Garden Jewels

The wildflowers are blooming along Route 211 and out towards the beaches, along the boardwalks and in the dunes. Mums are lighting up the porches with their bright yellows and oranges. Fall color is only muted in our minds. the brilliant yellow goldenrod will slowly fade to a dusty gold but its early bud stage shows the neon yellow before it pops.

Gaillardia or Painted Daisy is massed in the dunes and by the beach boardwalks and stairs. The red with yellow tipped petals are low to the ground and prolific bloomers.

The tall Pampas grass is mellowing into it's silky cream hues, waving in the breezes of passing cars and sudden rainstorms. This is no gentle, retiring plant. The tall reeds and solid center growth are extremely tough and resilient. Pruning the spent canes can sometimes require a chainsaw to provide a cleaned up plant base as well as providing your cutting arm with relief. All you softball pitchers and golfers watching out for your shoulders and arm muscles would be wise to remember this.

The oleanders and crape myrtles still show some blooms although not as prolific as mid-summer, these graceful shrubs are hardy and colorful.  Now there are cooler days and nights, the gardens are not as bright but these two shrubs provide vivid color in unexpected places.

The container plants spill over balconies and porch railings, the ferns add lacy greenery to the cooler decks and patios. Summer annuals are more leggy, in need of a trim after their rapid growth and burst of blooms during July and August. Trim back the longest shoots with scissors and continue watering weekly to enjoy their colorful gift.

Fall gourds are beginning to show up in all the shops and supermarkets. Pumpkins large and small are available at the garden centers along with some scary Halloween decorations. The dip in temperatures these last few nights remind us that it's really fall and holidays are edging closer.  Grass lawns, garden beds and your outside containers still need your attention, although not as needy as in August, these plants still provide full color well into the fall. The enjoyable reminder of summer fun and the eagerness before vacations. Fall is here but there are still signs of summer color to be found.