It’s been such a mild fall that the hydrangeas and roses are re-blooming here in the Metro DC area- lovely! [Photos taken November 17, 2015, Potomac, MD]
Plants
Staghorn Sumac Shines Best in Fall
There is so much wonderful foliage right now I can hardly stand it, but one thing I keep seeing around my neighborhood is the Staghorn Sumac. Ranging from deep red to orange and bright yellowy-green, the pinnately compound leaves just jump out against the landscape. I always notice this up and down I-95 in the fall, with the fruits especially showy in winter when the leaves have dropped. Sumac can become the size of a small tree over time. Love this plant!
Landscaping Makes a Mess
Beautiful photos are fun, but we all know sometimes it gets a lot worse before it gets better! Too muddy today to even move the bamboo palette off the walk. Back tomorrow!
The Circle of Life- Composting!
Well, isn’t this a sad site? The good folks of As You Like It Landscaping are swapping out summer and fall annuals for clients. Don’t worry, it will all come back in the form of compost!
Topiary Madness
Who left the gate open?! Fun at Green Animals, Portsmouth, RI.
A Green Roof is for the Birds
I’ve been looking for a custom birdhouse for a project. I haven’t seen anything nicer than this one!
Victoria Plum Fruit Tree
Talk about an embarrassment of riches! My parents have a plum tree with thousands of plums on it right now. Fruit trees take time and effort, but imagine having this in your garden!
Fall Planting is Best
This is the best time to get new plants in the ground. Imagine how wonderful your winter garden would look if you put in some winterberries!
Green cover
Groundcovers aren’t the most exciting thing to talk about, but they do a valuable job of providing green cover and controlling erosion. Popular choices in the DC area include Euphorbia varieties (shown), pachysandra, ajuga, periwinkle, and Virginia Creeper.
Z is for Zinnias
Zinnias bloom for months of color. Cut them for beautiful bouquets and they will be even more prolific!