After the equinox

A  Jacquemontii birch and Bloodgood maple tree went into a garden in Park Slope.  These trees were planted along side the stone layers who were installing our blue stone patio.  

In my design, a small wall made of brick will separate the stone patio from the lush garden.  

I have to get over there this week to see how the brick wall turned out. 

Over in Carroll Gardens,  I was pleased to see some Rudbeckia still kicking.  For winter interest, I leave the black cone centers of the rudbeckia to stand tall and dark  against the snow... It is my 2nd favorite winter plant.  1st favorite is a snow dusted plume from a grass.

I planted two buttery white mums along side them in the large front garden bed as well as a mix of deep blue pansies to harden off before the winter. They tend to come back with little effort in the spring.  

The Nepeta I planted last year is so happy in this front spot.  (The blue gray mass with a few  blue/purple flowers still around.)

In the front corner, a mass of the sweet alyssum annual flower makes such an impact with such little effort.  These will go for a while longer.  Such a good staple annual.  

Oh these coleus. They have taken a beating this summer.  The children who live in this house have a great time playing, sometimes including the plants in the fun... It's no problem though, the coleus bounced right back!  They still look great.  
Up on the balcony I removed the sweet potato vine and added a row of multi colored pansies.  They are cheerful and fun.  The kids can see them up close every time they leave the house and come home.  It is a very Alice in Wonderland plant, such personality these little guys!
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Another garden in Park Slope has me tending to her indoor plant needs.    Last winter I installed a succulent tray on her dining table as well as three small floor plants in her heirloom copper pots.  

The most difficult thing with indoor plants is the watering.  Some plants require more water, some less depending on type of plant, time of year and the climate inside the house.  

The succulent tray works well with neglect.  These plants store water in their fleshy bodies so not watering is better than over watering which will cause it to rot.  Succulents are also great because if you forget to water for a very long time, the stress won't show on the body of the plant as obviously as plants with delicate leaves.

The prayer plant works well to warm up dark corners.  The stripes are really lovely and clean looking.  It feels tropical without the overwhelming size and need for lots of light.  A nice little pot for house, I'd say.

Fall is here.  Things are shifting.   Winter plans are starting to come together.

Bulbs are ordered and ready to be shipped at the end of October.

Slugs are making a come back in my gardens as the weather becomes cool and wet. 

I met a new neighbor who will be opening a garden/flower shop a few doors down from Brooklyn Planting!  They seem so sweet, I'm thrilled to have more garden oriented businesses in the area... maybe we could join forces!  I will keep you posted with details of their opening.

Order your bulbs now!