Before we delve into fall foliage, Leslie Van Berkum of Van Berkum Nursery sent me her answer for yesterday’s trick true or false question - The chainsaw cutting tooth design was inspired by beavers.
“Ann, I had heard that the design was inspired by a logger, Joseph Cox in 1946, who paused in his work with the old style chain-saws, and noticed a pine beetle larva (related to the Asian Longhorn Beetle) chewing efficiently through wood, with his mandibles slicing sideways and with the grain. He developed a new cutting chain in Portland, Oregon based on this observation.” Leslie
Way to go, Leslie. Extra points!
Now, let’s check out one or two perennials often overlooked for fall color. A favorite in the garden is Geranium ‘Nimbus’. This perennial geranium has a fine-textured leaf with soft lavender blossoms from late-spring to mid-summer. Its stunning fall foliage rivals the color of most sugar maples. Great to plant in masses as an edger or as a specimen by itself, Geranium ‘Nimbus’ is a must-have for any garden.
(Top photo - Geranium 'Nimbus' in blossom)
(Bottom photo - Geranium 'Nimbus' displaying its fall foliage)
Another great perennial sporting fantastic foliage is Amsonia hubrichtii. In early summer, this versatile plant displays delicate blue star-shaped flowers and soft, feathery foliage. This phenomenal plant-lover’s plant continues to put on a show late into the season with its yellow and soft orange hues. Both of these perennials are sun-lovers and can be layered in nicely to your border.
(Fall color just starting to turn on Amsonia hubrichtii)
Photos by Greg Bilowz
We end with our inspirational thought for Wednesday by Joseph Joubert. “It is better to stir up a question without deciding it, than to decide it without stirring it up.” I still think beavers might have something to do with the chainsaw invention. Happy Birthday, David.
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