as fall approaches, foliage rules

Hydrangea quercifolia

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.

Acanthus spinosa

The leaves of Acanthus spinosa are starting to give the flower spikes some competition in the drama department.

Katsura tree

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.

Scott’s ‘Tiger Eye’

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?

Ricinis

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

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.

Metasequoia

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.

Chamaecyparis p. ‘Filifera Aurea’

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.

Overlook neighborhood

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!

12 thoughts on “as fall approaches, foliage rules

  1. 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!

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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!

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