After enduring a scorching summer (and I actually LIKE the heat) where every day felt like we were working in an oven, we are counting down the days until Sunday when autumn and cooler temperatures arrive. The relentless heat has made landscape installations a sweltering challenge, turning our outdoor projects into a grueling test of endurance rather than the enjoyable endeavors they should be (full credit to our amazing crew). We are ready for Autumn’s breezes and longer fuses. We are also ready to see some of our favorite plants come into their own.
Here are a few fall standouts for the garden that really steal the show.
Heirloom Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemum blossoms, with their rich tapestry of colors, embody a timeless elegance that transcends the mere act of blooming. Heirloom chrysanthemums are not just flowers; they are living pieces of history, steeped in tradition and reverence. Their very presence in a garden is a nod to the past, a celebration of continuity, and a reminder of nature's enduring beauty. As plants that have somewhat fallen out of favor with most gardeners, here at Homestead we actively push heirloom Chrysanthemums on our clients as an attempt to preserve these stunning floral gems. With radiant hues ranging from the deepest crimsons and burnished golds to the softest blushes of pink and cream, heirloom chrysanthemums can transform the fall floral scene into a canvas of vibrant warmth. The intricate blooms, often resembling that of delicate lace or the brushstrokes of a master painter, captivate the eye. Each flower is a work of art, a fusion of form and color that evokes a sense of both nostalgia and wonder. They thrive in the cool crisp air, their blooms enduring long after many other flowers have succumbed to the season's chill. They truly are the most valuable assets of any fall cutting garden.
Persimmon Tree
As autumn settles over the Bay Area, persimmon trees transform into a vibrant spectacle of color. Their leaves turn sumptuous shades of yellow, orange, and red, creating a rich, warm palette that enhances the landscape. This autumn display not only brightens gardens, but also adds a splash of color to urban environments and residential landscapes alike. Beyond their fall foliage, persimmon trees are visually appealing throughout the year. Their graceful, glossy green leaves provide a lush backdrop in summer, while the bright orange fruit that ripens in late fall adds an eye-catching contrast against the changing foliage. The bare branches in winter, adorned with the last of their fruit, offer a minimalist elegance that complements the seasonal landscape. Persimmon trees produce delicious, nutritious fruit that is a highlight of the autumn harvest. The fruit, which ranges from sweet and crisp to soft and jelly-like depending on the variety (Fuyu vs Hachiya), can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or used in cooking and baking. This adds both aesthetic and practical value to the garden, providing a harvest that can be enjoyed well into the colder months. Persimmons are an excellent choice for creating a garden that supports local ecosystems and biodiversity. The vibrant fruit and foliage draw in birds, which can help with pest control and add life to the garden throughout the seasons. They are well-suited to the Bay Area’s climate (and most gardens in USDA zones 7 to 11), requiring minimal to moderate irrigation (depending on microclimate) and are relatively resistant to pests and diseases. This makes them an ideal choice for homeowners seeking beauty and functionality without a high level of upkeep.
Japanese Anemone
Ah, Japanese anemones in the autumn garden—because who doesn't want their garden to resemble a sophisticated ballet of blooms just as the days start to get dreary? These perennial beauties waltz into the landscape with all the grace of a high-society debutante, and they do so with pizzazz. When summer is throwing in the towel and things are starting to look a bit drab, these anemones burst onto the scene with late-blooming charm. Their delicate, saucer-like blooms in shades of white and pink make them the ultimate garden drama queens, ensuring that your garden doesn’t blend into the background of the typical autumnal tableau. ‘Honorine Jobert’ (our most commonly used variety) is a no-nonsense, classic beauty. This variety delivers pristine white blooms with a touch of old-world elegance with its ruffled white petals surrounding a yellow center. 'Whirwind' is similar in size, color, form and function, but with double the amount of flair (read: more petals). If white isn't your thing, there is 'September Charm'. Its soft, pink blooms are like a gentle whisper of elegance, rather than a full-on shout....neat, refined but impressive. All that Japanese Anemones need is a decent spot with some shade and regular watering, and they’ll reward you with a display that’s anything but boring. And if you’re one of those people who forgets to water on schedule? Fear not, they’re resilient enough to handle a bit of neglect. They’re great for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, making your garden a hot spot when there are less options to choose from. Japanese anemones are here to shake things up and bring a touch of brightness and a splash of elegance to your fall garden tapestry.
