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10 The Sugar Palace
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Winterthur
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Anderson Japanese Gardens 1|
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EDITOR’S NOTE
The most wonderful time of the year
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Team Hort’s favorite garden gear
FREE FALLING
Keep-it-simple gardening tips
GO WEST!
Destination: Heirloom Seed Expo
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
Gardening in full sun and dry shade
LESS IS MORE
A savvy, small-space urban garden
AUTUMN GARDEN TRAVEL 3 Tips for fall garden exploration
FALL IN LOVE
Four favorite plants for autumn
ACORN SQUASH
This no-fail veggie is a fall staple
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, y t li a u q h ig h g in d v o r P d n a r o c e d g in n e d r a g unique s r e m o t s u c r u o o t essentials s e ic r p le ib s s o p t s e b e at th since 1995.
EDITORIAL edit@hortmag.com Community Leader & Editor Patty Dunning Editors Meghan Shinn & Beth Williams CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS Patty Dunning, Emily Dydo, Jenny Koester, Meghan Shinn, Beth Williams DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY Art Director Christy Miller Managing Photographer Ric Deliantoni Photographer Al Parrish Associate Video Editor Philip Grosvenor ADVERTISING advertising@hortmag.com VP, Sales Dave Davel Advertising Sales Jenny Koester 513-531-2690 x11365 Advertising Sales Coordinator Kathy Budsberg F+W MEDIA INC. Chairman & CEO David Nussbaum CFO James Ogle President David Blansfield SVP, Operations Phil Graham Chief Digital Officer, eMedia Chad Phelps Director, IT Jim Kuster Director of Finance Trent Miller Events Director Cory Smith Audience Development Paul Rolnick
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IT’S THE MOST wonderful time of the year—autumn! All too soon we’ll be hearing Christmas carols, and retailers will be displaying holiday decorations (if they haven’t already). We’re already experiencing cooler temperatures that are a sweet relief from the blistering summer we had here in Southwest Ohio. This issue is packed with gorgeous, easy-tocreate container ideas for fall from must-see public gardens. I’m done,
A garden is something to start—but not necessarily finish. ~ Lee Reich
however, with watering, weeding and sweating over containers. I’m spending time sitting on my newly spacious
balcony (since I’ve emptied my summer pots) planning my spring-blooming bulb order. I need the bulbs to arrive in time to plant them under the full moon on October 29! Wishing you peace on the garden path, my friends.
— Patty Dunning :: E D I T O R
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COMMUNITY LEADER
The Sugar Palace Step back in time to the antebellum South at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens
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by Kevin Kelly, Owner, Houmas House Plantation and Gardens photographs courtesy of Houmas House Plantation and Gardens
H
OUMAS HOUSE PLANTATION and Gardens is a cornucopia of color and variety, reflecting the best parts of each period in its rich history alongside the big bend in the Mississippi River. Houmas House Plantation— also known as The Sugar Palace— dates back to the pre-Civil War era when it was once the largest producer of sugar in the United States. The Mansion has been restored to the grandeur of its antebellum days and is now a museum filled with period antiques and Louisiana artwork. The Gardens have been developed as a lush 38-acre panorama of indigenous Louisiana plant life that reflects the unique beauty of each season. Many sitting areas have been provided around the property to invite guests to linger and experience the year-round splendor of the ancient oak alley; the fragrance of spring and summer blooms; and the sights and sounds of birds, wildlife, and plantation life of long ago.
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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GARDENS Majestic Live Oak Alley Centuries-old live oaks featuring 90foot canopies crown plantings of exotic and surprising beauties that are always in bloom. The majestic giants are always in season— and have been for 500 years. Houmas House This area features a variety of edible and seasonal gardens. A seasonal transitional planting approach involves approximately 100,000 plants. • The Winter Garden weaves a tapestry of petunias, pansies and calendulas, and is dramatically decorated for the holiday season.
• The Kitchen Garden spills into the ornamentals with lettuce, cabbage and kale. Chefs in the restaurants and café use harvested edibles from this garden. The cool-season edibles patch is popular among visitors. • The Downriver Garden fills out in June as the lush tropicals leap into summer—giant cannae and castonbeau above bright coleus, tipachina, caladiums, and hibiscus. • The fountain court Boxwood Knot Gardens frame annual beds crowned with crepe myrtles, sweet olives, and magnolia trees. At the rear of the garden grows a towering, 30-foot arch of Chinese wisteria.
