Who needs mums?


They are not required on the GWI property. I’m now realizing that gorgeous weather is way more important than any flower when it comes to Bloom Day in November. Gorgeous weather is what we’ve been having, so I’ve been able to hang around in the garden and enjoy the colors of fall.


What could be better than yellow, red, and orange ivy against red brick walls, or deep red Japanese maples, or dusky rose hydrangeas? Most of the trees have lost the better part of their leaves, but the ones that remain are dramatic, silhouetted against an uncharacteristically blue fall sky. In July you can be picky, but in November you’ll take the plant color you can get. Even most of the fall bloomers are done by that time in this region—though I am not a big fan of many of the plants specific to fall.


The roses are hanging in there, especially the indomitable Abraham Darby, Blush Noisette, and unknown red climber. At this time of year they will hang on to half-opened buds for weeks.


Even the wisteria is contributing, looking more interesting as it loses leaves and gains chartreuse tones.

Comments

This weather is most helpful for the GBBD. Happy GBBD.
Nan Ondra said…
"...you’ll take the plant color you can get" is definitely a good theme for this Bloom Day. Thanks for sharing the GWI garden today, Elizabeth.
Nell Jean said…
I'm not a fan of mums, either. Late planted zinnias and marigolds will lend color until frost takes them out.

Happy Bloom day.
Carol Michel said…
What, no mums? Not even a little straggler? Just kidding, the fall color is spectacular without the mums and pansies. I like the muted shades of it all. Sometimes the newly planted mums and pansies can be "jarring" against the natural fall colors of the garden.
I agree with you Elizabeth, autumn foliage is dramatic and fascinating.
Rose said…
I set out a few pots of mums for some accent color, Elizabeth, but I agree I get more enjoyment out of the natural color of autumn. The leaves, even lying on the ground, and the seedheads of plants or the dried blooms of hydrangeas are more beautiful than anything else. Hope this beautiful November weather holds out for awhile longer!
JulenaJo said…
No mums here either. Once, though, I sprung for a dozen pots and used them to line my entryway, they were glorious while they lasted. An extravagance though. This year, as with most, I'm happy to let the garden wind down. However, if I'd known how mild November would be I might have added some pansies to the front row of the flower bed. Maybe next year.
Roses in November are such a treat. I agree with you about the Mums, even though I do have one. Your fading Hydrangea is lovely. Mine have all turned brown now.
Layanee said…
Not so great here yesterday but today it is magnificent. I agree, who needs mums.
Helen said…
The mums I like are the daisylike singles... in the home garden, the others often end up looking pinched, like a too-tight perm.
Sigh, mums and pansies are all you can buy here from September til spring. I'll take the colors of leaves anyday.
Cindy, MCOK said…
I'm glad you're getting some garden time before winter sets in and that the plants are celebrating that along with you!
Gail said…
I totally agree with you~~mums are not necessary for a full autumn gardening experience....but, I do enjoy the Sheffies very much. If I might echo Cindy, I am glad your able to get out and enjoy the garden.
gail
Barbee' said…
I had wished for mums for many, many years, but didn't have the spending money for non-necessities at that time. Then one year finally came when I decided to buy mums. I splurged and bought 5 plants. The dog ate every one!
Carol said…
Lovely colors and I too believe that the late bloomers or hanger on'ers... and foliage of fall are so stunning especially back lit by glowing sunlight... mums are a bit overdone perhaps. Your first photo is beautiful... I love the gray trunks with the colorful ivy this time of year.
Hydrangeas are the kind of plants which just give and give no matter the season.~~Dee

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