Autumn, with its cascade of colors and cooler whispers, is a call to every garden enthusiast to re-envision their landscape. Embracing a blend of perennials and grasses can instill a sense of warmth, richness, and multi-dimensional beauty to your space during this transformative season. Dive into our curated combinations that promise to elevate your fall garden.
1. Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ & Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass)
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’: Blossoming in late summer and fall, it transitions from green buds resembling broccoli to mesmerizing pink flowers, eventually taking on a russet-red hue in the fall.
Panicum virgatum: This grass, known for its airy seed heads and tall elegance, dances with every breeze, adding movement and gentle rustling sounds to the garden.
Why they work: The sturdiness of Sedum juxtaposed against the finesse of Switchgrass strikes a harmonious chord in both form and hue.
2. Echinacea (Coneflower) & Miscanthus sinensis
Echinacea: A beacon for pollinators, Coneflowers radiate in pink, continuing their brilliance into the fall.
Miscanthus sinensis: This ornamental grass, with its feather-like seed heads, captures the autumnal golden glow with grace.
Why they work: The assertive presence of the coneflower finds its counterpoint in the gentle sway of the Miscanthus, creating a delightful interplay of texture and color.
3. Chrysanthemum & Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’
Chrysanthemum: Symbolic of fall, chrysanthemums bloom in a color spectrum ranging from fiery oranges to profound purples.
Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’: Serving as a serene backdrop, this upright feather reed grass maintains its form, lending a vertical touch to the garden.
Why they work: The blossoming abundance of chrysanthemums is set off to perfection by the poised stance of ‘Karl Foerster’.
4. Aster & Pennisetum alopecuroides (Fountain Grass)
Aster: As autumn deepens, Asters bring a refreshing splash of blues, purples, and whites, countering the fading blooms elsewhere.
Pennisetum alopecuroides: Recognized for its tufts of seed heads, fountain grass infuses texture and a playful spirit to the garden.
Why they work: Asters, with their vibrant shades, juxtapose beautifully against the fountain grass’s golden tones, ensuring a persistent vibrancy.
5. Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan) & Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)
Rudbeckia: With resilient daisy-like flowers of bright yellow, this perennial remains undeterred even as temperatures drop.
Schizachyrium scoparium: With colors morphing from blue to deep purple and eventually, a fiery orange-red, the Little Bluestem never ceases to enchant.
Why they work: The golden blooms of Rudbeckia become even more resplendent against the dynamic shades of the Little Bluestem.
Crafting a fall garden revolves around layering colors, textures, and patterns. While the combinations we’ve shared form a foundation, let your creativity soar. Customize and craft a garden space that mirrors the exquisite nuances of autumn. As nature transitions, let your garden at Bru-Mar Gardens echo the allure and warmth of the season.