• A Japanese Tea House sits above a 12-foot tall waterfall surrounded by extensive seasonal hanging gardens. • Bodies of water are prevalent on and around Houmas House Gardens. Situated in the big bend of the Mississippi River, the Gardens feature five waterfalls and scattered fountains that produce soothing “water music.” Several ponds and a large lake are home to lotus, papyrus and water lilies. • An extensive orchid and Bromeliad collection provide year-round blooms inside the mansion and throughout the surrounding gardens.
Previous page: An aerial view of Houmas House Plantation and Gardens captures a glimpse of the antebellum South. This page: The Sugar Palace is dressed in purple Tidal Wave petunias, bearded irises, daffodils, azaleas and narcissi in May. Opposite page, clockwise: A colorful blend of marigolds, Cassia senna, Windmill palms, Confederate roses, Carolina holly, magnolias, caladiums and azaleas surround an antique sugar kettle used as a water feature. In March, one of the plantation ponds is encircled by azaleas, petunias, Louisiana irises, gardenias and orchids. French marigolds, Alternanthera, boxwood, papaya and Angel’s trumpets add formal structure to one of the gardens. A path bordered by Queen palms, boxwood hedges, caladiums, evergreen wisteria, bougainvillea and lotuses leads to one of the garden water fountains. Following page, top and bottom: A centuries-old native tree towers over Louisiana irises, pansies, petunias and winter lilacs. This water feature on the Southern property includes Aztec Grass, water lilies, aloe vera, bougainvillea, bromeliads and more.
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CONTAINER COMBINATIONS FROM THE SOUTH • Fresh herbs from the gardens are used in Houmas House’s restaurants and café. The chef’s favorite container combination is bay tree and oregano plants. • Another charming container combination often grown is clematis, muscadine and morning glory. • Visitors enjoy raised and hanging baskets of mandevilla and “Blackie” sweet potato vine.
HOUMAS HOUSE PLANTATION AND GARDENS 40136 Hwy 942 Darrow LA 70725 www.HoumasHouse.com 225-473-9380 Open for tours: Monday–Tuesday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Wednesday–Sunday Sunday 9 a.m.–8 p.m. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
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NATIVE TREES SOUTHERN LIVE OAK (Quercus virginiana) This evergreen is native to the southeastern United States. While it is not a very tall species, the southern live oak has a widespread canopy with heavy branches, which contain the majority of the tree’s wood. BALD CYPRESS (Taxodium distichum) Prevalent throughout the swampy soils of the Louisiana bayou and banks of the Mississippi, bald cypress trees sport soft, feathery green-white leaves. Coneshaped “knees” project from submerged roots. Grows up to 120-130 feet tall. PECAN (Carya ilinoinensis) This species of hickory is native to the Midwest and southern regions of the United States. This large, deciduous tree grows between 65 to 130 feet tall and produces popular, buttery-flavored nuts. AMERICAN CHERRY (Prunus serotina) Native to the Midwest, the American cherry tree grows between 60 to 80 feet tall and can live up to 200 years. Both the wood and the fruit of the cherry tree have been harvested for hundreds of years. TUPELO BLACK GUM TREE (Nyssa sylvatica) Tupelo black gum trees are highly tolerant of wet soils and flooding and are valued in the Gulf Coast region as honey plants. They are also popular ornamental trees for their mature form, shade and autumn foliage. MAGNOLIA (Magnolia spp.) The magnolia is a native tree of the southern region of the United States, growing naturally from North Carolina to Florida, and west through Louisiana and Arkansas. It thrives in the rich, moist soil along the borders of river swamps and grows between 60 to 90 feet tall. The large, waxy white flowers surrounding a splash of purple bloom throughout the summer, producing a sweet fragrance. *
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Winterthur Experience the era of American estates at Winterthur’s Museum, Garden and Library
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by Chris Strand, Director, Garden & Estate photographs courtesy of Anderson Gardens
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W
INTERTHUR MUSEUM, Garden and Library is the oldest maintained wild garden in existence. Nestled in the heart of Delaware’s Brandywine Valley, the grounds combine uncommon exotic and native plants for a truly unique horticultural display. Opened to the public in 1951, Winterthur was home to three generations of du Ponts—Jacques and Evelina du Pont; their nephew, United States Senator Henry Algernon du Pont; and his son, Henry Francis du Pont. They all took great pride in sharing their treasure with others, entertaining both family and friends in grand style. Upon entering the 1,000-acre estate, visitors encounter tangible reminders of its past. Rolling meadows, freshwater ponds, stone bridges, greenhouses, dairy barns, a vast naturalistic garden, workers’ housing and a magnificent mansion remind us of the days a century ago when Winterthur figured prominently in the American country estate movement. Winterthur offers a variety of tours, exhibitions and programs for all ages. Enjoy the incomparable 60-acre naturalistic garden and surrounding woodlands and meadows, and play in Enchanted Woods, the award-winning children’s garden. Delight in the museum’s magnificent collection of American decorative arts as you tour the house and exhibition galleries. Dine in Winterthur’s cafés and shop the many options in the Museum Stores. You’ll discover something new with every visit.
