Fall came to the Garden this week. Yes, we’ve had some cooler weather for a while and a few trees here and there had some leaves turning color, but the autumn season seemed a little lackluster. Then, with all the cool damp weather this past week, the color started coming out on the trees. I know a lot of folks like to come in the spring when all the flowers, especially the azaleas, are in bloom – they want to see lots of color. The color tones
at this time of year are yellows, oranges and reds, not pinks, red and lavender. As anyone who knows me, I think that yellow is one of the best colors there is. So, if you don’t come to the Garden in the next week or two, you will miss one of the biggest color displays of the year.
You can go just about anywhere in the Garden to see some fall color. The crape myrtles are turning that nice burnt orange and are visible from quite a distance. The weeping cherries are finally turning a nice yellow. A walk through any of the woody areas of the Garden is a delight. Here and there are some spectacular trees and the combination as you look through the woods is very nice. I’ve enjoyed the Mirror Lake area, Enchanted Forest, the Rhododendron Glade and around Baker Overlook. The vibrant colors of the Chinese Pistache in the Arboretum stands out from distance. However, one of the more surprising gardens is the Hydrangea Garden.
When talking about the Hydrangea Garden, most people think you need to spend some time in there in the early summer, when all the hydrangeas are in bloom. However, some of the hydrangeas have great fall foliage – the tree hydrangeas are a yellow beacon amongst the plantings and the oakleaf hydrangeas along the back are starting to turn a beautiful crimson red. Don’t forget, all those shrubs need trees for shade and some of those trees are quite stunning. Umbrellas of yellow are seen overhead thanks to the sweet gums scattered around. 
Different maples are starting to turn, offering shades of yellow and red. The southern sugar maple is just starting to turn bright yellow. A blackgum in the center of the Garden blazes bright red, calling to visitors to come visit. Those who accept the invitation are rewarded by a great display in the back corner. Two witch hazels are dueling as to who has the brightest yellow, while nearby a taller native fringetree spreads out with a creamier yellow attire. I have found my spot.
So if you are really into garden color, don’t wait until spring. Drop everything and come see me and my friends right now. It’s the best show in town.
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