Pre-fall beauty

Porcelain berries, Catonsville, MD

It’s fall in Maryland and as always, we are very excited to see the gorgeous foliage. Everywhere you go, the trees are gearing up for change-- the emeralds and kelly greens are beginning their conversion into more vibrant hues of crimson, scarlet and copper. The scenery will soon be breathtaking, but there is something else going on, behind the scenes-- perhaps some lesser known changes in landscape. It looks like neglected beauty is tapping on our shoulder once again, and all we have to do is turn around and look in our backyards to find it.

While the garden may not be as full and perky as it was a month ago, it is brimming with new options to appreciate. From pods and berries to wildflowers and perennials, early fall in Maryland has much to offer along with the unforgetable foliage.

Osage orange, Catonsville, MD

Look up and you'll see some trees with leaf-less branches, showing off their new seasonal accents. The black walnut tree is a great example; its walnuts are stored in tennis ball shaped pods which are citrus green and plentiful, just look out when they drop. Same goes with osage orange trees (Maclura pomifera) -- they too are popular in many parts of Baltimore, and their large, wrinkly fruits are starting to take over both branches and sidewalks. They are great in arrangements, as a fall themed centerpiece or stacked alone in a glass vase. Osage oranges are known for their fragrance, but not their taste, so be sure not to eat them. Another great fall pod find are Chinese lanterns, which are glowing in oranges and reds. They too, can be used in arrangements and dry very well, lasting several seasons before fading. The Echinacea and poppy plant's both leave pretty pods at the end of the season that can be used in seasonal decorations.

Quince fruit, Catonsville, MD

Fall berries are starting to take over where fruits and flowers once thrived. The American beauty berry bush (Callicarpa) has densely cropped purple berries that are stunning both on the branch or cut in containers. A weed to some, but a coveted plant to others, the pokeweed or pokeberry, has plum hued clusters that are still blooming and show nicely in vases, especially when combined with contrasting textures. But use caution when working with these, pokeberry stains ferociously when it drops. Even though invasive, both porcelain berry and wild grapevine are out in techni-colored shades of turquoise, purple and deep blue. In other tones, the Nandina bush is starting to produce crimson and scarlet berries, as is the Pyracantha and Viburnum.

Pyracantha, Baltimore, MD
As far as flowers go, many late blooming perennials are in full bloom, including Joe Pye weed, Japanese anemones, Russian sage, sedum, Caryopteris, solidago (golden rod), fall asters and hardy Chysanthemums. There are also some plentiful annuals to look out for on the sides of the road such as multi-hued Cosmos and Helianthus (sunflowers). Each have distinctly bright colors and can be cut for arranging, though do not generally last very long.

Japanese Anemone, Maryland

So, if you live in Maryland and can’t wait for the fantastic foliage that’s right around the corner, check out a garden, or go for a walk in the woods. You'll be sure to discover early fall blooming treasures. Most all plants listed can be cut and used in flower arrangements, but if not, they certainly add beauty to the view until it’s time for fall's final parade of leaves.

Wild cosmos, Crownsville, MD

Gardens and Parks to check out:

Brookside Gardens

Ladew Topiary Gardens
Irvine Nature Center

Audubon Society of Maryland

The Nature Conservancy/Maryland-D.C.

ALL PHOTOS BY FLOWER SPY AND BALANCE PHOTOGRAPHY

Callery Pear fruit, Crownsville, MD