Foliage in October might be evergreen and never changing, or it might be of the type that turns, disappears then returns. Or not, like the coleus and Iresine in the square containers by the lower deck.
Lysimachia congestiflora ‘Walkabout Sunset’ is new as of this September. How it will behave is still unknown, but we like it a lot.
Euphorbia cyparissias ‘Fen’s Ruby’ has settled in and spread a little in just over a year. It is not aggressive as in places with higher rainfall, and it has shown no signs of turning ruby, either. In winter it hides under the fallen leaves, but springs back to life in spring. Get it. HA
Euphorbia characias ‘Silver Swan’ is getting a test run in the Gravel Garden. We are always on the lookout for beautiful evergreen foliage. This is also new as of September.
Succulents continue to be tested for hardiness in hanging wire containers under the arbor. Hens and chicks of various sorts and Sedum ‘Ogon’ made it through the summer with no extra watering. How they perform during the winter will determine their report card grade. The little fern was dug from the path and stuck in there for some foliage variation. Chicken wire was called in after devil squirrels did some destructive digging in there. How dare they!
In the brand new trough, click here to read the how to post, bronze Carex ssp. that were borrowed from the grass waterfall, some Helictotrichon sempervirens ‘Sapphire’ that was borrowed from another planter, Orostachys iwarenge and more hens and chicks will keep this same appearance all the year through. There should be some growing and filling in, it is hoped.
A container planting of basil near the back door makes for easy snipping when preparing healthy meals. Frost will melt it, perhaps some cuttings should be brought inside soon. Very soon.
One of the Monarda bradburiana, maybe, there are several types of Monarda in this bed, has turned scarlet. It is destined to be a star.
A wild dog violet growing in the gravel pathway under the garage deck is always variegated. It is probably a virus of some kind causing the leaf coloration, but it is sort of pretty so I leave it since hardly anything grows there anyway.
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The idea to follow up Bloom Day with a showcase of foliage was hatched by my friend Pam of Digging. Such a good idea it was, too.
Frances
Fairegarden 
Isn’t the violet curiously colored? I really like that too. I haven’t seen that in any growing here. I will be curious to see if your Euphorbias make it through the year. I haven’t had luck with those and I am drawn to them. Too bad for me. 😦 Happy Foliage Follow UP.
Hmmm, you might have given me a name for a mystery euphorbia that was already growing on our property when we bought it 18 years ago. The picture of your ‘Fen’s Ruby’ certainly looks similar with its thin stems and delicate foliage. Think I’ll go do some internet searching and see if I can confirm my hunch. Love that scarlet leafed monarda…so vibrant!
I suspect that mine is the common form of cypress euphorbia from which I imagine the more desirable ‘Fen’s Ruby’ was developed . The feathery leaves of mine don’t have any hint of red color. They stay a more bluish green until they turn a strong yellow before dying totally back. I love those chartreuse spring brackets especially with some red tulips popping up. But, hey, even though I knew this mystery plant was in the euphobia family, it wasn’t until this post that I got enough info to find out more about it. Thanks.
Wonderful!
I especially like the three pots in the first photo, and the Succulents.
Have a great day!
Lea
Lea’s Menagerie
I had no idea that some Monarda foliage would turn in fall!
Nice variety of foliage…your garden always amazes me with new and interesting things!
Greetings, I especially love your Silver Swan Euphorbia. How large do you expect it to get? Also what are it’s light requirements? Thanks, Love your posts!
Love the different colors of your foliage plants. Some times [ I think] they are just as pretty as blooms.
Just came in from pruning all the dead blooms from our perennials and was admiring the turning leaves of other perennials. Your photos are lovely and remind me to put out more that will color at this time of year. Our nandina is nicely shifting to yellows and reds; I would love to report to you what the others are, but I can’t because they have no blooms on them to identify them to me (silly me). Thanks again for your beautiful photos!
Your hypertufa trough makes a great mini garden. It’s like a compact version of your gravel garden.
The little fern makes a nice contrast to the succulents in the hanging pot.
I covet those fleur die lis pots great color
Wow, what a bonus out of that monarda. I’ve never seen one do that. I like your pots. I have some just like them except in green (and a slightly squarer base). Happy fall to you Frances!
Love the lime greens!
I can only agree..foliage in Fall is breathtaking!
Ronelle
Ooh, Frances, I LOVE your new trough planting. That bronze carex is to die for, and I like the way you arranged it. I’m also mad for euphorbias, so I’m drooling over both of yours in this post. Only E. rigida seems to like my garden, but I’m grateful for it.
Your basil photo reminded me that I left mine outside one night too long. It’s so tender here in northern Maine. thanks for your photos – so lovely!