Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 3, 2025 Saugus Gardens in the Fall Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener D ry weather has given us a lot of work watering our gardens, especially anything growing in pots or newly planted this year. Many people have commented that foliage color is a bit late, but it is beginning to show in some places, especially on red maples (Acer rubrum) growing near ponds or along the riverbank. Typically, these trees color up early due to stress of having too much water around their roots in the areas where they often grow, but because of the dry season the soil on the shoreline of many water bodies is less waterlogged this fall. Despite the recent warm temperatures, shortening days signal to the trees that winter is approaching. Heading north to see the fall foliage is an iconic New England fall activity, but if we put some thought into our plant choices, we can have some brilliant leaf peeping opportunities right at home. A beautiful North American shrub, Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) is known for the red fall color of its leaves as well as the fragrant spikes of white flowers in early summer. Native from New Jersey south, it is nevertheless hardy enough for gardens in our zone. A very popular variety is ‘Henry’s Garnet’ (Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’) named for the bright color of the fall foliage. This one grows up to eight feet tall and prefers moist soils. Also often available is a compact form, ‘Little Henry.’ These flower best in sun but can grow in shade. Tomorrow, October 4, has been celebrated as World Animal Day since 1929, a date which coincides with St. Francis of Assisi Day, since he has been known as the patron saint of animals. It seems an appropriate time to consider the benefits our gardens may give to animals: acorns and other nuts for many kinds of wildlife; small fruits, which benefit many birds; and flowers, which provide pollen for hummingbirds and insects. The full harvest moon will fall on Monday, October 6. October 7 is National Flower Day, which was chosen to celebrate our national flower, the rose, because on that date in 1986 President Ronald Reagan signed the act declaring the rose our national floral emblem. While we may think June is the month of roses, many popular rose varieties continue blooming all summer and well into the fall. My ‘Memorial Day’ hybrid tea rose which has been providing more meals than I would like to the rabbits this summer, has another flower bud getting ready to open this week. A little over a week ago, I noticed that one of my bearded irises was getting ready to rebloom; this plant had a few blossoms back in June, but this fall it had a total of seven buds on one stalk and two on another. While these irises have a reputation of bloomFoliage of ‘Henry’s Garnet’ sweetspire turns a lovely red in fall. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) ing for a very short period, the reblooming varieties, which have become popular in recent years, have all the charms of other bearded irises, including a wide color range and a sweet fragrance, but have two seasons of bloom. Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) were slow to arrive this summer, but I have been seeing them just about every day for the past month or more. On Monday, there were 14 at once in my butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii), which blooms in a sunny area near Fairmount Avenue. The fragrant flowers attract quite a few different butterflies, bees and other pollinators. Since I have a few species of milkweed My bearded Iris ‘Bernice’ is one of several varieties that reblooms in fall. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) growing nearby, the butterflies would also have the plants they need for laying eggs. In the next few weeks, foliage color will increase. Some of the best areas to walk are those where there are a variety of trees known for their leaf color, especially the red maples mentioned above. Especially good places for walks include Breakheart Reservation’s trail system, paths in Lynn Woods, especially near Birch Pond beside Walnut Street, and along the rail trail beside the Saugus River. You can also take some nice short foliage drives along Walnut Street beside Birch and Hawkes Ponds. Reflections of changing trees in the water of these ponds can be especially rewarding. Editor’s Note: Laura Eisener is Migrating monarchs got some sustenance for their long flight at my butterfly bush on Monday. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) A close-up of the iris flower from above reveals an intriguing pattern of colors, including wine red and orange. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) a landscape design consultant who helps homeowners with landscape design, plant selection and placement of trees and shrubs, as well as perennials. She is a member of the Saugus Garden Club and offered to write a series of articles about “what’s blooming in town” shortly after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was inspired after seeing so many people taking up walking.
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