Hi GPODers!

We’re back in Carla Zambelli Mudry’s garden in Malvern, Pennsylvania! Yesterday we saw the incredible fall foliage backdrop that surrounds her gardens and a taste of some of the blooms still putting on a show (check that out Part 1 here, if you missed it). Today, we’re back to see more fall flowers as well as some festive containers. Here’s a quick refresher on Carla’s reflection of November in her garden:

Unbelievably, it is November and it’s over 60°. It has been a very stressful fall gardening season because we’ve been in a drought. We are under a burn ban for the county I live in Pennsylvania through the end of this month, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they extended it.

The drought is really stressing my shrubs and trees. I believe I’ve lost some deciduous azaleas, but I’m not sure. I won’t know about the tree damage until the spring. As we adapt to climate change, I hope our gardens will do so as well happy Thanksgiving to everyone out there at Fine Gardening.

The warm weather Carla is experiencing this fall is giving her a extended show of roses. Even late into the season, a huge pink rose is beginning to unfurl.

A deeper pink variety still has a cluster of gloriously vibrant blooms.

Carla mentioned that she thinks she might have lost some azaleas because of the dry conditions, but this autumn-blooming variety looks to be fighting through.

Carla let me know that this is a ‘Magnifica’ azalea (Rhododendron mucronatum ‘Magnifica’, Zones 6–9). This shrub, as well as one with purple flowers, were bought as tiny plants from a nursery that grew them from cuttings straight from a gardener at Winterthur Gardens in Winterthur, Delaware. The variety is one of the most predominately featured azaleas amongst a vast collection that were propagated by the owner of the estate and founder of the museum, Henry Francis du Pont. ‘Magnifica’ first blooms in May, but will give sporadic floral shows throughout summer and fall.

A hardy begonia (Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana, Zones 6–9) also seems to be holding up to its namesake. Despite preferring moist soil, it looks like it’s handing this dry spell with some lovely, delicate blooms.

Carla is also able to keep the edible garden going with some beautiful containers, including a group of hanging baskets. This first spilling with oregano and some flowering rosemary.

A second hanging basket has more rosemary, some thriving thyme, and some variegated English ivy (Hedera helix ‘Variegata’, Zones 4–10) add some additional ornamentation. Growing English ivy in a hanging basket is a great way to enjoy the foliage plant without worrying about its invasiveness.

The last matching basket in this trifecta, with thyme, oregano, and another dash of English ivy.

Long with all those fragrant herbs, Carla has lovely bunches of kale in large containers. A small, bright orange pumpkin adds a nice pop of color.

Lastly, a group of unique pumpkins is the perfect fall decor. Two varieties of white pumpkins allow the lace-like ‘One Too Many’ pumpkin and striped ‘Fireball’ pumpkin to really pop.

Thank you so much for sharing your garden with us again, Carla! As the climate continues to change, it’s inspiring to see how you are able to adapt your garden and continue to create beauty.

How is your garden feeling the pressures of climate change? How did your garden fare this fall? If you have photos documenting its change, we’d love to see them on the blog! Follow the directions below to submit your garden via email.

 

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