We live in a region that is blessed with four distinct seasons, each with its unique charm. Fall brings shorter days with cooler temperatures, and hopefully rains to relieve our parched landscape. The period from Labour Day to early November sees the garden transitioning to winter dormancy in a final burst of colour. Many deciduous trees
and shrubs go out in a blaze of glory. Their colour should be a serious consideration when planning your garden.
Trees with brilliant fall colour create a big impact in the garden with some of the favorites being American Sweet Gum, Tulip Tree, Eastern Red Maple and many of the Japanese Maples. In late fall Ginkgo and Birch put on a brilliant show of yellow. The intensity of the colour is enhanced by stress such as this summer’s drought conditions. We can anticipate a brilliant display this year.
In the shrubs the Dwarf Burning Bush leads the colour parade with its intense red. It is not showy the rest of the year but makes up for it in fall. Smoke Bush, a drought tolerant shrub with foliage ranging from deep purple to golden in summer, looks lovely in the fall. Chinese Witch Hazel has attractive colour in fall and comes into bloom in January. The vine for colour is Virginia Creeper which can turn a boring fence or structure into fiery colour.
Gardeners are always planning and are now thinking of spring flowering bulbs. Now is the time to select and plant by November. The best selection is available after Labour Day with many types like narcissus being
deer proof and easily naturalized. Tulips are the big exception that must be kept away from deer. Finally fall is
clean up time before retreating indoors to anticipate the return of spring.
Bernie Dinter, owner Dinter Nursery.
Family owned and operated since 1973 offering 3 generations of horticultural knowledge.