I've been so busy these past few weeks that I haven't had a moment to capture the feelings and inspirations that keep me ticking! However, the gorgeous colors of Autumn won't be ignored and while my days are held hostage by commutes, cityscapes and responsibilities, you can be sure my nights and weekends are filled with all the jewel tones Mother Nature can throw at me! Autumn is best known for its bountiful harvests, carefree weather and downright irresponsible gardening! Weeding takes a backseat to the foliage displays as annual arrangements are overtaken by cornstalks and jack-o-lanterns. This year I'm putting my hoe down early and taking the time to smell the roses (that thankfully refuse to stop blooming) and earnestly take inventory of those perennial plants that anchor the landscape all the year round.
One of my personal favorites is the English yew. Generally speaking, this specimen is a slow growing, long lived plant. Green needles offer fantastic opportunities for shaping topiaries but the best displays capitalize on the full growth captured in a fabulous hedge or screen. This classic evergreen brightens the darkening Winter landscape and enhances the brightness of Summer's splendor. It's unfortunate that this member of the taxaceae family is toxic to both human and animal because the clippings look fabulous in holiday arrangements and they are extremely adaptable to their sites.
If you care to take a spin by the Town Offices at Wayside Estate, I encourage you to walk through the allee that leads down to the former Rose Garden and breathes life into the memories of a forgotten era. Be sure to make note of the towering hemlocks and sneaky lilacs as you stroll West. The French steel and marble statuary may cause you to catch your breath but the looming yews will be sure to get your blood flowing. Consider the days when gardens were planned by design and architecture in lieu of plant sales and drought tolerance. Wander the grounds in search of terraced steps, natural charm and quiet curiosities. Step inside Town Offices and preview the photographs of the grounds' former rose garden and then schedule a trip to the Easton Historical Society for a hefty dose of the real deal.
This Autumn has offered many spectacular opportunities to get outside and enjoy the natural bounty that makes New England such a beautiful place to live. Smell the air, soak in the sunlight and fall in love with your neighborhoods all over again - life is short and "yew" deserve the best it has to offer!
