The Upper Garden in Late September

Melianthus major, Salvia 'Indigo Spires', Amaranthus hypochondriacs, Dahlia 'Bishop of Llandaff' doing their job well before frost hits.

Putnam Park in Late September

Sanguisorba officinalis, or burnet, is indispensable in the garden at Putnam Park. The red button-like flowers of this northern European native create a great textural addition and they contrast well with the asters and persicarias of autumn. The way they float in the breeze is magical.

View From the Living Room the Last day of Summer

Texture, Texture Read All About It

It is the textural elements of plants that I find most intriguing. When I am looking for plants at another garden or nursery, the foliage is very important. Grey, red/purples and chartreuse are often good colors to mix with other plants. Then I look for foliage that is thin vs thick, shiny vs flat or fuzzy, serrated vs smooth edged, round vs long. All the grass-like foliaged plants are particularly useful as are the round or paddle-like shaped leaves. When I put a composition together, I try to have a pleasing balance between contrast and harmony with both leaf color and leaf texture.

Peterborough Parks in Early September

The Pavilion Garden Entrance to Depot Park

Molinia litoralis ‘Windspiel’, Baptisa australis and Aster 'October Skies' at the Pavilion Garden 

The planter at Peter's Gate is planted with Scaevola 'Whirlwind Blue', Coleus 'Compact Red',  Jasminum 'Fiona Sunrise' and Phormium 'Pink Stripe'

The Boccelli Garden

The new Terrace at the Boccelli Garden

Our newest volunteer gardener, Blair

Blair, Laura and Molly taking a break at Nubanusit Terrace