WINTERTHUR MUSEUM, GARDEN AND LIBRARY 5105 Kennett Pike (Route 52) Winterthur DE 19735 www.winterthur.org blog: gardenblog.winterthur.org Winterthur Museum and Garden Open year-round Tuesday–Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving and Christmas Winterthur Library Open year-round Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed holiday-Mondays Admission Information Member Adult Child (2-11) Infant (under 2) Senior (62+) Student (with valid ID)
Free $18.00 $5.00 Free $16.00 $16.00
General admission tickets are honored for two consecutive days and include access to the garden, the Galleries, special exhibitions and an introductory house tour. The Introductory Tour is offered throughout the day and does not require reservations.
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NEW-GARDEN DESIGN TIPS GET A SENSE OF PLACE. Before committing your time, energy and resources to a new-garden project, take the time to peruse local public gardens and nurseries in your area. This will help you identify plants that flourish in your region and also will help you develop a sense of the local style and plant palette. ASSESS YOUR PROPERTY. Identify your garden’s assets and weaknesses. What will it take to remove the weaknesses and play up the assets? Get creative, but work through the time commitment required for your new project to ensure that you can follow through on it. Time, more than anything else these days, limits our garden aspirations. TRY THIS TECHNIQUE TO DETERMINE GARDEN SCALE. Look at the façade of your house, the height and size of the windows, and the size of the door. Now imagine laying that façade down on the ground. This is often a good trick for working out the scale of the garden near your house. If your façade is 60 feet wide and 20 feet tall, that would be a good size for your adjacent garden. If your windows are 3 feet by 5 feet, consider using these dimensions for your garden beds. Make sure the path that leads to your door references the width of your door. Using this scale technique will help your garden complement your house.
Previous page: Nestled in Delaware’s Brandywine Valley, this overhead view of Winterthur Museum captures its expanse. Opposite: Fall at Winterthur is awash in resplendent color.
RECONSIDER SYMMETRY AND LINES. Be careful of symmetrical plantings and straight lines. While they can be wonderful elements in the garden, they are surprisingly difficult to maintain. If you plant a pair of matching conifers flanking your door, inevitably one will get sick and the other will thrive, leaving you with a runt and a goliath. When you plant in a line, it should be for a purpose (such as a parterre). If there is no purpose, then you should carefully make your plantings random. AVOID “ONESIES.” Place plants in drifts with multiples for effect. It’s always tempting to try a new plant from a catalog or nursery find, but if you like it, consider planting five or six more so that the grouping will have a real impact in your garden.
Above, top and bottom: Winterthur Museum sits majestically in its surroundings, as is fitting for its country estate roots. Waves of lavender autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) soften the appearance of the soon-to-be-changing landscape.
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CONTAINERS FOR EVERY SEASON WINTER CONTAINERS—Design a winter container with small evergreen or winter-interest plants and twigs that you simply insert into the planting medium. For example, a hellebore combined with some harvested branches of yellow twig dogwood makes a durable winter arrangement.
