The Bones of the Garden
As the days become shorter and the leaves begin to line the streets, we know autumn has arrived. The air is feels smoother and the light is less intense. The leaves are still falling, softening the sidewalks and streets and driveways. Now it is time to begin putting our gardens to sleep for the winter.
Perennials are cut back to their basal foliage, ornamental grasses are shaped so that they can continue their show through the winter and shrubs are pruned from their base. Trees are trimmed, so they can show off their awesome form. Spring bulbs are already deep in the ground. Pansies, ornamental cabbages and kales are extending the color and textural show in containers. Pumpkins are harvested and carved. October.
October is the month that obliges us to go in and look out, allowing us to view our gardens from a different perspective. The bloom is mostly gone, as are the perennials’ foliage. The shrubs offer their form. Perhaps, there are some dark berries or plump rose hips that provide dots of color and texture.
But, what is missing from the garden? Will an evergreen help give it some hierarchy and permanency? Does the garden have too many grasses? Too much groundcover? Not enough groupings? What can be installed to make an impact – more early bloom, a specimen shrub?
As winter slowly sets in and the snow falls, the gardens are more exposed, leaving the passerby with something to look at and interact with. It can be a garden of messy, unorganized shapes and sizes, with no real thought. Or, it can be an organized, planned, intentional garden, leaving the person in awe of what a garden has to offer in the wintertime.
Winter gardens are a new way of looking at a garden; a different perspective of the plant material. It allows us the opportunity to look beyond the bloom and foliage. We can look at the shape, size and form – the bones of the garden.
When you’re thinking about what new plants to install, think about the color or texture of their bark, as this is what contributes to the winter landscape. Think about what its mature form will offer to the garden and the overall landscape. Consider the fall color it provides and the maintenance it will require. Perhaps, you’re thinking about adding a boulder or a sculpture or a birdbath.
This mellow month of October allows us to plant the seeds of our intentions. It allows us to gain new perspective. As you look at your sleeping garden, think about how to create a more dynamic, inspiring garden that will be relevant year round. Or, maybe, you just simply want to enjoy the gardens as they are – peaceful and quiet, just like the month of October.
A native of Park Hill, Marne is a professional horticulturalist and garden designer who cultivates her own plot on Dexter Street, where gardens and two kids grow. She can be reached at marnenorquist@gmail.com.