Plant Flowers in Autumn

In most countries, spring and early summer are the normal flowering times for the majority of plants and for good reason too. How else would they be able to fit the time in to produce their fruiting bodies and seeds in time for autumn? Why autumn? Well, many of the seeds from cooler, temperate regions require a dormancy period before germination can occur. This dormancy period is usually broken by a period of cold weather, followed by warmer, wetter weather ensuring that germination occurs at the most suitable time. This enables the juvenile plants to make use of the longer warmer days for effective photosynthesis and gives them an entire year to grow, store energy as carbohydrates, and prepare for the following onset of winter.

Unfortunately this natural cycle of growth, flowering and seed production means that - for the ornamental gardener - gardens look a little worse for wear once the summer comes to an end, but with a little investigation there are plants from warmer climates that are ‘tricked’ into flowering at the wrong time of the year. This is because plants from warmer regions need certain triggers in order to initiate flowering. This can be day length, average day temperatures, average night temperatures, seasonal rainfall, light intensity, the list goes on.

 

In cooler regions many of these triggers occur much later on in the year which is why there warmer climate plants flower later in cooler climates. Unfortunately they tend not to be able to produce fruiting bodies or viable seed before the colder temperatures of winter arrive. This can make it more difficult for propagation but for most gardeners this isn’t a factor when they come to choose their late summer/autumn flowering plants.

The Wild Mini-Sunflowers

Considering there is/was a drought around these parts, I’ve recently observed wild over-grown bushes of mini-sunflowers just about everywhere. This can only indicate> the times we are living in aren’t as hopeless as they sometimes seem to be. Or that a few of Rick Perry’s prayers were answered? I’m sure flowers were in his prayers.

Needless to say wild-sunflowers are growing along sides of major roads, in big empty fields and lining a bike path I’m fond of taking. It is a nice sight, considering the wild-flowers that should have been (months prior) never bloomed to fruition. Here they are, now sprouting up after that last and brief rain.

Large sun flowers tend to grow vertically, but this wild mini-variety grows horizontally and all over the place. It is more like a hunched over and tangled web. Speckled with tiny yellow flowers weaved amongst the stems, it looks like a bush of weeds from a distance.. As soon as I spotted the bush below I knew that it could use some help by being pruned back. As well, it was slightly obstructing a walk-way. I thought some fall-trimming was in order.

One large stem yielded a nice wild arrangement. I decided to keep some of the dried pods (on the stem) in the medley and arranged the wild blooms in a vintage vase I dug up. I think the pods add a nice dimension and create a good balance in the arrangement between what is new and what is old. Balance is always the motive.

Master Gardeners: Specimen trees bring beauty and interest to garden

SPECIMEN TREES are incorporated in a garden because of their beautiful flowers, architectural shapes, ornamental bark, prolific perfume or outstanding foliage. Specimen trees also may be planted to commemorate important occasions — the birth of a child, a marriage, even a death. They are given pride of place, a special spot where the tree's attributes will be fully appreciated. The specimen tree should grab one's attention.

At the entrance to my property in Greece, I planted a species of Cassia tree that had been given to me by a friend. It was a living house-warming gift. My friend had dug out a shoot from her own tree, potted it and cared for it for several years, until it became a viable young tree. 

It is well-suited to the Mediterranean climate, although it does appreciate additional water during the summer, even after it is established. Its spectacular yellow blossoms and medium size make it an excellent specimen tree. Because I was able to plant it in an open space along the footpath leading to my house, it enjoys full sun and can be easily seen and appreciated. When I planted it, I enriched the soil with some humus I had taken from the base of my carob tree.

In Greece, the rich humus that develops at the base of carob trees is commonly used to amend garden soil. Carob trees grow well in Mediterranean climates, without requiring any additional water. They also can be considered specimen
trees, with their interesting carob pods. If properly pruned, they will provide comfortable year-round shade. On my property, the single carob tree provides a screen between my property and my neighbor's. Carob trees grow large and require a large garden space. Carob pods are edible — they taste similar to chocolate — and can be ground up and used as a chocolate substitute.


In my garden in Marin, we had a small, flowering cherry tree that provided a focal point in spring with its delicate blossoms. Sadly, after a hard winter, it died. Thinking about replacing it, I have considered planting a persimmon tree. As specimen trees, persimmons can be considered purely ornamental: in the fall they lose their leaves and the fruit remains hanging on the bare branches, looking like orange Christmas-tree ornaments.


However, if one consumes those orange globes, persimmons could accurately be considered fruit trees. I wait until persimmons are fully ripe, then scoop out the sweet pudding-like pulp and add it to my morning fruit juice drink. Alternatively, the pulp can be added to steamed puddings or breads.
In spring, the tree's foliage emerges pale green. In summer, the leaves become thick and leathery, providing excellent shade. Depending on where you plant a persimmon tree in the garden, it could be used to provide architectural interest, fruit, shade or all three.


It may also provide a symbolic connection. While young, persimmons are bitter and inedible, but as they age, they become sweet and beneficial to mankind. In the famous painting by the 13th-century Chinese painter Mu Qi, "Six Persimmons," persimmons exemplify the progression from youth to age, as a symbol of the progression from bitterness to sweetness. As we age, we overcome rigidity and prejudice and attain compassion and sweetness.


My older daughter recently celebrated, somewhat reluctantly, her 30th birthday. She is in shock at being no longer in her 20s. My husband and I are in shock at having a 30-year-old daughter. How old does that make us?

Chrysanthemum show returns to Stilesboro

Fall typically personifies a season of change where all matter of foliage prepares for the coming winter.
But for one last time, before the frost begins to settle, flowers are in bloom for the 99th annual Stilesboro Chrysanthemum Show.
This is the best time of year for the flower and members of the Stilesboro Improvement Club said they take advantage by putting them on display for the community to enjoy.
Several months of planning and dedication are invested by the club’s members to ensure that each show is unique and special.
From the pruning and watering to the design and set up, the chrysanthemum show is a labor of love for those who spend much of the year planning and preparing for it, said Stilesboro Improvement Club member Susiann Brock.
“Somehow it all comes together,” Brock said.

Brock said each year the group works to create a show that centers around a theme that best showcases the chrysanthemums.
All of the flowers in the show are grown by club members who take pride in their green thumb, Brock said.
“We get to work together with the satisfaction of seeing the room and how beautiful it looks,” Brock said.

From a “Gone with the Wind” theme to a show titled “At the Movies,” the Stilesboro Chrysanthemum Show, which is the oldest in Georgia, brings more than the garden variety flower show.
This year’s theme is Horse and Buggy Days and the room will include decorations from a one-room school house and a vintage buggy sans horse.
“That is the unique thing about us” said Stilesboro Improvement Club member Ann Mascia. “Decorating the whole building is really what sets us apart.



Brock, who has been gardening since she was 7 years old, said there is some competition to create the most dazzling display for the show.
The flowers are judged and Brock said bragging rights go to the winner.
The show is held every year at the Stilesboro Academy and in addition to the flowers on display, food will be available for purchase in the Tea Room.


Dishes include Brunswick stew, chicken salad, homemade cakes and beverages.
Admission to the event, which will be Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., is $2 per person.
“All the money we do raise goes toward the restoration of the building,” Mascia said.