Inside and Outside the Picket Fence

Quitman Arboretum And Botanical Garden

By JAN WHITLOCK
Posted 9/28/16

By JAN WITKLOCK

Here comes fall with its shorter days, changing light, cooler nights, and fewer thunderstorms and high winds. You can almost hear the gardens at the arboretum breathing a sigh of …

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Inside and Outside the Picket Fence

Quitman Arboretum And Botanical Garden

Posted

By JAN WITKLOCK

Here comes fall with its shorter days, changing light, cooler nights, and fewer thunderstorms and high winds. You can almost hear the gardens at the arboretum breathing a sigh of relief as they bid the intense temperatures of late July, August and early September goodbye for another year.

Come and stroll through the gardens noting those faithful perennials that finally have their turn to show their colors. The maximilian sunflower is an excellent example of fall color. The height of this particular plant (3’-7’) and the stunning bright yellow blooms set it apart from its garden neighbors. You can enjoy outstanding specimens of this plant in the water-wise garden at the south end of the park.

The large double daisy blooms grow up the stalks in late summer and early fall. With no irrigation other than rainfall, this plant returns year after year to dazzle the eye. We have found that cutting this plant back once or twice during the growing season (with the last trimming occurring no later than July) helps to keep the plants compact and improve the bloom.

In addition, watch for the stunning colors the hardy hibiscus are now showing in the garden. Some of the flowers are the size of dinner plates and are definitely worth a photo.

We would like to thank all who contributed to our yard sale last week. Your donations, purchases and continued support all help us keep the gardens at their peak and the house in operating condition. As every homeowner and gardener knows . . . there is always another surprise expense just around the corner. I do want to remind you of our annual Fall Plant Sale beginning at 8 on Saturday, Oct. 8. We have added some interesting new plants and varieties from a new vendor this year. This is also an ideal time to renew your membership as a Friend of the Arboretum.

Keep an eye out for this column two weeks from today as we announce the plans for The Haunting of Hogg Park - 2016. BOO!