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Autumn Garden: The majority of plants usually suggested for the winter garden are happy only when temperatures stay above 0°F. I have chosen hardier plants so my plan for a winter garden is for the majority of readers. Like the autumn garden, it is not a specific spot of ground. Rather it consists of small trees, shrubs, and a few plants to be spread about the garden, bringing welcome color to the snow and ice.
Outside vespid wasps construct larger paper nests, some the size of footballs, in what seems to be the eaves of every house around. And they quarrel as they build with an angry sound heard echoed in every backyard.
In fact, the only reasonably silent autumn activities are the workings of the garden spiders as they continue to build and maintain their dew-dropped webs until the final chills of autumn silence all.
The hydrangeas are garden war horses but one particular species (Hydrangea quercifolia) is perfect for the autumn garden. It was discovered by John Bartram, the pioneer American botanist, in 1791. This handsome shrub with large oak-like leaves usually reaches 6 feet in height and then the branches bend over. Blossoms appear in termed 'Autumn Joy'. The flowers are pink and clustered atop 2-foot stems, appearing in August. Then as the colder nights approach, they turn a fine shade of mahogany, persisting into the coldest months and making fine dried flowers for winter bouquets. They prefer poor soil and full sun. Propagate by division. They are hardy to Zone 3. |
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