In recent years it’s felt as though we skipped fall alogether, transitioning from summer’s heat to winter’s bite overnight.

But this year, October provided a proper autumn. A month of chilly mornings, brisk afternoons and plenty of sunshine to marvel at the ever-changing landscape. 

Today, the garden is alive with leaves of sunny ochre, brilliant scarlet and burnt orange covering the trees and the ground.

For now, the colors still dance at golden hour, but I can feel the garden quieting to a hum in the frosty twilight.

What’s thriving

In my garden, November marks the final month for colorful blooms.

The cool pinks of tiny Japanese anemones add the faintest sparkle to the front garden, while the vivid pinks, reds and oranges of the dahlia patch continue to shine.

Meanwhile, the north garden hydrangeas still sport a few new blooms—but it’s their long-dried counterparts that steal the show.

Potted asters and mums line the many stairways and paths around our house, traditional for this time of year. As we move into November, I’m contemplating—like I do every year—whether to attempt to overwinter them and plant them in the spring or to chalk them up to annuals, as many do.

Finally, our ‘Bloodgood’ Japanese maple is entering its bejeweled era, its usual rich plum leaves now turning to a shade of glowing crimson. Doubly striking against our white house, creating optimal contrast.

What’s struggling

Toward the beginning of the month, the peonies seemed to all contract powdery mildew. 

Being so close to the end of the season, I opted not to treat them. Truthfully, at least one peony gets powdery mildew every year—and comes back just fine the next.

In the near term, however, it means they’re looking rather ragged. This month I’ll cut them back, making sure to dispose of the cuttings and clean my pruners after, so as not to spread the disease.

At the end of the summer, I mentioned my rose bushes and ‘Incrediball’ hydrangeas had been decimated by deer. 

The rose bushes bounced back with vigor, and though we had no additional blooms the plants had an abundance of new growth.

The ‘Incrediball’ hydrangeas, however, have not made such a comeback. They are much smaller in size than they should be, and between the eight shrubs, there are at most a handful of small blooms.

I will keep an eye on these shrubs next spring, and see how they fare one more season with some added protections, before deciding to remove or replace them.

What’s next

Our neighborhood is immersed in vibrant fall colors, but the tree tops in my yard are a little lackluster by comparison.

I’m excited to change this by planting a sugar maple in the backyard. I grew up with a backyard bordered on one side by sugar maples, and the trees glowed every fall—especially saturated against a blue autumn sky.

Elsewhere in the backyard, there’s a bare patch along the border that’s primed for planting. 

While arborvitaes flank most side of the backyard, I think I may try another plant in this area (in very neat, symmetrical yards, it would be best to continue the arb border all the way around—but as ours is wonky and a bit wild, I can get away with varying the scheme).

I’m considering dappled willows (so pretty, but their root systems can be gnarly), ‘Gin Fizz’ junipers with their charming berries, or perhaps more scented viburnum!

But with garden fatigue setting in, I think this may be a project I pick up in the spring.

November garden jobs

• If you haven’t already, bring in potted plants that are not made for the cold.

• Lift your dahlias. Last night’s frost blackened the foliage of my dahlias, signaling it’s time to lift and store for the winter

• Plant tulips—there’s still time!

• Prune fading plants (or don’t). While you can certainly cut back perennials that have turned with the season, I usually wait until spring. The brown foliage doesn’t look beautiful, but it creates shelter for wildlife through the winter!

🍄 What I’m inspired by

In the middle of Pittsburgh we have a big, beautiful cemetery.

Here, there’s an endless diversity of trees. I love looking at them in every season, but especially the fall.

More than looking, I’ve been sketching the trees. It’s very challenging, but very rewarding, too.

🌸 Flower I’m admiring

Okay, not a flower…but a toadstool!

There’s a handful of fungi I’m accustomed to seeing in periods of high moisture. But these red toadstools are totally new to me.

They’re not usually celebrated in the garden, but I think they’re so charming.

What’s bringing life to your garden as it winds down for the season? Reply and let me know!

Xx,

Courtney