Yard
This fall-themed trio by Olander Garden Design in Seattle is a textural feast with feathery grasses, the ruffled bronze and gold leaves of coral bells (Heuchera spp.), twiggy heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), small-leaved heather and dark hypericum berries (Hypericum spp.) Even easier: Add texture without planting by sticking dried curly willow branches or ornamental seedpods from floral displays into the pot.
A fountain of ‘First Knight’ fountain grass (Pennisetum ‘First Knight’) and a red cabbage anchor this handsome fall container, one of a pair of urns flanking the entrance of an elegant Chicago home. Designer Jennifer Hoxsie of Greenhaven Landscapes says she gravitates toward simplified and symmetrical arrangements like this one to complement formal homes. Layers of cold-hardy, extra-ruffled kales — ‘Red Russian’, ‘Red Chidori’ and ‘Redbor’ — fill the mid-layer with plenty of texture.
easy to grow summer to fall combo
shasta daisies and coneflowers
nice simple combo
big snowball hydrangeas
easy to grow perennials
pretty color combo, red, orange and purple
For a rich autumn color palette, choose pansies in vibrant hues like orange, gold, red and deep purple or bicolored combinations, avoiding pastel pinks, blues and pale yellows. If you can find them, try very dark purple to velvety black blooms like ‘Black King’ or ‘Black Beauty’. Combine them with coral bells (Heuchera spp.), another cool-season favorite, for a long-lasting display.
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