Top to bottom: The Enchanted Woods Circle is just one section of the awardwinning children’s garden. This setting comprises a small part of the Garden’s 60 acres of naturalistic gardens, woodlands and meadows. The Pinetum features a wide array of conifers. Winterthur is flanked by horticultural loveliness befitting its stature.
FORCING BULBS MADE EASIER— Buy some extra bulbs in fall, plant them in containers and keep them outside in a shaded cool corner of your garden. In early spring, look for the emerging tips of the bulbs and then bring the pot into a warm porch area or sheltered garden area. This simple method of forcing bulbs avoids the hassle of a dedicated freezer and, kept cool, can provide a lot of early spring interest in your garden. BASIL—Buy some extra terracotta pots in summer and keep a continuous supply of basil by repeated sowing through the growing season. A heat-loving herb, basil will come to maturity (and unfortunately bolt) very quickly in June, July and August.
NATIVE PLANTS SMOOTH HYDRANGEA (Hydrangea arborescens) Large clusters of white flowers bloom from early to mid-summer. Yellow color may develop in the fall, but it is not reliable. Partial to full shade in welldrained soil. USDA Zones 4-9.
HAY-SCENTED FERN (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) Every once in a while, you need a native thug. This North American native features oval fronds that are yellow in color and turn coppery orange in the fall. Full sun to partial shade. Zones 3–8.
LARGE-FLOWERED BELLWORT (Uvularia grandiflora) This bellwort’s distinctive, deep yellow flowers bloom throughout early spring. It spreads slowly by rhizomes to form attractive clumps. Partial to full shade in well-drained soil. Zones 3–7.
SMOOTH WITHEROD (Viburnum nudum ‘Winterthur’) ‘Winterthur’ is an improved selection of smooth witherod or possum haw. Growing 5 to 7 feet high and wide with dense, compact branching, ‘Winterthur’ has 3- to 4-inch long, waxy, lustrous
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deep green leaves that turn maroon in the fall. The flat-topped white flower clusters appear in early summer and are followed by white berries that become deep blue in fall. Full sun to partial shade. Zones 5–9. SOURWOOD (Oxydendrum arboreum) Sourwood, a small native tree, derives its name from the sour taste of its leaves, which are canoe-shaped and turn maroon, yellow or purple in the fall. Full sun to partial shade in moist, welldrained soil. Zones 5–9. *
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A Tranquil Haven
by Tim Gruner, Garden Curator photographs courtesy of Anderson Japanese Gardens
L
OCATED ON A sprawling 12 acres of land in Rockford, Ill., Anderson Japanese Gardens is one of the highest-quality authentic Japanese gardens in North America. Accented with traditional 16th-century Japanese-style architecture, the Gardens abound with exquisitely sculpted pines and shrubbery, winding streams, waterfalls, ponds, and ceremonial water basins. This setting creates a haven of peace and tranquility where guests will find healing, renewal and inspiration. The Gardens also exemplify the Japanese cultural heritage of respectful humility in service to people to all cultures. Construction of Anderson Japanese Gardens commenced in 1979, with private tours beginning in 1983. It was opened to the public on Saturdays in 1994 and became a nonprofit organization fully accessible to the public in 1998.
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Previous page: The Garden of Reflection displays autumnal glory, including a vibrant burning bush (Euonymus alatus). A migrating Great Blue Heron takes a brief respite before continuing its journey. This page, clockwise: One of many bridges located throughout the grounds provides a nod to Japanese architecture. Overlooking a pond lined with Siberian irises, viewing house “Azumaya” offers a quiet spot to meditate. The main gate ”Seimon,” seen here in the spring, offers a sense of what’s to come. A small waterfall provides a soothing sound. The Moon Bridge in spring is flanked by maples taking on their colors while nestled to the pines; the weeping crab apple cascades over the bridge and pond. “Seimon” in the fall provides breathtaking bursts of foliage.
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ANDERSON JAPANESE GARDENS 318 Spring Creek Road Rockford IL 61107 www.andersongardens.org 815-229-9390 Open May 1–October 31 Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission Fees $8 adults $7 seniors $6 students Free, children ages 5 and under Ample site parking is available at no additional charge. The Garden is handicapped accessible; wheelchairs are available on site for no additional charge. Currently on-site food is unavailable, but local restaurants are accessible within a few minutes of the Gardens.
