Out in the Garden: Colorful landscapes all season long
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Have you ever noticed blooming plants look good for a period of time when they’re in full bloom and after that maybe a sporadic bloom or maybe none at all?
You can have color in your landscape all through the season by choosing colorful foliage, and there are so many to choose from.
Here are a few:
• Coleus
Coleus comes in so many different types. It does well in the shade and a few do well in
the sun. It's a great way to bring a splash of color to the landscape.
• Chicken gizzard plant
Chicken gizzard plant is a gaudy pink-to-red color that's really attractive as well.
• Persian shield
Persian shield does well in a very bright shade. In fact, if you give it good light, it will color-up its best. In deep shade, it loses a little bit of its color.
• Ginger
A variegated type of ginger looks really great in a shady area. It doesn't want to be in too much sun, but it will really brighten up shade with a splash of yellow in these green leaves.
• Copper plant
It’s an excellent choice as well. It gets quite tall, but again, it provides a break in that sea of green in our landscape.
Be careful gardening in the summer, drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen with at least an SPF 15 rating and avoid extended sun exposure during the hottest part of the day.
can be seen each Saturday morning. Austin Area Garden Council President
offers a journey through area gardens, like the Zilker Botanical Garden. She offers advice on what and when to plant from flowers to herbs and more.