Happy hauntings! If Halloween is a holiday that you really enjoy, then consider spending some time today contemplating or perhaps planting a Halloween Garden.
While this might sound strange at first, bear with me. It is surprising how many plants can be included in such a garden and can still be planted at this time of year.
If you are looking for the unusual, then perennials take first prize in the Halloween-related names contest. Although I came up with about 30 varieties after a quick count, I’m sure there are many more.
Lighting the way on Halloween night are two of my favorites – Moonshine Yarrow and Moonbeam Coreopsis. As implied in their names, these plants bear bright yellow flowers and add color and interest to the garden. This yarrow is not invasive, making it a good choice for many areas. The coreopsis does well in many places in the garden and blooms all summer.
If frogs and warts is what you’re after, then take a lesson from our witch friends with a selection from the wort family of plants. Double dropwort has ferny foliage and white, summer flowers. St. John’s Wort is a good groundcover in protected areas and many know this plant as a herbal additive used for elevating mood. Soapwort has small pink flowers and trailing stems. Crosswort also has pink flowers and is a good groundcover.
If blood is what you crave this season, then there are several choices for you! Bloody Cranesbill is a low growing perennial that, contrary to it’s name, sports pink, not red, flowers. Red Hot Poker is often found in gardens in this area and is a tall, spiky plant with large, poker shaped red flowers. Perfect for a border to keep intruders out! Dragon’s Blood Sedum is a low growing sedum with reddish foliage. It is a good choice for some color among rock gardens. And an old favorite, Bleeding Heart, rounds out the group. This plant is available in several varieties.
Perhaps your desire is for plant material that sounds as if it could be an ingredient in a magic potion. If so, then consider some of the following plants. Jupiter’s Beard is a drought tolerant perennial that works very well in this area. Turtlehead is good for wet areas and has short, spiky flowers in a rosy lavender color. Bugbane has tall, spiky white flowers and a purple variety is also available. Leopard’s Bane is one of the loveliest early spring bloomers with a host of cheerful yellow flowers. Choose this plant to compliment your bulb plantings. Horned Poppy is in the poppy family and has silvery foliage making it a good plant for contrast in the garden. And Sneezeweed is another tall plant with daisy-like flowers.
For the die-hard Halloween fans, consider some of the more ghoulish plants. Dead Nettle is grown for its silvery foliage and is a good groundcover for shady spots. Scullcap is available in many varieties and is a good, low growing ornamental. Cobweb Hens and Chicks have rosettes covered with fine hair that resembles a spiderweb. And to wrap up your perennial garden, don’t forget the ever-present Bindweed!
Although Halloween oriented names are less commonly found in the nursery, there are some that are worthy of mentioning. Wolf River Apple is a good cooking apple that is yellow in color with a blush. Moonglow Pear is a good keeping pear and is golden as well. Vanderwolf’s Pine is a nice addition to the other plants in your garden and is one of the few evergreens that would fit in well. Witchhazel is commonly thought of for aches and pains, but the plant itself is actually quite pretty with many yellow flowers and good fall color which adds interest at this time of year. Add a coven of witchhazel along with Scotch broom. The broom is drought tolerant and has flowers that can range from yellow to maroon.
For those who wish to keep the spirit of this season alive all year on an indoor level, consider using snake plants or spider plants. Both are easy to care for, attractive and each time you look at them and think of the source of their inspiration, a smile will come to your face!
Look for these plants and more at your local garden center next spring. In the meantime, have a safe and happy Halloween and keep on planting until the ground freezes!
Gail Vanik can be reached at Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery at 565-8274 or by email at fourseasons@animas.net, on Facebook at Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery, or on the web at www.fourseasonsgreenhouse.com.
