Just Past Peak

We've been blessed with a stunningly colorful autumn here in this little part of the world. While we're past peak for leaf color, bright tones still populate the landscape—just before our first snow of the season! (Flakes are falling as I post this.) The above Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) reigns down the road at the neighborhood park.



Back in my garden, the variegated colors of 'Pearl Glam' Beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) are framed by Weigela (W. florida) and more Maple (Acer spp.) foliage.



I don't remember this stage of the Bugbane (Actea racemosa) remains catching my attention as much as it has this autumn. The yellow-peachy colors are unique.



'Tiny Wine' Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) has been in the garden for several years. It's really taken off this year, probably because of increased sunlight in its location. The green-to-gold foliage is bright and cheery, with a crown of apricot-hued Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) behind and above it.



Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) is a fun plant in all seasons, with its oat-shaped seedheads and draping foliage. The collapsing orange Hostas behind it compliment its golden tones.



This Mountain Hydrangea (H. serrata) has rarely flowered here, but its changeable autumn foliage is reason enough to include it in a shady garden.

Finally, the dramatic play of bright red berries and golden leaves on the Cranberrybush Viburnum (V. trilobum) really pops.

I'm sneaking in, late in the day, for "Six on Saturday." While I've included seven photos, only six of the vignettes were from my garden. 😉 Thanks to Jim at Garden Ruminations for hosting!