I look forward to the changes in seasons. I look forward to the differences within my garden and the differences within me, reflecting the natural seasons. I look forward to feeling the rush of excitement knowing that the rain is coming; the seasonal plantings and embracing the seasonal observances. So, let’s embrace Audrey’s great words and look forward to the delights of autumn in our beautiful Adelaide Hills.
Here are a few joyous, autumnal garden endeavours for you to delight in:
Bulbs for spring
Autumn is the time to purchase and plant beautiful spring flowering bulbs and corms, including:
- Anemone – windflowers – Shakespeare gave the anemone the magical power of producing love. In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Oberon bids Puck to place an anemone-flower on the eyes of Titania, who, on her awakening, will then fall in love with the first object that she sees.
- Narcissus – daffodils and jonquils – the Greek legend of Narcissus tells of a handsome and proud hunter who, upon seeing his reflection in the waters of a spring, falls in love with himself. Unable to part from his own image, he eventually perishes.
- Ranunculus – the name derives from Latin rana meaning frog and unculus meaning small, because they were observed to grow in places frequented by frogs
- Tulips – believed originally to come from Persia (Iran). The English name is derived from thoulyban, the word used in Persia for tulip. In mythology the tulip is considered to be one of the flowers loved by fairies and elves, who protect those who cultivate them.
- And some more:
• Babiana – baboon flower
• Lachenalia – soldier boys
• Sparaxis – harlequin flowers
• Triteleia – triplet lilies
• Hyacinth and crocus
So, this autumn, keep your eye out for beautiful spring flowering bulbs in your local nursery or check out fabulous offerings from Australia’s premier bulb suppliers, including Van Diemen bulbs and Tesselaar, online or via mail catalogues. I must admit, I so love receiving the catalogue in my mailbox.
And who can go past the “sealed section” in the centre of the catalogue housing the most special offerings of all. What fun!
Cycla-mania
Cyclamen are such very pretty plants that always provide delight once the temperatures start to drop.
Flowers of delicate pink shades, white, mauve and crimson. Cyclamen persicum, known as the florist cyclamen, make wonderful, romantic potted plants featuring large blooms with some varieties boasting ruffled/frilly flowers and are perfect for gifts. Cyclamen hederifolim make sweet inclusions to your garden beds, especially when planted in drifts.
Autumn annual plantings
Pansies and violas are top of the list and forefront of mind coming into autumn.
Without a doubt, their cheery faces brighten up any garden space or pot planting. The name “pansy”comes from the French pensée, meaning “thought” and they make the most wonderful, edible flower.
My favourite myth, though, tells of Cupid misfiring a golden arrow striking a pansy flower, causing it to smile.
Other colourful annuals recommended for planting during autumn (some to bloom in spring) include:
- Alyssum • Antirrhinum (snap dragon)
- Bellis (English daisy) • Calendula (pot marigold)
- Cornflower • Foxglove • Delphinium • Lupin
- Primula • Poppy and sweet pea.
Last but not least, I cannot sign off for the season without talking all things colour. The rich vibrant colours of many deciduous trees are such a delight. With ever increasing local land subdivisions that result in smaller allotment sizes, there are smaller trees that can provide gorgeous autumn foliage.
One of my all-time favourites is Ginkgo biloba ‘lemonlime spire’ (pictured), that features lovely lime-green foliage through spring and summer, turning a beautiful buttery-yellow hue in autumn. A fast-growing compact tree; height five metres and spread one metre, it’s perfect for smaller spaces.
Other compact trees are prunus cerasifera Óakville crimson spire with a height of six metres and spread of two metres and pyrus calleryana ‘mini capital’ with a height of five metres and a spread of two metres.
Until next time…
Sally-Anne
