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Sip & Stroll Tour: The Serpentine Garden in Autumn

BY Kevin Lee Jacobs | October 15, 2013 35 Comments

Last updated on November 1st, 2013

LATELY I’ve been so busy in the kitchen that I’ve barely ventured outside. But today is too beautiful not to pause and drink in the autumn sunshine, and to breathe the musky-sweet air.  Care to take a walk with me? We can limit our visit to just the Serpentine Garden, which is now at its mid-autumn best:

Naturally, we should sip a little something during our Serpentine stroll.

The “little something” in question. It’s called an “Old Fashioned.”  To make it, you drop a sugar cube in a cocktail glass, and then moisten it with Angostura bitters. Then you add a splash of club soda, followed by a sensible amount of bourbon.

Cheers, mate.

Swoosh!!! Here we are, standing at the entrance to the Serpentine Garden.

Why did I design this winding oasis for the steepest slope on the property? You’ll find the answer in this post: “From Hellish Hill to Serpentine Garden.”

The Serpentine in 2007.

It has grown.

And how.

The Baltic ivy I planted (from cuttings) is now creeping along the “riser” at each step. I hope you approve of the effect.

Baltic ivy is puddling over the stone wall, too, just as I hoped it would.

Greeting our ascent is a patch of pink ‘Helen’ Chrysanthemums. They are growing at the base of Thuja ‘Green Giant.’

Ah, Thuja ‘Green Giant.’ What a shrub! It grows 3-5 feet every year, and tolerates all kinds of soil. If you need a privacy screen, this evergreen skyscraper is for you.  More details.

To our left is a pair of Witch Hazel. These easy-to-grow shrubs are beautiful in all seasons. As you can see, they are busy exchanging their summer green for autumn gold.

An intimate look at the changing leaves.

The shrubs have already produced their winter flower-buds. I say “winter,” because this variety of Witch Hazel blooms in late January or early February, regardless of the temperature. The orange, spidery blossoms have a strong, clove-y scent.

Meanwhile, on the second terrace, Malus ‘Sargeant’ — a dwarf crabapple tree — is heavy with fruit.

The fruit is reserved for wintering birds.

And why do I feed the wintering birds? Because I’m a nurturer. I could no more deny fruit for birds and flowers for honey bees than I could vote against Social Security and affordable health care for people who need it.

What’s that you say?

Yes, I brought the bottle of bourbon along.

Shall we sit on this bench for a moment and enjoy our cocktails?

Our view from the bench, looking up. On the right is a long hedge of dwarf lilac, underplanted with Phlox subulata.

Now, if we were to sit on this bench in spring, our view would be very different.

For instance, the phlox would be smothered in pink and lavender…

And later, the lilacs would enchant us with their legendary air.

SNAP! Back to reality. In October, the phlox serves as a thick (and weed-suppressing!) carpet of green…

While the lilacs trade their emerald green for rusty red.

Also colorful without flowers is the Clethra alnifolia, or “Summer Sweet,” which grows beside the dwarf crabapple. At its feet is a bed of Vinca minor–another terrific weed-barrier.

As for flowers, they do exist in this garden, even in October. Would you like to meet them?

Say “hello” to this lavender-blue Cranesbill geranium’…

And this clump of Coreopsis, which I acquired through last January’s winter-sowing  project.

 

Nicotiana ‘Purple Perfume’ continues to bloom with gusto. But instead of emitting its sweet scent only after dusk — its habit in summer — it now perfumes the air all day long.

To the left of the Nicotiana is a clump of cheerful, lemon-yellow Chrysanthemums. Sure, “mums” take up a lot of garden space during summer. But I don’t care. They are a welcome sight in autumn, when the rest of the garden is shutting down.

If you’d like to see the other gardens I’ve created, by all means visit the Gardening category on this site. You’ll find lots of plant profiles there, as well as some nifty garden-design projects, and quite a few garden tours which you can enjoy while…sipping a little something.

Meanwhile, I hope you enjoyed this little tour of the Serpentine Garden. I certainly enjoyed your company.

Mind telling me what’s happening in your own October garden?

Don’t miss anything at A Garden for the House…sign up for Kevin’s weekly email updates.

Other posts you might enjoy:
Cecina: Gluten-Free Tuscan Flatbread
Shortbread Apple Pizza
House Tour Part 7: The Front Porch

Electric Kettle Giveaway (The Winners)
Marmalade Cake

Comments

  1. 1

    Marjean says

    October 15, 2013 at 9:57 pm

    Sigh. Lovely, lovely, lovely. And I enjoyed my Old Fashioned very much, especially with that extra splash of bourbon at the end of the walk. 😉

  2. 2

    Karen says

    October 15, 2013 at 10:13 pm

    I have a unique request. In our cemetery where my family is laid to rest is a historic section, one family member being a well known marine artist and other family members who lived in the 1800’s. Their stones are tall, 3 at 3 feet tall and 3 at 4 feet tall. I’m planning on planting the purple emperor sedums in front t of the tall ones with some annuals in front. The shorter stones, I’m trying to think of another perennial to plant with annuals in front. My question is this, being very old historic gravestones that face west, getting some sun and partial shade, what do you suggest that will compliment the age of the stones and be appropriate for them. These stones are on the historic walk that our town has a throughout the spring to fall. Thank you.

