Autumn Interest

Flowering Crabs are probably our best seller next to Crimson King Maples. I have never understood the rationale of the purchaser, tho. People always look for the one with the pretty bubble gum pink flowers. Undoubtedly it is stunning when it is in bloom but it is a bit of a dud when it comes to autumn colour. My favorite flowering crabs are the ones with the beautiful, brightly coloured apples that stay on throughout the winter. The Harvest Gold is probably my favorite. The leaves are golden in colour and the apples are yellow at first, turning to a cherry red. The red against the gold is exquisite. Birds looking for food visit these trees all winter long. At some point in late winter, if you are lucky, you will see one of these trees loaded with Cedar Wax Wings. They show up one day and pick the tree clean in no time.

The 'Grace' smoke bush is another of my favorites. The leaves turn a neon pink in early October. They stand out for miles. Many customers come looking for burning bushes at this time of year, but when they see the outstanding colour of this underutilized shrub, they cannot resist it.

Kiwi vines are another stunner. Most people point out to me that kiwis will not grow in Newfoundland. Not only do they grow, but they are prolific. Do not expect the apple sized kiwi that we buy from New Zealand. These vines produce a fruit the size of a grape tomato that may be eaten skin and all. These vines turn a brilliant yellow in the fall. On a sunny day they make the garden glow.

The moral of the story is to plan your garden for four seasons of interest. A true gardener will consider Spring, Fall and Winter with the same passion that they do their summer garden.