November "Bloom" Day, in which "blooming" is a metaphor

Okay, now's the time for gardeners in temperate climates to get creative with the term "bloom".  Doesn't it really mean looking its best?  Showing off its color?  Yeah, I thought so.  So no problem; there's plenty to show off in mid-November.

First, here's why it's best to grow big-leaf Hydrangeas where they can be their natural size and require no pruning.  Why remove these gorgeous blooms right after blooming, as required, when they look this good for SO long?

On the right you see the foliage and berries of Viburnum nudum 'Winterthur," a terrific plant for small gardens.

More fun with foliage from the lovely Japanese maple 'Green Cascade' on the left, or how about the serviceberry on the right?

Now we do have to look harder to find perennials blooming, but in the photo below left these Euphorbia amygdaloides blooms haven't changed since they first appeared in June.  And what's more, the foliage is evergreen.

And finally, below right, Amsonia hubrichtii is still eye-popping, lush and gorgeous against a backdrop of Nandina.

Comments

[Pam/Digging]

I love the color---whether flower or berry or foliage---in your garden. How I envy you those beautiful, orange leaves.

[Gardener of La Mancha]

That viburnum is stunning.

[Carol]

I also love that viburnum. The blue berries with the red foliage is a great combination.

[Annie in Austin]

What beautiful combinations you've made, Susan - I can't grow these plants here but I certainly enjoy seeing you do it!]

Annie at the Transplantable Rose

[Kathy, Washington Gardener]

My amsonia is justa stick right now -- I checked my bloomers again and see I have new buddleia flowers opening - as annoying as that plant is to prune constantly, it sure puts on a show.