 | Mia Jenkins is the Director of Marketing and Communications for Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, located in the Museums on the River District at 701 Amidon. Botanica was opened to the public in 1987 to generate enthusiasm for horticulture and enlighten people through educational, artistic, and cultural experiences. With this mission, Botanica’s gardens and programs expand public awareness of horticulture, educate Kansans about how nature can improve their daily lives, and assist in the promotion of community development.Feel free to contact Botanica for information on volunteering, special events or for what’s in bloom at 316-264-0448. |
Flowers & Plants
2007-08-01 11:27:00
Landscaping ideas for the fall
What should I add to my landscape in the fall?
Answer: Fall planting season is just around the corner. Autumn is the perfect time to plant trees, shrubs and even perennials. Soil temperatures are still warm and will allow for roots to establish and trees and shrubs planted after the high heat of summer will have a head start for next spring.
The hardest question is what to add to your landscape. Sure, you COULD play it safe and go with the “same old, same old” but most people are tempted to try something different. The question is- what? Here are a few suggestions of good performers to plant now and enjoy later.
Echinacea- Maybe it’s a new perennial that you’re wanting to add to a sunny spot. Botanica added five new varieties of Echinacea, or coneflower, to the existing 19 varieties in the Gardens. You can find about every shade of color in Echinacea, from many shades of pink and purple to white, mango, orange and yellow. They vary in height, the way they hold their petals and in their bloom size but all perform well in this region.
Hydrangea Quercifolia ‘Snowflake’- If you are in the market for a shrub that will have 4-6’ height and spread for a partly shady, well-drained site, then I have just the plant for you! It is a Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snowflake’. This plant has panicles of flower clusters that will be 12-15” long. Bloom time is in May, but the flowers age gracefully on the plant and create interest throughout the summer and into fall. The foliage is large, dark green, oak-shaped and will have a spectacular fall color ranging from wine-red to purple to deep rich burgundy. If this isn’t enough to entice you, the winter texture of peeling bark from the stems will surely convince you to consider this plant for your yard.
Schizachyrium Scoparium ‘The Blues’- If it is a sunny area of your yard that needs a special plant, then you need to see the new variety of Little Bluestem called “The Blues.” It has an eye-catching erect habit with an indescribable blue color throughout the summer and showy purple-bronze seed heads in the fall. This plant would be perfect in a full-sun, hot and dry area of your yard and has a height of only 2-4’.
ILEX x ‘Conaf’- Perhaps it is winter interest that your yard is needing. This year we are trying a new variety of holly at Botanica: Ilex x ‘Conaf’ or Oak Leaf Red Holly. As the name implies, the leaves are oak-shaped and the plant has a tall, pyramidal form growing to around a 14’ height with an 8’ width. As with other hollies, this plant will need some protection from the full, hot sun.
As you know, the plant choices are many, and Botanica is the perfect place to see how these plants will grow in Wichita’s myriad of weather conditions. Visit the Gardens now to get an excellent preview of how your landscape could look this time next year. Throughout the remainder of summer, our annuals provide beautiful masses of color and in the fall, many varieties of chrysanthemums, trees, shrubs and perennials will showcase beautiful fall tones for your viewing pleasure from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Take advantage of the fall planting season and get your garden ready for next year! From our garden to yours- best of luck in all of your gardening endeavors!
