My garden is a relatively new garden that was started eight years ago when we bought our home. Prior to that time, the original landscaping, planted in the mid-1960s, was struggling to survive. The woods had encroached upon the house as wild vines had been growing freely for years. Since then, many trees and flowering shrubs have been placed throughout the landscape as I have tried to focus on having an interesting and ever-changing landscape throughout the year.

My Garden in Autumn
By Sharon R. Davis

(Fifth in a series about my 2011 garden as it develops throughout the seasons.)

Autumn 2011

As the seasons change and winter rapidly approaches, the final vivid colors of the fall are visible in the garden. They remind us of the glories of the previous season and prompt us to look ahead to the approaching seasons and the beauties of those seasons that will enhance our gardens and the world around us.

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No matter how much you plan your garden beds, Nature does it better. Note this volunteer Hardy Begonia growing in stone wall Endless Summer Hydrangeas bloom beneath the red berries of Winter King Hawthorn. Japanese Anemones provide welcome autumn blooms. Honorine Jobert has white flowers and Marguerite has pink. Sweet Autumn Clematis blooms white on a fence below a raspberry crepe myrtle. Seed pods of the Sweet Autumn Clematis make an attractive artistic display after the blooms fade. Knockout Roses are a must for any garden because of their long bloom time and low maintenance. Assorted fish, including butterfly koi, are at home in my water garden This Longwood Blue Caryopteris is a star performer. Two butterflies are enjoying the Royal Red Butterfly Bush. The green background of mixed trees shows off the grasses, hydrangeas and roses planted in front. This Bradford Pear, which is more than 50 years old, split long ago and now resembles a Live Oak. Landscape designers recommend incorporating a “borrowed view” -- a feature outside your garden that can become a focal point. This is mine. And sometimes the view from my garden looks like this. To see Sharon's previous reports: -- The First Day of Spring -- April Showers Bring May Showers -- Summer Officially Arrives, Yet Garden Extremes Continue -- The Challenges of a Long, Hot Summer