Ask a Master Gardener: Anticipation in the Garden
By: MaryJo Broussard, Mobile County Master Gardener MobileCountyMasterGardeners.org
Early fall brings lots of anticipation into my life and garden and, I suspect, in many of yours. I find myself wandering down my pathways looking not for the fallen sticks or weeds, but for the newly-formed Camellia buds and leaves, and for my many Japanese maples that are starting to turn into their fall glory. I love the changing color of leaves in my garden. It’s not the blaze that you may see elsewhere, but living in the deep South has its benefits. I particularly love the changing leaves showing up brilliantly against the evergreen trees. It allows us to study one leaf instead of an entire forest, to slow down and appreciate a small moment, feeling present in that moment.
Years ago, I began planting Camellia japonicas and Camellia sasanquas along my fence rows and I must admit it has been gratifying to watch them grow into their full glory in plants and blooms. At this time of year, I watch those Camellia buds go from tightly closed green to barely showing a bit of pink, burgundy or white. First, the sasanquas, blooming first, then the japonicas in the early winter. These buds bring a new sense of joy: we have weathered another hot and sometimes dry summer to see this renewal of hope for cooler, more tolerable temperatures.
I have over 40 Camellias, assuring me that fall and winter will be full of pollinators for my insects, blooms to bring indoors and a colorful outdoors. I love them for their steady green leaves, creating a break from the neighboring yards, and great privacy in time. C. japonicas are slower, larger-leafed, and enjoy more shady areas while C. sasanquas have smaller leaves and blooms but can withstand more sunlight. They mix in beautifully within the garden as well, adding height and presence.
Currently, a collection of Camellias, perfect for fall planting, is being assembled for area home gardeners at the Mobile Botanical Gardens (MBG). The Plantasia Plant Sale will include Camellias that have never been offered for sale by MBG. Some are very old varieties, and some newer choices, perfect for our climate. The names alone are quite enticing such as ‘Covina’, ‘Fifth Avenue’, ‘Look Again’, ‘Ragland Supreme’ and ‘Midnight Love’.
Another favorite of mine are the fragrant beauties, Japanese deciduous magnolias, in addition to our beautiful native Kalmia mountain laurel, gorgeous blooms with interesting form.
There are also beautiful Japanese maples—some with fall coloration already. They range in size from dwarf, spreading, and small tree size, perfect to tuck in where you need a bit of height and a focal point.
Other trees in the collection good for fall color include the red buckeye, Tupelo, Carolina silverbell (We don’t see this one often.), Chinese chestnut, pawpaws (fruits), and a variety of oaks. Turning rose leaves and hips are a bonus to their blooms, good in arrangements, too. Fringe trees, which are loaded with black fruits right now, are also of interest.
There will be volunteer plant experts and Master Gardeners who can answer your questions, help you find the plants on your list, look at pictures of the planting sites you have in mind, and help you select the right plant for the right place in your garden. Plant shopping in anticipation of cooler fall temperatures spell fun for any gardener.
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