As the daylight hours swiftly shrink and creatures shiver in response to the dropping temperatures, please continue to peruse public and personal gardens for the pleasant surprises found in the fall garden. The National Arboretum in Washington, DC, is always a trove of terrific treasures.
After months of waiting, trycyrtis, the toad lily, presents her petite purple splashed posies for approval.
In the south, Autumn’s garden superstars are the many Camellias that grace the shady woodlands.
Old fashion mums never fail to delight with their delightful daisy shapes.
Trees contribute their fiery finery to fall’s festivities. But perhaps one of the most unique phenomenon one will find this time of year is contributed by the Katsura tree. The leaves turn yellow, then brown when they fall, but the browned leaves emite the fragrance of burnt sugar or caramel. It is a unique aspect of this tree and when I was at the Arboretum this past week, that sugary smell stopped me in my tracks. If you know of any Katsuras near you, do take the time and pay them a visit, the smell is tantalizing.