  3. 3

    myrtle miller says

    October 15, 2013 at 11:16 pm

    What’s going on in my fall garden? The gardenias are doing well probably because I didn’t plant them and some flowers I bought to celebrate the fall are in crisis. I’m watering them but there not looking the same as when I brought them home. Meanwhile the cats are thriving but we’re no longer allowed to feed them which is kinda sad because Callie has decided my yard is where she wants to keep her babies. One of her kittens got ran over today. I think your own garden would benefit from the presence of some awesome feral cats but that’s just my opinion. I’m taking a break from my French homework and reading your post was a welcome break. I’ll pass on the bourbon and instead drink a ginger ale while contemplating the autumn of my own life and the beauty and sadness that comes with it.

  4. 4

    Ruth says

    October 16, 2013 at 12:22 am

    Meanwhile on the other edge of the world…that is Spain, in our tiny garden (compared to yours) we have our asters flowering wonderfullly, our vinca major is still growing, violas are also growing from seed same as the small bellis perennis which will be intermixed with lily tulips during Spring; I did some autumn sowing as we have some nice temperatures. I can’t forget about Cyclamen, thriving like mad, they love this current weather. And our Corylus Contorta, which in fact has some nuts we should pick as I’ve been told around 1st of Novemeber, is already yellowing its leaves. Grretings from Spain!

  5. 5

    Barbara Sturdivant says

    October 16, 2013 at 1:37 am

    Beautiful!

  6. 6

    Heidi Haas says

    October 16, 2013 at 5:25 am

    what a great way to wake up this morning…took the tour with coffee and freshly baked caramel rolls…thanks, man

  7. 7

    Janet H. says

    October 16, 2013 at 7:57 am

    Loved the tour! I have 10′ tall “Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate” going strong with beautiful pink Anenome blowing in the autumn breezes. Also a great crop of Hops vine which is very vigorous and beautiful. My “Oondaga” Viburnum is a beautiful burgundy color. Kevin, I never fail to smile when reading your posts. You are really witty! And here in Wisconsin, we are known for our brandy old fashioneds-I prefer southern comfort:) Also, can’t wait to winter sow. I am zone 3. Have friends that are excited to try it, too!

  8. 8

    Nikki says

    October 16, 2013 at 8:15 am

    I don’t have a garden…so looking at yours and walking with you is a treat!!

  9. 9

    Laurie villiard says

    October 16, 2013 at 8:16 am

    Absolutely lovely!

  10. 10

    Zenda says

    October 16, 2013 at 8:36 am

    I really enjoyed your tour! You’re Serpentine Garden is gorgeous!! We recently returned from a trip to your part of the world where we visited several historic homes and gardens. Your garden is so peaceful. Since we “missed” it on our visit, I’m so glad you shared it here! 🙂

  11. 11

    Laurie Jimenez says

    October 16, 2013 at 9:52 am

    Such a beautiful place in this world you have created. The cocktail was divine. Thanks!

  12. 12

    Melissa Horton says

    October 16, 2013 at 10:39 am

    A vision to my eyes! The Old Fashion is just what I need, thank you Kevin!

  13. 13

    Sharon says

    October 16, 2013 at 1:31 pm

    I’m working on getting my beds to have year-long interest like your phlox/lilac lined walkway does. I’ve pretty much got early spring through summer down, but definitely have to get more asters and mums to bring the color for this time of year. I had only 2 cyclamen pop up and disappear just as quickly a week or so ago.

  14. 14

    Annie B says

    October 16, 2013 at 6:09 pm

    Kevin, you’re wonderful. Thank you for the bourbon. And the tour of your beautiful place. And the kind words about not denying people healthcare or birds food! And thanks for the tip about Thuja ‘Green Giant’-we may need a screen soon from ‘across the field’ new neighbors.

  15. 15

    badger gardener says

    October 17, 2013 at 10:10 am

    Old fashioneds are my favorite. Too bad I’m reading this at 9 AM on a work day! I think I’ll have one (or two) tonight. Your garden looks so lovely in its autumn splendor. Tomorrow I am closing down the vegetable bed and throwing on the top layer of compost and shredded leaves. We’ve had rain and 50’s the past few days and then temps. are dropping to 40’s for highs starting Sat. Time to face the music and accept the coming of winter. But the positive side, more time for sipping old-fashioneds.

    Viva ACA!!

  16. 16

    Lori says

    October 20, 2013 at 1:03 pm

    I do enjoy these strolls through your gardens, Kevin. And the cocktails. I never take the time to make cocktails on my own.

  17. 17

    Dollybelle says

    October 20, 2013 at 1:20 pm

    You’re my kind of guy……wish we could be neighbors! I will try an Old Fashion walking my garden soon.

  18. 18

    Donna Allenbaugh says

    October 20, 2013 at 1:22 pm

    Kevin,
    I really enjoyed your tour and your ideas about nurturing are spot on.

  19. 19

    Pam says

    October 20, 2013 at 1:22 pm

    Very nice!!!