Japanese Maples
Fall is the season for Japanese maples to transform your garden from “meh” to “marvelous” with their foliar splendor. When other plants are busy fading into a lackluster sea of brown and beige, these maples step up with a dramatic flair that’s hard to miss. They’re like the garden’s version of a show-stopping finale—elegant, vibrant, and undeniably fabulous. Their brilliant hues of red, orange, and gold can make your garden a full-blown autumn spectacle. 'Emperor One' (the variety we most commonly use at Homestead) offers beautiful burgundy foliage throughout the spring and summer, but in the fall, it flaunts a rich, deep crimson that’s practically a garden exclamation point. 'Sango Kaku (Coral Bark Maple), with its coral-colored bark and golden-yellow foliage, is bright, lively, and impossible to ignore. This variety doesn’t do subtle; it does sensational, making sure your garden stands out even when the rest of the surrounding foliage is starting to play it cool. For those who prefer their autumnal flair with a touch of sophistication, ‘Seiryu’ offers more refined charm. Its delicate, lacy leaves turn a soft yellow in fall, providing a graceful, understated elegance. Why do Japanese maples continue to reign supreme in the fall garden? It’s simple—they’re the high-maintenance beauties who’ve mastered the art of low-maintenance. Plant them, water them occasionally, and they’ll reward you with a perennial autumn performance that never goes out of style. Even when they’re not flaunting their fall finery, Japanese maples have a way of keeping things interesting. Their elegant branching and intricate leaf shapes provide visual interest throughout the year.
Epilobium
We would be remiss as California gardeners if we failed to mention Epilobium. California fuchsia (aka Epilobium canum) and septentrionale (formerly Zauschneria), is the garden’s secret weapon for autumn flair. It struts into the fall season with a splash of color that’s more refreshing than your favorite pumpkin spice latte—and with none of the seasonal overkill. Our super fabulous friend Rose Loveall, owner ofMorningsun Herb Farm, has several varieties that she has turned us on to. 'Carmen's Grey' has that willowy look that we love in a California Fuchsia, but it only gets about 18 inches tall, preventing it from getting too rangy. 'Marin Pink' with its dreamy salmon pink blooms is the way to go if fire engine red isn't quite your bag. Our personal favorite is Epilobium septentrionale. 'Wayne's Silver' and 'Select Mattole' are the two most commonly available varieties and they are the cutest little groundcovers, growing to only 6 inches tall featuring broad silver foliage judiciously festooned with bright red flowers. All varieties thrive in the Bay Area’s conditions, loving the sun and handling drought like a pro. While it’s out there dazzling everyone with its vibrant blooms, you can sit back and relax, knowing it doesn’t require a ton of fuss. Not only does California fuchsia look fabulous, but it’s also a great host for pollinators. Its tubular flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds and bees, turning your garden into a bustling social scene. California fuchsia is a fabulous addition to any autumn garden in the Bay Area. With its striking blooms, easy care, and pollinator appeal, it ensures your garden is both beautiful and buzzing with life well into the fall.
Incorporating fall interest plants into your garden not only extends the beauty of your landscape through the cooler months, but also adds a vibrant tapestry of color and texture that can transform your outdoor space into a seasonal haven. From the fiery hues of Japanese maples to the resilient charm of California fuchsia, these plants offer a captivating display that enhances your garden's visual appeal and ecological health. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall create ideal conditions for establishing a vibrant tapestry of garden plants, ensuring that your landscape will be humming through the heat of the following summer.
Embracing this optimal planting season allows you to enjoy a garden that's not only beautiful, but also resilient.
Happy Fall Equinox and enjoy the garden,
Christian
Upcoming Events
October 26th Morningsun Herb Farm- Vacaville, Ca. The Fall Botanical Cocktail Class 4pm Learn how to create fall inspired botanical based cocktails from the garden.
November 9th Soulfood Farms- Vacaville, Ca. The Italian Garden. We will hold our class in the middle of the olive orchards dripping with olives on the cusp of being harvested. The class will include an Italian farm lunch eaten in the orchard. The Italian landscape will be translated into the California vernacular inspiring the Italian life into a Californian slant.
November 13th A Writer’s Garden Literary Symposium - Dallas, Texas
February 27th & March 29th, 2025 Grow Your Own Salad -Lafayette, Ca
Ever dreamt of savoring a fresh, crisp salad made from your own garden? Join us for our "Grow Your Own Salad" hands-on workshop where you will learn the process of growing and harvesting salad greens.
In this interactive class, you'll dive into the essentials of growing a vibrant salad garden. You will learn through each step of the process, from planting to harvesting. Learn how to select the best salad greens for our climate, prepare your soil, and nurture your plants to ensure a bountiful harvest. We’ll cover essential tips on watering, weeding, and organic pest control, giving you the tools to cultivate a thriving salad garden.
At the end of the class we will create a delicious, fresh salad together, allowing you to enjoy what a local, home grown salad embodies.