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08.09.2024 - 20:44 / theprovince.com / Brian Minter
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As we enter the last stretch of summer, many gardens could use a colour refresh. While many annuals and perennials have performed very well this year, some are starting to appear a little tired and in need of reinforcements to create a vibrant late summer and early fall look and feel.
Late summer grasses are certainly some of my go-to plants for making that changeover into autumn. I know that purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum Rubrum) is rated a zone 9 annual, but it’s hard to beat. Its dramatic dark foliage and masses of burgundy flower heads that dance in the breeze create pure garden magic. This pennisetum loves the August heat and makes a standout focal point in any container or garden bed.
Some of the perennial varieties of the pennisetum family, from the tiny P. Little Bunny to the larger P. Red Head, are ornamental grasses that flower in August, and they will only become more dramatic each year. Pennisetums play nicely with the entire rudbeckia family, and when garden mums begin showing up, pennisetums are their perfect companions. Golden lysimachia (creeping jenny) adds beautiful foliage contrast to any pennisetum planting, and it makes an excellent spillover feature in a container.
The large and ever-increasing family of miscanthus grasses is also getting ready to plume up in a few weeks. One of the most underused varieties is the short M. Yaku Jima which combines so well with a wide range of late summer perennials and is a must-have in any garden. From the vibrant yellow-orange blooms of heliopsis and heleniums to the late
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Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.
Happy Friday GPODers!
Chrysanthemums or mums are a must-have for autumn décor. They are perfect for pairing with pumpkins and gourds, and steal the spotlight with an explosion of blooms in fiery red, orange, and yellow hues that echo the autumn foliage. You’ll also find vibrant pink, lavender, and even white mums to dress up containers and gardens. Mums are easy to care for but require regular watering to keep them flowering for many weeks. How much water plants need and how often you should water mums varies depending on where the plant is growing. Follow these simple tips to determine when to water mums and keep them looking their best all season.
Long flowering plants mean that you can extend your summer colour right through to autumn. And even to the first frosts of winter.
Even if you aren't fortunate enough to live next to a meadow of wildflowers, you can still capture their untamed beauty in a container or garden this summer by planting cosmos. Cosmos come in various colors, from burgundy to pink to white. Mix them up for a more natural look, like a wildflower meadow. Bonus: this colorful flower, native to tropical America, attracts birds and butterflies with its cheery blooms. Because of their wildflower characteristics, cosmo flowers are considered invasive in some environments. Cosmos are prime not only for containers but for creating a mass of color in borders or backgrounds or as a filler among shrubs.
When you picture the perfect fall-styled front porch, it’s safe to assume there are a few staples: a few pumpkins, gourds, and some potted mums.
Looking for something unusual to grow in the garden? Look no further than chocolate cosmos, a tuberous perennial with velvety blooms and a decadent fragrance. With showy wine-red blossoms that perfume the garden with the distinctive aromas of chocolate and vanilla from mid-summer through fall, chocolate cosmos entices butterflies and curious gardeners alike. The blooms make fragrant cutting for the vase and plants perform beautifully in containers, where their scent can be enjoyed on patios and balconies. Bring the beauty and aroma of chocolate cosmos to your own garden by learning how to grow and care for these unique bloomers.
While there are many ways to keep your home smelling fresh and clean, this little trick is an easy way to help your home smell nicer and deter pests all at once.