This time of year, when temperatures are scorching and leaves start to curl and brown, these serene greens caught my eye and I wanted to share them for you to try in your yard!
Also introducing a new feature to my blog... PLANT OF THE MONTH. Each month, I will feature a new plant. This month (August), I recommend:
FERN
Most are forest plants and prefer shaded, moist woodlands. Some of my favorite varieties of fern are: Aborvitae Fern, Christmas Fern, Southern Shield Fern, Japanese Holly Fern and Autumn Fern, seen pictured above. It is one of the few ferns with seasonal color variation. New spring growth emerges a blend of copper, pink and yellow changing to brilliant green in summer and then rusty brown in autumn. One of the best things about ferns is they continue to look lush and green throughout fall. Some of our best family photos were taken in November in the Fern Glade at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
And now for the rest of the GREENS:
HOSTA
Pictured is 'Guacamole'. The bright green leaves really pop in the shady environment it prefers.
LAMB'S EAR
Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet'
Groundcover of soft, thick, woolly leaves adds contrast to colorful plantings. Likes sun to light shade.
BALD CYPRESS
Taxodium distichum
A conifer with feathery foliage that turns an orange brown in fall dropping to reveal the striking cinammon bark for winter interest. Likes full sun and just look at how interesting these August cones are! Pyramidal tree that grows quite large (60 feet high and 25 feet wide). Likes wet sites.
CUBAN OREGANO
Plectranthus amboinrus
I hope you enjoyed the greens as much as I do.
STAY COOL and check back in SEPTEMBER for a new PLANT OF THE MONTH!
Photos courtesy of Mater Natura Designs
Check out some cool photo entries at:http://project64colors.blogspot.com/
