Garden Photo of the Day

Revisiting John’s garden in New Jersey

Sneezeweed, Panicum 'Rotstrahlbusch', and Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus'. Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of John Markowski

In the spirit of revisiting some of our favorite gardens this week, today we’re revisiting John Markowski in his garden in New Jersey. We first visited John in April (refresh your memory HERE.)

Joe Pye weed, Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’. Photo: Courtesy of John Markowski

Today we get to see his garden in fall, with the grasses going gangbusters. John says, “I garden in zone 6B in central New Jersey and have two big issues I need to contend with. My clay soil drains very poorly (apparently we have a high water table in my town) and the plants have to deal with wet feet a good part of the year.

Panicum ‘Rotstrahlbusch'(switch grass). Photo: Courtesy of John Markowski

“I also have swarms of deer who visit frequently and destroy everything in their path (RIP peonies). As a result, I rely more and more on ornamental grasses and native perennials and shrubs. These include Joe Pye weed, sneezeweed, amsonia (bluestar), itea (sweetspire), clethra (summersweet) and boltonia.”

Miscanthus ‘Purpurascens’. Photo: Courtesy of John Markowski

Well this strategy is certainly working, John. Pristine and lovely! Thanks for sharing again. ***John has a blog! Check it out HERE.

2 different miscanthus and a feather reed grass. Photo: Courtesy of John Markowski
‘Rheingold’ arborvitae and clethra. Photo: Courtesy of John Markowski
Amsonia and Itea ‘Henry’s Garnet’. Photo: Courtesy of John Markowski
Northern sea oats. Photo: Courtesy of John Markowski
Yellow sweet flag and Itea ‘Henry’s Garnet’. Photo: Courtesy of John Markowski
Joe Pye weed, Panicum ‘Northwind’, and Carex ‘Cappuccino’. Photo: Courtesy of John Markowski
Joe Pye weed, Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’, and goldenrod. Photo: Courtesy of John Markowski
Sedum ‘Autumn Fire’. Photo: Courtesy of John Markowski

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Comments

  1. User avater
    Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 10/19/2012

    you've very successfully overcome quite a few gardening obstacles. really great.

  2. User avater
    meander_michaele 10/19/2012

    John, your fall garden is stunning and is equally beautiful to the pictures you shared from earlier in the year. It's fascinating how each grass variety has its own personality and appeal. Love the particularly airy delicacy of the panicums...they have such a special allure is a gentle breeze

  3. tea_garden_lover 10/19/2012

    Both the content and the images themselves are pure poetry. Thank you for sharing. You certainly see beyond the surface.

  4. tractor1 10/19/2012

    I love the pastel like autumn hues of the grasses and the softened textures of the photos. Northern sea oats is a good composition as is sedum. Thank you for sharing, John. And a great weekend to all.

  5. annek 10/19/2012

    All stunning photographs of a well-designed garden. The colors this time of year are incredible. And those sea oats...divine!

  6. cwheat000 10/19/2012

    Killer autumn garden. Kudos to you for planning for the almost forgotten gardening season. I work at a garden center and I can't tell you how many people forget to buy even one plant for their garden that peaks in the fall. It shows that a lot of thought and planning went into your garden. Beautiful.

  7. greenthumblonde 10/19/2012

    Your garden reminds me of the gardens of Piet Oudolf. Really really lovely. I would love to see your grasses in winter.

  8. greengrowler 10/19/2012

    Spectacular fall splendor! The variety of grasses is dazzling and so well composed - love that you've given enough space for each one to shine. Must definitely put the 'Autumn Fire" sedum on my wish list. Since we have deer and (alkaline) clay soil in common, I will try some of your plant choices. Thanks, John!

  9. pattyspencer 10/22/2012

    Love your garden - I also follow your blog - you always do great pictures

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