With its magnificent color pallet of rich reds, burnt oranges, and mustard yellows, Autumn is finally here. This isn't another piece on fall foliage, but rather a look at the magnificent blossoms that bring color to the season.
The end of summer does not have to signal the end of a vibrant garden; in fact, fall is an excellent time to grow a fresh crop of flowers. It is a perfect season to fill your house with a sweet scent of fresh blooms instead of the typical enticing scent of pumpkin spice, although the latter is a major preference of many. Some find this a perfect time to forage in the hedgerows. You just have to keep a pair of secateurs handy.
Although flower foraging is something that never goes out of season, my adoration for flowers tells me that they are most beautiful when they are in their natural form, rather than in vases or bouquets. Thanks to city flower farmers, one does not have to trek the mountain to find these beauties, as various city gardens have sprouted in multiple places. Read on to discover more of these ubiquitous fall blossoms.
Dahlias. These blooms are one of the most diverse flower species and they dazzle in the late summer to fall. This is San Francisco's official flower and a national emblem of Mexico. As Dahlias symbolize hope for everlasting union between two people, these flowers are presented to couples at engagement parties and weddings.
Russian Sage. Even in arid conditions, Russian sage produces small purple blooms and silvery-green leaves from July to October. It's a hardy perennial that can withstand even the aridest conditions. It's a favorite of hummingbirds!
Chinese Lantern. The blooming plant's bright, inflated seed pods resemble Asian lanterns, and while the seed pods are not genuine flowers, they are frequently referred to as Chinese Lantern blooms when seen on the plant.
Chinese lanterns typically flower between July and October – just in time for spooky celebrations!
Aster. Aster may be grown as a gorgeous fall perennial in many areas, but it also makes an excellent annual. Asters, which bloom in purple, pink, white, and blue, are a refreshing change from the typical end-of-season color palette.
In fall, Aster is one of the greatest plants for feeding hungry bees and butterflies.
Shrub Rose. Roses, despite their reputation for being finicky, are resilient plants that require less care than you would expect. Shrub or landscape roses bloom all season long, far into the fall, providing a wonderful splash of color in the colder autumn days. Newer varieties are disease-resistant.
Dianthus Superbus ( Nadeshiko). When young, the leaves are edible and can be cooked. Sweet nectar is found in the blooms, and the leaves can be eaten or cooked to produce a drink. The plant contains poisonous saponins, although not in sufficient quantities to be dangerous. It has historically been used as a contraceptive, diuretic, and anti-infective in Chinese herbology.
Autumn Crocus. The flowers most commonly bloom in autumn and look best naturalized in the grass, under trees, or at the front of borders. Flowers range in color from the palest of pink and purple to pure white. The flowers come up without any leaves which gives them their other common name ‘naked ladies’.
Instead of curling up beneath a blanket or staying in bed in a comfortable sweatshirt, you might want to take a walk and admire these beautiful autumn flowers for yourself. Now that's another reason to enjoy the season.
