Autumn in the Colorado Garden
Plants begin their transformation in this Boulder, CO garden.
By Emily Morris
October 27, 2020
Autumn gives us a reason to embrace the passing of summer and the nearing of winter. In between the seasons of extreme, we experience an event of color so unique that we travel far and wide to see it—creating traditions, memories, and rituals in the spirit of fall. And when we can, instead of traveling, experience this magic in our own city or garden, we can’t help but feel joy in our everyday lives.
The Texture of Autumn
With blooms dried or faded, a symphony of textures emerges from the fall garden. Fine details mingle with broad shapes while dried leaves krinkle among those still lush with late-season vigor. Touching the autumn garden exposes life cycles come and gone and welcomes us into a new season of life as we walk on with the leaves crunching beneath our feet.
Joe-Pye Weed sits in the foreground of a layered fall scene.
Muhly grass softens the garden edges and blooms its seedhead as fall begins.
The Color of Autumn
The hues of autumn warm the spirit with their gentle presence. Soft yellows and oranges play with bold reds and purples against a layer of muted greenery. To walk among their presence blankets us in stillness and radiating beauty along the path we walk toward winter.
Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass contrasts in late-season texture and color with Blue Fortune Agastache.
A garden water feature gains a new aesthetic with the surrounding fall colors.
The Nostalgia of Autumn
Vivid memories come back to us as we bask in the sensory performance of autumn—days of wanderings in the woods, picnicking under the fiery trees, quiet evenings in the golden light. The trees’ whisperings of good times past fill us with warmth in the crisp air as we bask in the delight of the season to come.
A walk through this autumn meadow brings evening peace in Boulder, CO.
Annabelle Hydrangea blooms gracefully dry out with the passing of summer.
The Plants of Autumn
We plan our gardens with the experiences of fall in mind—remembering the textures, colors, sounds and feelings that come with the changing of the foliage. Here are a few of our favorite fall interest selections. Happy Fall!
Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Autumn Brilliance' - Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry
Ericameria nauseosa - Rabbitbrush
Solidago ‘Golden Baby’ - Goldenrod
Bouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition’ - Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass
Rhus glabra var. Cismontana - Rocky Mountain Sumac
Amsonia hubrichtii - Arkansas Blue Star