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![Biggest Autumn Thrill](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b16c16_f211a189f9274bdeb46e66a8ced1359d~mv2_d_1502_1502_s_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_147,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/b16c16_f211a189f9274bdeb46e66a8ced1359d~mv2_d_1502_1502_s_2.jpg)
The shock of bicolor Cochicum 'Zephyr' is fabulous among the browning leaves of autumn. This one from the great Odyssey Bulbs.
![Seed Pod of Tree Peony](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b16c16_4baf1b2e315b4a87aff5f477ade97f7d.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_110,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/b16c16_4baf1b2e315b4a87aff5f477ade97f7d.jpg)
I know one should sever the seed heads from all peonies, but I leave some on the oldest branches of my tree peonies because they are so beautiful and black
![BEAUTYBERRY - aptly named](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b16c16_a15005804e054be19f0dc8d2d2fd028a~mv2_d_1502_1502_s_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_147,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/b16c16_a15005804e054be19f0dc8d2d2fd028a~mv2_d_1502_1502_s_2.jpg)
Callicarpa Dichotoma 'Winterthur' indispensable and irresistible September bloomer PLUS great for the birds
![CIRCULAR SHAPES](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b16c16_e6aad9a028d94a7584e2e79df12682d5~mv2_d_1502_1502_s_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_147,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/b16c16_e6aad9a028d94a7584e2e79df12682d5~mv2_d_1502_1502_s_2.jpg)
Clockwise from top left: Petasites, snowball pruned dwarf hinoki cypress, and beloved black-stemmed maidenhair fern, I love the geometry of these circular shapes and the rhythm they impart
![Acer japonica](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b16c16_3a0b97c27ef2492fba181f790965b5cf.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_196,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/b16c16_3a0b97c27ef2492fba181f790965b5cf.jpg)
The huge hand-like leaves of this Japanese maple are like no others – and its graceful character cannot be overstated - it is fabulous. The WOW autumn color follows in another photo.
![Cornus controversa](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b16c16_2af9650314c44c1cb9408b17e4e99efa.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_196,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/b16c16_2af9650314c44c1cb9408b17e4e99efa.jpg)
First seen by me at Barnsley House in the Cotswolds, I had to track down this dogwood that grows in tiers. Found it at ForestFarm of course. It has grown quickly and elegantly. The leaves become whiter as the summer progresses.
![Acer japonicum](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b16c16_220e892fa40646168fe14f98f6db8bac.jpg/v1/fill/w_146,h_194,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/b16c16_220e892fa40646168fe14f98f6db8bac.jpg)
This is the fabulous fall coloring that I mentioned already ...looks particularly good around the buddha head
![Cyclamen hederifolium](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b16c16_0530fa4b0e354f41af3c5f0034e9cb08.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_110,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/b16c16_0530fa4b0e354f41af3c5f0034e9cb08.jpg)
The surprise of the upright flowers in September are thrilling, but it's the marbled leaves that then develop and stay through the winter – even a bitter one — that make this plant worth cultivating (not so easy).
![Acer palmatum](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b16c16_de058abfbd794fdfa90097afe5835f39.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_196,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/b16c16_de058abfbd794fdfa90097afe5835f39.jpg)
Just one of the amazing Japanese maples whose leaves turn bright red for autumn. Another is Sango Kaku ---its green leaves turn yellow in autumn, but once the branches are bare the bark turns a stupefying bright red that looks especially gorgeous when it snows. (Snow pic coming up)