thank you for coming out so promptly,” said Ms. Brown, the homeowner. “I just don’t know what to do anymore. The season started well enough, but then once summer got underway, not only did the garden stop blooming, but everything also seemed to just give up. And now, so have I. Please help me; I don’t want to arrive to autumn every year with the garden looking like this!”
“I sure hear that frustration in your voice,” said our inspector, ‘but things are not as bad as it seems. Here’s your solution: your garden is a spring and early summer garden. These plants have been in leaf for a long time this year and are approaching the time of the year when they are ready to start heading into dormancy. Some of these perennials need to be cut back. To take their place, you need plants that turn it on late summer and fall. They will both fill in the empty places of the finished early-season perennials preventing weeds from moving in as well as creating beauty for your late-season garden. How does that sound to you?”
“You’re exactly right, Inspector! I’m always so happy with the garden up until May—and then it just seems to lose its impact. What kind of plants do you suggest?”
“Fortunately,” our inspector said cheerily, “there are lots of great choices for you—and the best news is that they will evolve beautifully from spring through fall. Here are my top plant choices for your fall-scaping!”
“For your tree and shrub options:
Serviceberry tree. One of our best native trees, perfect for small gardens, has magnificent fall color and bark that takes on a lavender coloration in winter, followed by pretty, white flowers in spring. After that, there are berries for birds. The tree will also be a nice focal point and provide a little bit of dappled shade for your spring plants to help them from getting so much sun at the end of the season.
I think you could also add some ‘Tiny Devil’ Ninebark, an attractive small shrub with a dark foliage to support the brighter color of the other leaves you have in this space. I think you already have a good amount of evergreen plants for winter color, so your winter interest is covered.”
“For perennials and grasses that look gorgeous in the fall, I suggest adding ornamental grasses and Asters—these both have late summer interest and flower when few other plants are blooming. Both are deer-resistant and easy to care for. Asters come in a variety of colors and sizes. If you want a pop of yellow, you can add some False Sunflowers or Black Eyed Susans. For some white flowers with a good leaf that cover the ground, helping to combat weeds, try Japanese Anemone. This are best in part-sun conditions.”
“Inspector, I can’t thank you enough!” Said our happy homeowner. “I want it to look its best all year while also reducing the amount of work I have in this section, especially in the heat of the summer. I didn’t realize the solution would be in adding more plants; I thought I was doing something wrong. Can I plant any of these now in the fall?
“Absolutely! Fall is the best time for planting, actually! You will be way ahead of the game come next year as the plants will grow strong roots over the winter. Your garden next fall will be amazing!”, said our inspector.
“Happy to help,’ concluded our inspector. “Have a wonderful rest of the day.”
The Bottom Line
Our GC Inspector report:
Gardens don’t close-up shop at the end of spring and summer. With other seasons to consider, there is so much potential to create beauty that lasts all year by adding plants with high landscape value that are simultaneously easy care for.
