We continue to have warm, sunny days, but the nights are getting cooler, the days shorter: perfect combination for encouraging fall color. Hydrangea quercifolia is a harbinger of things to come.
The leaves of Acanthus spinosa are starting to give the flower spikes some competition in the drama department.
The Katsura by R’s studio is starting to get that shimmery look as the leaves begin to turn and flutter with the slightest breeze.
If it was beginning to look like I might have a theme for this post, here’s where that gets thrown out the window. This shot was taken in Scott’s garden of his ‘Tiger Eye’. Isn’t it grand?
Castor Bean plants are born sporting colors associated with fall, but it just ups the ante once it starts producing those spiky bronze seed pods.
Phlomus russeliana has gone through its gangly adolescence, and with a little bit of grooming has become a handsome elder statesman. Those spikes of seed heads will hang on until spring.
Here’s an odd one: the deciduous Metasequoia, or ‘Dinosaur Tree. The leaves/needles are light green and feathery until they change color and fall.
I picked this up at Joy Creek when Susan La Tourette did a seminar on ‘Plant Personalities’. It’s Chamaecyparis p. ‘Filifera Aurea’. I’m still moving it around in its pot to see where it wants to live. If you ever get a chance to hear Susan, DO! She brings the plants to vivid life, as she gently strokes them and sings their praises.
I warned you about my scattershot approach to this post. We went to a wedding reception at Overlook House. Because we were running late, I didn’t get a close-up of that amazing yard, but this way you get to see the graphics painted on the intersection. Other foliage nuts strut their stuff at Digging. Have fun!
Oh that castor bean look wonderful! Such a great plant. And ‘Dinosaur Tree’? Beautiful! That one is new to me and I’m in love.
I love your Katusa tree. I was noticing Scott’s Sumac and thinking I really should get mine in the ground. it’s been in a pot for several years and it’s not looking all that great. Love the castor and hydrangea foliage too!
Your oakleaf hydrangea is showing some fabulous autumn color! Mine is still just green all over. Last winter it didn’t even drop all its leaves. I love castor bean, but for some reason they just don’t want to grow for me. They wimp out at about a foot tall, drop all their leaves, and then get those weird spiky seedpods. Maybe I’m not giving them enough water? I’m fascinated by the metasequoia.
Love Oakleaf hydrangeas in the fall…red is MY color in the fall. Sure wish my Tiger Eyes had lived. One day I may get another and keep it in a container….better drainage.
What a pretty wide view in that Phlomus picture! And I have to say, that intersection paint job is crazy fun. Thanks for joining in the celebration of leaves!
Hadn’t thought about the beautiful Metasequoia I used to walk by in the park near the old job…thanks for the reminder, what a beautiful tree!
Bria~I got the Dinosaur from Burgess for about a buck and a half. Needless to say, it was tiny.
Grace~My main job right now is deciding where to put the things that need liberating from life in pots.
Alison~I’m aiming for xeric, but I think you’re right in thinking the Castor Bean likes more water…& fertilizer.
Janet~Scott says his Tiger Eye sulked for a couple of years.
Pam~I always like to see wide views, but am not very good at capturing them.
Loree~Only too happy to oblige.
It’s really starting to get all autumnal isn’t it, I think I’m ready for it, I love the way it looks just now. Look forward to seeing yours.
Great random post! Your foliage is looking fantastic! My hydrangea hasn’t started turning yet; still green. So glad to know that I’m not the only one who has plants in pots that move around searching for a home!
Linda~Yep, I think the really hot days are behind us, and that’s fine by me.
Peter~Welcome! An outlaw is just what this site needed.
absolutely gorgeous fall.
Wendy~Thanks