DESIGN TIPS
1. Allow plants to thrive by keeping your garden clean and weed free. 2. Prune your plants in accordance with a natural style, and study old trees in nature to visualize the overall design goal for your landscape. 3. Study how plants lean in nature and plant accordingly. 4. Mimic the natural flow and shape of a river when laying out paths to create a more organic design. Above, top and bottom: The West Waterfall pond is home to an abundant array of koi. The creek is edged by a stunning full moon maple (Acer japonicum ‘Green Cascade’).
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5. Keep your garden design simple; don’t overwhelm yourself with too much planning.
GARDENERS ON THE GO!
NATIVE PLANTS BUR OAK (Quercus macrocarpa) A large deciduous tree native to eastern and midwestern regions of the United States, bur oak grows up to 100 feet tall and commonly lives to be 200 to 300 years old. It sports long, broad, dark green leaves that are variable in shape and have lobed margins. Full sun. USDA Zones 3–9. PRAIRIE SHOOTING STAR (Dodecatheon meadia) Prairie shooting star exhibits white to pink petals surrounding yellow and red centers to resemble shooting stars. It blooms from early spring through the summer, often becoming dormant in late August. Fall transplanting is recommended. Full sun. Zones 4–8. PRAIRIE TRILLIUM (Trillium recurvatum) This perennial has unbranched bright maroon blossoms that bloom in the spring. Growing 12 to 18 inches tall and 8 to 12 inches wide, it goes dormant in the summer and propagates readily by division. Partial sun to partial shade. Zones 4–8. WILD BERGAMOT (Monarda fistulosa) Wild bergamot sports clusters of lavender, pink or white flowers that resemble tiny pom-poms. Its aromatic leaves produce a minty scent and are often used to make mint tea. Blooms from spring through early fall. Full sun to partial shade. Zones 4–8.
Top to bottom: Adding garden ambiance is the 30-foot waterfall. The Stone Crossing at the West Waterfall showcases various plant species. Tea house “Ocha Shitsu” is surrounded by shooting stars (Dodecatheon meadia) and Japanese maples (Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’).
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PAGODA DOGWOOD (Cornus alternifolia) This ornamental native shrub features horizontally growing branches that give it a pagoda-like appearance. Its clusters of early summer flowers grow into clusters of blue-black fruits in August. Grows up to 15 feet tall and wide. Full to partial shade. Zones 3–8. *
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TIME-SAVING TIPS •
Free Falling Save labor, money and the health of your plants this fall by Meghan Shinn DON’T BEMOAN THE end of the gardening year with summer’s
conclusion! In many ways the garden is just starting up again. Fall offers plenty of excellent opportunities to improve your garden’s health and appearance. Plus, it’s so much more pleasant to work in this season than in summer’s heat or spring’s mud. Here are a few ways to make the most of fall.
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Plant trees and shrubs. They’ll settle in easily during fall’s cooler days and nights, and the season’s more regular rainfall will mean less hand watering by you. As for timing, generally aim to finish planting six weeks before your usual last frost.
Take advantage of sales. Garden centers and nurseries often offer great deals on trees, shrubs and perennials in autumn so that they don’t have to carry them through the winter.
Buy fewer plants, but get more. Look for spring- and summerblooming perennials and groundcovers that are overspilling their pots. You can divide them into several smaller plants, getting more bang for your buck.
Sow seeds of annuals, biennials and perennials. Prepare the soil as you would if you were spring sowing. In coldwinter areas, sow the seeds after a killing frost. In warm-winter areas, wait until just before the rainy season begins. Seeds likely won’t sprout until spring; if you see seedlings sooner in a cold-winter region, mulch them for protection.
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Harvest leaves. As the leaves of deciduous trees fall, go over them with a mulching mower; they’ll feed your lawn as they decompose. You can also rake, chop or mow additional leaves (there are always plenty!), and use them as a nutrient-rich topdressing for your beds and borders.
