Nipping at the Heels

As we near the end of October, our colorful backdrop of New England foliage suddenly falls to the ground. But consider these 'Annie' choices for continuing color in your late-season garden. That is before the chill of November starts nipping at our garden heels. 

First up it's the Nippon Daisy or Montauk Daisy (Nipponanthemum nipponicum) that offers you the likes of summer.  This late blooming autumn flower depending on your zone could still be in full bloom right now.

It’s the Nippon Daisy with its late blooming autumn flower.

Couple this with a few more favorites. Here's one from last October's post - First Place Backdrop Perennial. Take a peek at why this is a 'must-have' plant for the autumn garden - Amsonia hubrichtii. It's one of our all-star favorites but the grand finale is its late-season foliage, taking it over the top. You can add ornamental grasses for last season interest but here's a winner Hydrangea - H. paniculata 'Unique'. Include this one into your backdrop. Why? Because this particular Hydrangea provides much for your garden's late season interest. What starts off as a beautiful white blossom in the summer turns into, well, isn't this color just sweet?  

H. paniculata 'Unique' should be included into your backdrop late color mix.

Yes, the autumn leaves and its mass of brilliance may soon be missing from the fall scene but these top choices extend color and foliage in the background while November nips at your heels. As Henry Beston pointed out, “The leaves fall, the wind blows, and the farm country slowly changes from the summer cottons into its winter wools.” So keep a backdrop of color to make the shift in temperatures feel a tad less cold.

Even in an October snow, the H. paniculata 'Unique' offers color to your late-season garden.

© All Images by Bilowz Associates Inc.

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