A Grand Rapids Michigan Garden ~ An Autumn Pictorial

Autumn is here in Grand Rapids Michigan. The colors are starting to fade,

the greens give way to browns, yellows, and yet, there is still life in my garden.

Many of my plants are dormant but a few refuse to succumb to winter so

easily. They still color my world and let me know that winter isn't here yet......

I save my geraniums every year. I cut them back and put them in my basement.

They don't need light, just a little water every so often to keep the roots from

dying. When spring arrives, out they come for another season of non-stop color.

My gorgeous Annabelle Hydrangea mop heads have all turned brown. But I think

they are still beautiful. Hydrangeas should never be cut back for winter because

the new blossoms come from old growth in the spring. My friend, Karen, who

is the Hydrangea Queen, says Annabelle is different. I think I will wait and see.

If the wood is dead in the spring, I can always cut it back then.

I love these little sedums ( commonly known as hens & chicks). I have several

old boots around the garden with them growing inside.

I saved the best for last. My Tropicana Brugmansia is in full bloom and has

been since the middle of July. It has even been blooming in my garage

when we had a cold weather spell. This had an unexpected outcome, our

garage smelled like a perfume shop. Brugs are night bloomers and very

heavily scented. This is a delicate tropical that is hardy in zone 9-10,

definitely not Michigan weather. But, I just cut back all the green leaves

when the flowers finally stop and put it in my dark basement.

I check it every month for new growth that must be snipped off and water it

sparingly once a month or so. When May is here, I bring it back out into

the light and within a few weeks, it is green and flourishing again.

Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Real Estate

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved

Photos by Bonnie Westbrook