Fall for flowers

Southern Living, Sep 2000 by Askey, Linda C

It's easy to have a spring garden. Even a summer one comes naturally. But fall is another story. The plants are easy to grow, but we seem to forget about the season's gardening opportunities.

Look around at your neighbors' yards, botanical gardens, and nurseries for inspiration. Take note of the mature size of plants. Some grow quite large because they have all season to do so. Keep this in mind when you set out the 1-gallon pot that appears so tame.

FALL FAVORITES

Asters are the first flower most people name when asked about fall perennials. However, most New England asters bloom in late summer and early autumn, and that's no help for the flower drought of October. Tartarian aster (Aster tataricus) is the stretch limo of late asters, reaching heights of up to 10 feet. Fortunately, there is a short form called Jindai, which sports purple-pink flowers in flat clusters. Growing only 2 to 4 feet tall, it is also less likely to spread all over your flower border than its cousin. Give it full sun and welldrained soil, and you'll both be happy.

Hardy begonia (Begonia grandis) is not exclusive to the fall garden, for it begins blooming in midsummer. But its shower of pink flowers on tall pink stems endures until frost cuts the whole plant down. Both flowers and foliage are delightful for arrangements. Fortunately for gardeners with shade, this choice perennial likes the shelter of tall trees, where it grows about 2 1/2 to 3 feet tall.

For suspense in the garden, Autumn Joy sedum (Sedum telephium Autumn Joy) cannot be equaled. The tawny flower clusters are the culmination of a season-long show that begins with a rosette of succulent gray-green leaves. Soon the buds emerge, like pale green broccoli, growing steadily larger and taller as the season progresses. Then the color begins, passing from rosy-pink to sunset shades, ending in a deep rust. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil.

There are more perennials for fall. This is a season too often overlooked. Now that the days have cooled, it's nice to have something to see when we come home to the garden. Linda C. Askey

FALL FOR FLOWERS

Page 82-83: Jindai aster, hardy begonia, and Autumn Joy sedum are available from Niche Gardens, (919) 967-0078 (0). Jindai aster and hardy begonia are also available from Woodlander's Inc., (803) 648-7522 (O). (D) Available only through a designer or architect; (M) Contact the manufacturer for a retail source near you; (0) Mail order; (R) Retail store. Unlisted items are one of a kind or unavailable.