Although the
year of 2020 has provided numerous issues and disappointments for many, our
autumn season this year is NOT a disappointment! Fall foliage remained on many trees through
October, and a few trees are still holding their foliage in place in early
November. Despite severe winds many
days, the trees held foliage longer than normal, and we were able to enjoy
those rusty golds and peachy orange shades for several weeks. (In southeastern
Wisconsin, we have also enjoyed several 70-degree days in November—quite
unusual!)
On a hiking
trail during October, I encountered an amazing red oak (Quercus rubrum)
with deep shades of brick red against the blue sky. Soil acidity and nutrients must have been
perfect for this tree—it was truly in a happy place!
In my home
garden, some plants performed nicely into early November: Heuchera ‘Cherry Truffles’ has lovely
deep burgundy leaves and is still going strong today, despite a few snow
flurries and -30 degree temps some nights.
American
cranberry bush (Viburnum trilobum) was also so special this autumn; the
lime green foliage turned various shades, and leaves are lovely against those
striking red fruits. (This shrub has
persistent fruit so it will remain on the bush all winter through April/May;
then the migrating cedar waxwings will discover it and usually consume all fermented
fruit in a single day… great fun to observe!)
Most
geraniums are considered summery plants, but I have one variety of Pelargonium
with lime green/brown foliage. It is
attractive for fall décor as well. This plant needed to be covered during some
cold nights, but it was dazzling throughout October.
I’d like to
mention one additional great performer this autumn: dry leaves! Teaching a toddler how to gather up handfuls
of leaves and toss them in the air is a perfect stress reliever for
anyone. (When you’re finished, those
leaves can be tossed into your compost bin to decay in months ahead and create
organic matter for future gardening.)
Hope you have found ways to enjoy the outdoors throughout this
magnificent, colorful season.
This fall
deserves to be called Autumn Strong!
M. Lynn
Schmid – Certified Master Gardener
AAS Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture
