By Thea Hegland

Fall is suddenly upon us and The Gardens are looking exceptional. Colour remains strong amongst the never-ending beds of annual plantings. Our famous Dahlia Border is continuing as the reigning star of The Gardens at this moment, while the perennial borders are still providing significant interest with Heliopsis (Ox eye), Aster (Michealmas daisy) and Solidago (Goldenrod). Quite notably, the Cornus kousa (Korean dogwood) which is laden with curious raspberry-like fleshy fruit is piquing the interest of many visitors. Throughout the estate, many of the leaves on the deciduous trees have started to change color offering a tantalizing tease of what promises to be a glorious fall.

Festive fall display found within the Photo Window

Festive fall displays are being created and installed around the gardens. The use of old garden artifacts, an eclectic mix of pumpkins and gourds, fall flowering plants, unusual grasses and succulents make these displays a seasonal highlight. Something about those pumpkins just make everyone feel good; they are becoming a beloved tradition during the month of October for visitors and staff alike.

Far from the dazzle and delight of all the flowers, a retreat into the Japanese Garden is a must. The unexpected beauty of the brilliant red winged seed pods of Acer (Japanese maple) are truly amazing amongst the delicate ferns and flowing streams in this peaceful garden.

Brilliant autumn red. Photo: 2016

Meanwhile, it is business as usual and the gardeners are busy preparing for the next stages in the garden. As time takes its toll and changes are needed, maintaining the infrastructure of the historic garden is paramount. Recently, the Sunken Garden has been the site of a major pathway overhaul which is nearing completion. After the finishing touches, it will be as if it had always been that way. Additionally, our team has been busy preparing for the 300, 000 spring bulbs that arrive from Holland in early October.

Soon they will be deep in the midst of fall planting season!

Plants that are currently blooming

• Abutilon (Flowering maple)
• Achillea
• Aconitum(Monkshood)
• Anigozanthos (Kangaroo paw)
• Antirrhinum (Snapdragon)
• Arum italicum (Lords and ladies)
• Aster (Michaelmas daisy)
• Begonia
• Callicarpa (Beautyberry)
• Capsicum
• Chrysanthemum (Chili pepper)
• Clerodendrum bungei (Glory bower)
• Clerodendrum ugandense (Blue glory bower)
• Clerodendrum trichotomum (Glory bower)
• Colchicum (Autumn crocus)
• Cornus kousa (Korean dogwood)
• Cosmos atrosanguineus(Chocolate cosmos)
• Crocosmia
• Dahlia
• Desfontainia spinosa
• Echinacea (Coneflower)
• Euphorbia ‘Firesticks’
• Fuchsia
• Helenium (Sneezeweed)
• Helianthus (Perennial sunflower)
• Heliopsis (Ox eye)
• Heptacodium miconioides (Seven –son flower)
• Hibiscus 
• Hydrangea
• Iochroma
• Julgans regia (English walnut)
• Lagerstroemeria (Crape myrtle)
• Leonotis (Lion’s ear)
• Lobelia speciosa
• Manettia (Firecracker vine)
• Pennisetum
• Punica (Pomegranate)
• Rosa (Rose)
• Rudbeckia (Gloriosa daisy)
• Solanum
• Tecoma
• Thalictrum (Meadow rue)
• Tibouchina (Glory bush)
• Verbena
• Zinnia