It seems my whole life lately is spent deadheading: phlox and echinacea and daylily and hosta scapes and all sorts of flowers that have gone by.

This is depressing not only because it means the flowers have gone by but that the growing season is near its end.

Yes, we have some chrysanthemums that have come back from previous years, and some hibiscus – both perennnials and shrub – and asters and fall foliage.
But the gardens just aren't as strong visually this time of year.

One plant that makes fall more interesting are the tall sedums, or technically sedum spectabile, which are just coming into their own. Pictured is one called 'Brilliant' which I took from the Northcreek Nurseries Web site, but there are 'Autumn Joy,' 'Neon' and dozens of others.

Give them a try, and it will stop you from thinking of the approaching dark days of winter.

Looking to the future in a brighter light, this Sunday's column in the Telegram is about the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses that is going to be created at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and on the couple whose gift made it possible.

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