Johanna here from Aiken, South Carolina. (See a previous visit to her garden here.) Fall is my favorite season, and I especially love how my garden looks at this time of the year. It appears more alive than ever. My shrubs, grasses, ornamental trees, hollies, and mums seem to explode with shape, texture, and color. I have been gardening for more than 40 years, but my Aiken garden of 13-plus years is my favorite. I started with a vast, pine-laden empty slate, and working within the confines of the septic placement, pine trees, and driveway, I think it has turned out pretty well.

My osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus, Zones 8–11) put on quite a show—three weeks of orange flowers with a wonderful fragrance.

My Meyer lemon tree (Citrus × meyeri, Zones 9–11) is bursting with fruit waiting to ripen.

The prickly pear cactus (Opuntia sp.), which bloomed in May with yellow flowers, is now loaded with purple fruit.

The seating area is new and was created to give balance, break up the long stretch, and make for a better transition to the cactus area.

The yucca, given to me by a neighbor and friend about three years ago, has grown immensely, and we are both waiting to see what happens with this specimen.

The Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’ (Zones 5–9) is my favorite upright grass. It looks so elegant and really shines in the fall.

I love standing on my front steps and looking down the walkway at the different shapes and textures.

Squash are still producing.

My banana (Musa sp.) plants are thriving. I have two, which were given to me by a neighbor. I love it when my neighbors can see plants they have given me thriving in my garden.

This flowering ginger plant (Hedychium coronarium, Zones 7–10) was also given to me by a neighbor.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Ho-Mi Digger - Korean Triangle Blade

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Versatile Tool: The Easy Digger Korean Triangle Blade Ho Mi Ho-mi is a versatile gardening tool designed for leveling and digging in home and garden settings. Efficient Design: Its unique triangular blade shape allows for easy soil penetration and efficient leveling of garden beds or landscaping areas. Durable Construction: Crafted with sturdy materials, this tool ensures long-lasting performance and reliability. Ergonomic Handle: The comfortable handle provides a secure grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. Compact Size: Its compact design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and store when not in use.

Buy at Amazon

Attracting Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden, Revised and Updated Second Edition: A Natural Approach to Pest Control

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

This revised and updated edition of Jessica Walliser’s award-winning Attracting Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden offers a valuable and science-backed plan for bringing balance back to the garden. With this indispensable gardening reference—now updated with new research, insights, and voices—learn how to create a healthy, balanced, and diverse garden capable of supporting a hard-working crew of beneficial pest-eating insects and eliminate the need for synthetic chemical pesticides.

Buy at Amazon

A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.

Buy at Amazon