PLANT TRAVELER •
Go West! Destination: The Heirloom Seed Expo by Patty Dunning I LOVE MY JOB! As the Horticulture Community Leader I fulfill a variety of duties that include the big picture (yearly budgeting, ugh!), the small stuff (writing captions for photos in the magazine), and a lot of stuff inbetween like traveling to gardening shows across the country. My most recent trip took me to Sonoma, Calif., for The National Heirloom Exposition (September 11, 12 & 13, 2012) where I briefly met the show’s founder, Jere Gettle. Jere and his wife, Emilee, are the co-founders of The Baker Creek Seed Company, as well as the producers of the expo that’s also known as the “World’s Pure Food Fair!” Moved this year to the Sonoma Fairgrounds to better facilitate attendance of 14,000 pure-food patrons, I have to say that this part of my duties was a joy to fulfill!
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Opposite: Jere Gettle and Patty Dunning. This page: Vegetables in abundance on a display that wowed attendees.
Together with Rebecca Sweet, principal at Harmony in the Garden and regular contributor to Horticulture, I marveled at the 1,386-pound winning pumpkin (see it on the rareseeds.com/ blog/); listened to the locals rally support for California Proposition 37 which is on the November ballot and which will determine if GMO ingredients in food must be labeled for consumers; and ate the most delicious fresh foods I’ve had in a long time. There were more than 100 speakers and 200 vendors at the Expo, and early reports are that folks are already asking when next year’s event will take place. Speaking of vendors, another fun part of my job is to keep you, my gardening friends, informed about products that we discover and think will be
GIVE the GIFT of GARDENING
Give a gift of membership in the
American Horticultural Society
The American Horticultural Society (AHS) is a membership organization that supports successful and earth-friendly gardening. Member benefits include: • Six issues of The American Gardener magazine • Opportunity to participate in the annual AHS Seed Exchange program • Access to members-only area of website • Free admission and other discounts at nearly 300 public gardens and arboreta 7931 E. BOULEVARD DR. ALEXANDRIA, VA 22308
To join, call (800) 777-7931 or visit www.ahs.org/join
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of use to you or that you’d find interesting. Here are a few of my favorite things found at the 2012 Expo: • Eden Salve created by Shoshanna at Bulk Herb Store (bulkherbstore .com) has a creamy texture combined with a medley of aromas that delight my senses! • Art of the Garden’s (artofthegarden.net) M Brace, garden stakes and edging are constructed of 100 percent recycled steel and are made in America. • GeoPots (geopot.com) breathable fabric containers “air prune” the roots of your plants. Check them out! *
This fairground hangar housed vegetables of all varieties, including the textured pumpkin whose name we missed. The Listada De Gandia eggplant shown at right has 7-inch-long, white fruit striped with purple and hails from Spain.
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COMMUNITY GARDEN SPOTLIGHT •
WILMINGTON,
Delaware
Far from the view of daily visitors to Winterthur are garden plots just for employees. They grow their own vegtables on the land they love with the generous support of their employer.
Best of Both Worlds How one gardener enjoys the luxury of tending both a full-sun and a shade garden by Patty Dunning
H. MACK TRUAX II is the Con-
servation and Lighting Design Coordinator at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, but he does more than work there. He also feeds his gardening passion by taking advantage of the opportunity to plant and tend a garden plot on Winterthur’s grounds. When Horticulture’s Jenny Koester (MultiMedia Sales) visited this past spring, Mack gave her a behind-thescenes visit to the employee garden. “Mack explained that it’s in the community garden that friends run into each other, realizing they both work for Winterthur in different parts of the 1,000 acre estate,” Jenny told me when she returned. “That’s my dream plot—to grow vegetables in that wide expanse that rolls down to the treeline.” With only a wooded shade garden at home planted with
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perennials that tolerate dry shade, Mack couldn’t grow the sun-loving annuals, herbs and vegetables he loves. So for years now he has grown tomatoes, beans, peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, beats, cabbage, eggplant, herbs and flowers in the glorious sun-baked rolling landscape where the garden plots are situated. In the true spirit of community, Mack says that one of his favorite things to do during or after a big winter blizzard is to hand deliver home-canned produce from his Winterthur plot to his neighbors. In this way he feels his connection to his edibles garden year round! Spoken like a true gardener, Mack says, “I have a lot of vision and new fantasy aspirations each year for my plot. They don’t always happen, but I love planning them, and there’s always next year!” *