  20. 20

    Barbara says

    October 20, 2013 at 1:59 pm

    I too am a nurturer and do not deny the birds and flowers their needs nor unborn babies a right to life or our grandchildren to have a debt free country.Seems only you can speak and I am a lunatic.Sorry really enjoy your site if not for that.I have a 14 acre wildlife habitat my husband and I made took us 14 yrs to do and no can change that.

  21. 21

    Chuck says

    October 20, 2013 at 2:06 pm

    I really want to see this place! You do tours twice a year, yes? Dates again please. I wanna get there in 2014. Thanks for the garden tour, great place man.

  22. 22

    Donna Williamson says

    October 20, 2013 at 3:29 pm

    Kevin:

    You are such an amazing gardener and so kind of you to share your stroll with us. Generosity of spirit and heart.

  23. 23

    renojean says

    October 20, 2013 at 4:01 pm

    I just love your garden…

  24. 24

    Marlyn says

    October 20, 2013 at 5:09 pm

    Well some of my perennials are still blooming: Happy Returns Daylily, Champlain Rose, Autumn Joy Sedum, a few annuals too – Grampa Ott Morning Glory, Sunset Black Eyed Susan Vine, a hot pink clumping zinnia, at least until this morning they were. It snowed this morning! Not quite enough to cover the grass in the open areas, where there aren’t any trees with leaves to stop the snow from hitting the grass. It’s mostly rain coming down now. But this was our first freezing temperatures = 3 weeks later than normal. I’m still not ready for snow.

  25. 25

    Aimee says

    October 20, 2013 at 6:22 pm

    😉

    Beautiful Garden

  26. 26

    maris says

    October 20, 2013 at 6:44 pm

    Wow! Love the photos of the path to see how much the plants change. Out here in southern California it is still like summer, but prettier because the sky is so blue and the water is calm most of the time. If you live here like I have my whole life, we know what season it is by the way the sun slants through the leaves. I have a smallish yard, about 2500 square feet. The salvia and hibiscus are in full bloom and the roses are getting ready to bloom again. My tomatoes are thriving and the carrots are starting to come up. Last week there were quite a few monarchs in the yard and i still have two caterpillars on the milkweed. Next month I’ll plant the November milkweed.
    Love your blog!!

  27. 27

    Siobhan says

    October 20, 2013 at 9:43 pm

    Oh your garden looks beautiful!! The Ivy looks amazing.
    I have been thinking about a witch hazel for my tiny garden because to see something blooming in January would be a life saver from the winter blues. But your little crab apple is gorgeous! So might have to rethink.
    Enjoy your little Eden
    🙂
    Siobhan

  28. 28

    Beverly, zone 6, eastern PA says

    October 21, 2013 at 9:16 am

    Re: your “time lapse” shots…. How interesting to see the same view over three seasons. What a lovely place to stroll. The weight and color of the stones adjacent to precious blossoms and thick greenery is a wonderful contrast. You have quite the eye!

  29. 29

    margot says

    October 21, 2013 at 2:03 pm

    We are in spring in Victoria Australia and it is the last of the spring seed planting time in our colder area of Daylesford. Who would have thought in Spring New South Wales would be having there horrific bush fires. We will plant out the third week of Nov just as most of you are normally receiving your first snows….this year seems to be different for some of you who have received snowfalls already……..Love your garden and the walks through at different times of the year. Thank you

  30. 30

    Patricia Mountsteven says

    October 22, 2013 at 7:46 am

    Thanks Kevin, just completed a couple of assignments on my Planting Design Course at Capel Manor College nr. London and very pleasant to now relax and enjoy this stroll through your garden before tackling the next few ….albeit with a Lemon Gin and American ginger ale over ice.
    We have vivid blue Aconitums, white Japanese anemones – Honorine Jobert, and wonderful coral red Hesperantha coccinia ‘Major’ still in flower which adds extra colour as many of the trees start to turn into burnished and golden hues.
    For Karen with the perennial planting needs at the graveyard …would a plant that tones with the stones be suitable but offering another texture? Something like Santolina chamaecyparissus ‘Lemon Queen’ which has lovely dissected, silvery, woolly leaves and buttons of yellow on slender stalks in summer?

  31. 31

    Patricia Mountsteven says

    October 22, 2013 at 7:52 am

    Or lavenders of course ….

  32. 32

    Patricia Mountsteven says

    October 22, 2013 at 8:01 am

    If not sufficient sun you get good autumn colour from Liriope muscari as we have this year, but you don’t say if the site is sheltered or not, or weather the soil is acid, heavy etc …..over to you Kevin

  33. 33

    Linda Keylock says

    November 8, 2013 at 3:45 pm

    I saw this stroll (lovely, thank you) late this time. My daughter and I enjoy your post every week.So much so we hope you don’t mind us calling you cousin. Its like our favorite family member emailing regularly. We love ya even more now we know we have the same caring
    loving unselfish opinions. But then really it was obvious you would. Keep warm. x

  34. 34

    Queen of the Click says

    November 24, 2013 at 12:21 pm

    It looks like heaven!

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