Autumn is a season of brilliance, but usually it is in the clarity of the
blue sky and the vivid hues of the treetops. In this garden, however, the flower
border plays host to a dynamic display that starts small in spring with drifts
of bulbs and grows ever taller, fuller, and more robust until annuals and
perennials proudly stand shoulder to shoulder in a season when many gardens are
simply tired. They spill their color onto the path and present fresh flowers at
eye level. Flowers and foliage of strong, saturated reds, purples, and
bronzes mingle with other hues to make a sweep of color that easily endures the
strong Southern sun. This garden was planted in the fall and spring, allowing
time for plants to fill out and add height to the border. Although this is a
large, mature garden, you can enjoy a smaller version by selecting some of the
combinations shown in the image above.
Color Selection
"The colors in this garden were dictated by the light," says garden designer
Mary Zahl of Birmingham. "We tried pale pink in the first planting, and it was
horrible. The reds, purples, the black-eyed Susan yellow, and the burgundy
foliage look great because these deeper, stronger
colors absorb the light." Color choices are personal, just as when choosing your clothing. But the clothes
you wear can be influenced by your hair, skin, and even your destination.
Naturally, a garden's colors have different influences and results.
"People think they like certain colors, usually the colors they wear," says
Mary. "You may think you hate orange, but it may look great in a border. Just
because you are a person who doesn't like strong colors doesn't mean that they
may not be the best ones to use in your garden."
