Fall flourishes Outdoors. In autumn, flowers come and go, but foliage, bark, berries, seeds and cones are reliable showstoppers in the landscape. Creating that perfect fall harvest look requires only the simple addition of a pumpkin and a colorful container of grass and snapdragons with trailing pansies spilling over the edge. Some amazing fall-interest plants include blueberries with their long season of red foliage color, fall blooming camellias that present a multitude of flower varieties and a plethora of striking ornamental grasses. Certain trees really steal the show in fall with a magnificent display of foliage and form, including native Nyssa sylvatica (black gum), with leaves turning a brilliant shade of red in October and Ginkgo biloba, which transforms into the most golden leaved tree in the landscape.
Indoors. Fairy gardens and terrariums require minimum work and maximum enjoyment, especially as the days of outdoor gardening fade away. Creating a miniature garden on a tabletop requires only a container, potting soil, a few pebbles and your imagination. Spread pebbles along the bottom of the container for drainage, add a two-inch layer of potting soil and then tuck in the several plants you select from a greenhouse. Lightly water, add a few special accents like a mini fairy, bench or arbor and place in indirect light. Ideas and photo courtesy of Anderson’s Home & Garden Showplace 11250 Jefferson Ave., Newport News 599-3510 or http://andersonshgs.com
Winter wonders Outdoors. Plant outdoor container combinations for the cooler months, using evergreen shrubs as main components. They add structure and texture, as well as interesting color contrasts to seasonal staples like pansies. For instance, the bronze winter color of the needled Black Dragon Japanese cedar is brightened by the golden euonymus and the golden-lime color is repeated in the grass-like Acorus gramineus called Ogon’ and trailing Sedum rupestre called Angelina. Add some trailing sedum around the edges and a pop of color with Delta True Blue pansies. Sun keeps the colors bright and healthy.
Indoors.Winter is a great time to focus on interior gardening, especially houseplants that “tide you over” until you can get back out into the garden. For a dish garden, turn a simple glass container into a decorative accent with the addition of two types of stones and a small succulent garden in a shallow drip pan that sits on top of the stones. Ideas and photos courtesy of Smithfield Gardens Route 17, Suffolk 238-2511 or www.smithfieldgardens.com April 9, 2014 | A Supplement to The Virginia Gazette, Daily Press and Tidewater Review | Home and Leisure | 33