New Month, New Colors...

It didn't take too many days in to November to produce a cold snap which accelerated the fall colors at Ned Wolf Park.  The drift of Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum') has taken on a lovely golden color, as the cherry trees above begin to yellow.

Check out the striking rusty orange tones of these glossy leaves.  This is a photo of our new Crape Myrtle, Lagerstroemia 'Biloxi'.  This multi-stemmed specimen was planted in the spring of 2013 near the tool shed.  Eventually, this cultivar should grow as high as 20' tall, forming a handsome vase shaped tree.  If you didn't notice it this summer, it has medium/light pink blooms in July and August.

These three pumpkins didn't grow in Ned Wolf Park, but were imported to help set the harvest mood for our "Autumn Afternoon" event on October 19, 2013. (See previous post).  They were positioned to be inviting when seen from the sidewalks and to offer a bit of whimsy to some areas that needed a visual boost.  We accepted the good possibility of having the pumpkins "disappear" as Halloween approached, but now are delighted to report that they remain in place to offer a burst of color as folks start walking through the park a bit quicker now that temperatures are falling and winds are blowing.  Let's hope they'll stay until every Thanksgiving pumpkin pie has been baked..........

 

And these purple asters (Aster novae-angliae 'Purple Dome') are still in full bloom in this semi-shaded location near the park's only backless bench.   In the background is the large shrub Euonymus alatus commonly called 'Burning Bush' for reasons I might have had to explain last week!

And there are two varieties of Toad Lilies, a.k.a. Tricyrtis, that are now showing their exotic spotted flowers.  This one, with purple speckled blossoms is planted behind the two benches closest to McCallum Street.  And another with paler, white blossoms with softer plum-colored speckles, is planted near the big tree close to the central paved terrace.  Even last nights near-freezing temperature doesn't seem to bother these unusual late bloomers.   Look for some divisions of these hardy perennial plants at our next plant sale!  Rumor has it someone has lots to donate.

HAPPY HARVEST SEASON!

I'll admit that this image doesn't exactly reflect what we grow in the gardens at Ned Wolf Park.  And the photo was heightened for artistic effect.   But a visit to our park can surely help transport you out of the everyday and bring a little seasonal magic into your day,