Sneak Preview

We have had a busy couple of weeks visiting lots of local gardens. I think I have taken approximately 1000 pictures. While I work my way up this mountain of photography and confirm some of the planting details with the homeowners, I thought I would show you a quick preview of some of my favourite shots.

I love the back gate in this Brampton Garden.

One goose would have been lost. Three is perfect. The Gower Garden, Brampton

We saw so many beautiful roses.

Here is a flower you don't see all that often. Canterbury Bells, Spargette Garden in Brampton

What a pleasing arrangement of objects. The Singer Garden, Brampton.

It was hard to believe these homeowners had moved in only 18 months before. Spargette Garden in Brampton

Honey Suckle is a nice change from clematis.

Amazing color. The Spargette Garden

An original water feature. Ruttle Garden, Brampton.

A great mix of colors and textures. The Spargette Garden

What a pretty fern! Brillance Autumn Fern

If you are going to paint your Adirondack chairs, you might as well make them 

an interesting color. The Singer Garden, Brampton.

Interesting couple. Fallopia Variegato and  Hosta 'Sun Power'

When designing your garden, it pays to think in terms of creating little vignettes.

An Alternative to Fall Mums: Beautiful Ornamental Cabbages and Kale

I happen to like fall mums, but not everyone does. Lets face it, mums are so overused that are kind of common. If you are searching for an alternative to fill your fall planters, may I recommend ornamental cabbages and kale. You can grow your own or like me, you can head to the local nursery to find them.

This beauty makes me think of an ocean wave, as they are sometimes rendered in Japanese art.

Ornamental cabbages are the same species as edible varieties of cabbage, but they are not as tasty as their cousins. 

One of the best things about ornamental cabbages and kale is that their remarkable foliage becomes even more vivid after the first few hard frosts.