SMALL SPACES •
Less Is More A Savvy, Small-Space Urban Garden by Emily Dydo
WHILE THE Historic District of Newport, Ky., boasts centuries of history, architecture and quaint, urban neighborhoods, it’s not known for verdant landscapes and lush gardens. However, one look at Newport residents’ Wes and Scott Ledyard’s thriving small-space garden will dispel any doubts that urban landscapes spell the end for gardeners’ dreams. Having fallen in love with the urban lifestyle, Wes and Scott moved from a large home that rested on an acre of land four years ago to a 110-year-old house in the East Row Historic District of Newport. They im-
mediately set to work transforming their postage-stamp yard into a flourishing garden. Due to the close proximity of neighboring homes, their yard is a shady haven, approximately 18 feet wide and 12 feet long. Working within a limited space, Wes utilized different- sized pots and unique objects for container plantings—including several antique brass buckets from Scott’s grandmother and an enameled chamberpot fitted with drainage holes—to add a variety of shapes and aesthetic appeal to their yard. To provide vertical levels of dimension, Wes added a mixture of
hanging baskets, pots on shelves and hooks. He also planted impatiens in a large copper funnel hung on the back fence. Working with an uneven distribution of sun and shade can be quite a challenge, but not for Wes. He adorned the sunniest corners of his garden with containers of herbs, and he peppered the rest of the yard with an abundance of shadeloving plants, including fragrant ginger roots; caladium and elephant ears (which must be dug up and stored inside after the first frost); and shade perennials such as hostas, coral bells and bleeding hearts. *
GARDENING TIPS
Wes has three tips for creating and maintaining a small-space garden:
1
From a master gardener friend: Hang a watering can on a shepherd’s crook for a poor man’s water feature.
2
To effectively deal with slugs, sprinkle granulated iron phosphate under hostas and hydrangeas. Placing trays of beer among his plants only attracted more slugs.
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3
Simply enjoy your space; accept the fact that some plants just are not going to be happy in your garden. Don’t dwell on it—put them in your compost pile and move on.
Left: The southern exposure of the 110-year-old house in the East Row Historic District is pretty toasty in the summer. Luckily, the boxes above the windows can be watered from the third floor.
Left: The bird condos hang on the east fence. There have been a few lookers, but no one has moved in yet.
Right: Being so closely surrounded by neighboring homes, the garden is in shade for a good part of the day, so there are a lot of ferns, hostas, impatiens and other shade-tolerant plants. The sunflowers were actually volunteers from the winter bird feeder.
Right: The back steps and hanging baskets give some vertical dimension (and more planting space) to the tiny garden.
Left: A compost corral is built into the northeast corner of the garden and is camouflaged to match the fence.
Left: A view of the entire garden can be seen from the second-story bedroom window. The curly or corkscrew willow on the left is a wonderful accent tree. A mixture of trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals round out this small garden sanctuary in the city.
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GARDEN TRAVEL TIPS•
Autumn Is the Season for Garden Travel by Jenny Koester
CRISP, COOL AIR, the sound of crunching leaves underfoot, the changing light, asters in bloom—it must be autumn! The arrival of a new season always energizes me. The promise of new beginnings and a fresh look at the landscape inspires me to reconnect with my gardens and seek out new public gardens to explore. A well-designed garden has something to teach all of us, no matter the season, so pack you bags and grab your camera. It’s time to explore the fall garden.
Collecting for the Future In many areas of the country the autumn garden offers an abundance of seeds, stones and nuts. When traveling this fall, pack small plastic bags and cards to collect and identify these treasures for your spring garden. Photographing the plants from which you harvested the samples is also a good idea. Before you begin collecting, be certain to get permission from the garden staff.
Break Out of Your Zone In the Midwest, we are blessed with changing seasons, and the gardens reflect that beautifully. Gardeners in warmer climates can take advantage of our fall flush of color and experience a garden in change unlike anything they have experienced before. Likewise, a trip to the Southeast or Deep South for northern gardeners offers a look at gardens that thrive year round, a look at new plants and ecosystems, and, of course, a chance to soak up a little sun and warmth.
