The time for enjoying plants outdoors (other than evergreens) is winding down here in New England. I'm happy to report, though, that my oakleaf hydrangea lived up to its name -- in more ways than one. Named for its leaves' resemblance to oak tree leaves, this standout shrub resembled the oak in another way this year in my landscape....
Oak trees hold onto their foliage throughout the fall (sometimes longer). This is an endearing trait for those of us in cold climes, as a winter's worth of bare trees stares us in the face. The longer a deciduous plant can hang in there and not desert us, the more we appreciate it. And my oakleaf hydrangea has been a champion at hanging in there this year, holding onto at least some of its leaves right into December!
Besides growing shrubs and trees that jealously guard their leaves, another way to keep your property looking great all the way through late autumn is to make use of potted plants. Hardy potted plants with interesting foliage like ornamental grasses, flowering cabbage and flowering kale are a no-brainer for late fall. But there's even a place still for tenderer plants, as long as you can protect them properly. Kerry Michaels, About.com's Guide to Container Gardening, discusses a few things you can do to protect potted plants from frost in this article, including the use of cold frames.
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