Bloom Day October 2013: Colors of an Autumn Garden

 It's autumn in my northeastern Long Island garden and the landscape is bursting with color.  This has been a beautiful October with temperatures a little warmer than normal in the mid to upper 60's with many blooms still in sight.  As the cooler breeze starts to move in there is evidence of fall with changing colors of the garden turning to hues of burgundy, orange and gold.  It is time for another walk in the garden.

Blooms on Basil Ocimum basilicum (Mountain Magic)

First is this new variety of basil I picked up for the herb garden.  We have kept it clipped all summer but now it is going to seed with vibrant purple blooms that bring a burst of color to the fall garden and the sweet aroma of the basil is not bad either!

Blue Atlas Cedar Cones

In the front yard the stately Blue Atlas Cedar is producing an abundance of cones...hopefully not a sign of a harsh winter.

Crape Myrtle 'Sioux' Bark

The bark on my Crape Myrtle is a new treat in the garden.  The tree has reached maturity and the exfoliating bark is almost like artwork displaying an array of swirls and variations of multiple colors.  Even when this tree looses its foliage the bark is an interesting feature.

Coral Bark Maple (Acer palmatum 'Sangokaku')

The foliage of the Coral Bark Maple in the front yard is going into its fall color mode.  It will be turning a bright yellow within the next couple of weeks and the bark to a bright red by winter.



Back Island Bed

With morning tea viewing from my kitchen window the Pink Knock Out Roses are still in bloom along with my newest favorite addition.  This dwarf Butterfly Bush is still blooming and has been for months!  Along side it are Heuchera 'Caramel', Gold Mop Cypress. Barberry and Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar.  The colorful folaige of the new Heuchera 'Caramel' fits right into the fall motif!

Buddleia  Lo & Behold Blue Chip (Dwarf Butterfly Bush)

  Here is the Butterfly Bush close up...still lots of fragrant purple blooms.

Golden Oriental Spruce and Coral Bark Maple

At the end of the driveway the dwarf grasses are showing their plumes and changing to a more golden hue while the coreopsis and nepeta are still blooming.  In the background are Golden Oriental Spruce 'Skylands' (left) and Coral Bark Maple 'Sangokaku' (right).



Welcome Station!

 There is a new welcome area for the birds of the garden. I had spotted this granite bird bath out east over the summer only to walk over to it again on a second trip. After a third trip it came home with me and the birds love it. Every morning it is like a spa visit for the local feathered friends.

Green Japanese Maple in Fall

Now into the front yard the Japanese Maples are turning into their fall colors...

Red Japanese Maple Fall Color

and showing their fascinating sculptured trunks.

Dwarf Maiden Grass 'Yaku Jima'

Around to the backyard the Yaku Jima Maiden Grasses are at their full height now of about five feet and displaying their wispy plumes that are swaying in the breeze by the poolside.

Dwarf Maiden Grass and Sedum

One of my favorite things in autumn is when the grasses have their plumes and the Sedum 'Brilliant' is turning to a hue of orange-pink.

Montgomery Globe Spruce

Here is the back evergreen and perennial garden in autumn mode.  The Montogomery Blue Spruce in the center is about fifteen years old now and has grown to maturity.

Weeping Norway Spruce, Heuchera and Grasses

The Weeping Norway Spruce, grasses and heuchera have also filled in over the years.  In the autumn the foliage of Heuchera 'Palace Purple' (coral bells) turns to a rainbow of burgundy and burnt orange.

Fall Garden

Back around to the back this smaller bird bath is also a welcome spot for visitors.

Perennial Border

Moving along the Salvia 'Maynight' is sporting its last blooms for the season adding a little purple to the garden...

Walkway to Secret Garden

and the Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola') are at their prime.  A new addition this summer was this blue stone walkway leading into my secret garden.  It is tucked away and when I go back there nobody can find me...ahhh...peace!

Nandina 'Gulf Stream' Fall Berry

Nandina 'Gulf Stream' along the side fence displays its colorful fall berries that will brighten to a fiery red as winter approaches.

Fall Perennial Border

Here is more of the autumn perennial garden...

Fall Perennial Border

the colors getting brighter day by day.  Included in the garden is Lamb's Ear, Astilbe, Hosta, Salvia, Daylily, Heuchera and Aster with dwarf grasses and evergreens Blue star Juniper and Globe Blue Spruce. 

Hydrangea 'Tardivia'

Last but not least are the fragrant blooms of Hydrangea 'Tardivia' turning from pure white to a gentle pink for the days of autumn.


The garden is a changing palette with each season has something to look forward to.  Thank you for visiting.  Drop a note to let me know you've been here and I will be sure to visit you as well.  Also please visit our hostesses Carol at May Dreams Gardens to see what is blooming for October Garden Blogger's Bloom Day and Pam at Digging for Foliage Follow Up.

 
"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower". ~Albert Camus

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2013. All rights reserved