Filling in the Blanks Creating a garden with year-round interest can be challenging. As the autumn months change the landscape, my gardens begin to lose a bit of the impact they had in the spring and summer. Use this time to study successful fall gardens near you. What plants are contributing fall color, texture and interest that you can incorporate into your garden? Studying the masters of gardening this fall enables you to create more beautiful, year-round gardens next year. *
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PLANT PROFILES •
Fall in Love Four favorite plants for autumn ‘HEAVENLY BLUE’ BLUEBEARD (Caryopteris ×clandonensis ‘Heavenly Blue’) is a compact selection, growing 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. Deep blue-purple flowers cover its stems from midsummer into autumn. Butterflies love this fragrant shrub. Zones 5–9.
Wa l t e r s G a rd e n s Wa l t e r s G a rd e n s
ProvenWinners
BOBO PANICLE HYDRANGEA Bobo (‘ILVOBO’) starts blooming in summer, with frothy heads of white flowers. They fade to pinkish, a nice companion to ornamental fall grasses and mums. Bobo grows just 3 feet tall and wide. Zones 3–9.
‘PRAIRIE BLUES’ LITTLE BLUESTEM (‘Prairie Blues’) turns from steel blue to shades of pink, copper and tan in fall. Its seed heads fade to beige in winter. A droughttolerant grass, it grows 30 inches tall and wide with a rounded shape. Zones 3–9.
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‘WOOD’S LIGHT BLUE’ ASTER (Aster dumosus ‘Wood’s Light Blue’) has a tight, low habit just over a foot tall; it doesn’t need staking. It resists mildew and rust and will bloom well into fall, with a beautiful blue-purple color that accents grasses and fall foliage. Zones 3–8. *
GARDENERS ON THE GO!
KITCHEN GARDENING •
Acorn Squash This no-fail vegetable is a fall and winter staple by Beth Williams recipe by Stacy Walters WITH ITS REPUTATION as an
easy-to-grow, easy-to-store vegetable, acorn squash (Cucurbita pepo) are abundant this time of year. Ripened acorn squash can be harvested when the rind is hard and dark green and then stored for months in a cool, dry area. Introduced by the Native Americans to the European settlers, acorn squash has been a fall and winter staple since before the first Thanksgiving. And, it’s no wonder, given this winter squash’s versatility. Packed with fiber and potassium, they can be microwaved, grilled, baked or roasted and prepared in limitless ways— buttered, sprinkled with brown sugar, drizzled in honey with a dash of cinnamon, splashed with lime-cilantro vinaigrette, topped with bacon—you name it, it’s probably been done. Here it serves as a hardy base for quinoa, fruit, cheese and nuts—a delicious meal in a “bowl.” *
Stuffed Acorn Squash With Quinoa
SHOPPING LIST
INGREDIENTS
2 small acorn squash, cut in half and seeds removed 2 Tbsp olive oil ¼ cup chopped shallot 2 cups cooked quinoa Juice of ½ lemon ½ cup toasted pistachios ½ cup dried cranberries ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 SMALL ACORN SQUASH • OLIVE OIL • SHALLOT • QUINOA • LEMON
DIRECTIONS
• TOASTED PISTACHIOS
Place the squash on the baking sheet, cut side down, Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the flesh is tender.
• DRIED CRANBERRIES
Heat the oil in a skillet and add the shallot. Cook 3–4 minutes, until soft and slightly brown. Remove from heat. Stir in the quinoa, pistachios, cranberries, lemon juice, and salt and pepper.
• GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE
Preheat the oven to 425˚F. and spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
Divide the quinoa mixture evenly among the squash halves. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
• SALT AND PEPPER
Return to the oven for about 10 minutes, then serve.
TIP: Root your garden’s final basil sprigs in water and place on a sunny windowsill. Pot when rooted for fresh basil through the winter months.
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~Elizabeth Lawrence (1904-1985) was a recognized garden designer and writer. Discover more about her at winghavengardens.com
next issue Watch for the next issue of Gardeners On the Go! around the winter solstice. We’ll take you to public gardens that are winter wonderlands and others that are warm and sunny. Plus, you’ll find tips for winter containers, deliciously healthy recipes, and much more!
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