There’s no better time to enjoy the spectacular beauty that
nature has to offer than during the autumn season. This is an
ideal occasion for entertaining friends and family, especially
around Halloween. Why not take advantage of all the vibrant
colors and stimulating textures that autumn provides by
creating a garden themed around this exciting holiday.
Halloween parties provide a great opportunity to bring the
bountiful harvest from the garden indoors; or better yet,
invite guests out into the garden instead. Bathe the garden or
patio with soft lights. Set autumn or Halloween-colored votive
candles inside small jars or glasses and place them on terra
cotta saucers adorned with colorful leaves. These charming,
little lanterns can be used as attractive centerpieces for
tables or scattered throughout the garden. Pumpkins are an
absolute must for decorating a Halloween garden.
Create a variety of Jack-O’-Lanterns and spread them
throughout the surrounding landscape. Light them up with
candles. You could also choose to hollow out varieties of
pumpkin, gourd, and even squash to use as festive containers
for cut-flower arrangements. Fill them with various mums,
Chinese lanterns, stems having berries attached, sunflowers,
dried peppers, twigs, etc. Wicker harvest baskets also make
lovely containers. Gather a few bales of hay or straw, add some
corn stalks and pumpkins, and accent with Indian corn and small
decorative gourds. For additional interest, you could cover
tables with old burlap sacks. Create cozy seating around these
tables; or perhaps, self-contained, rock fire pits.
Autumn-themed gardens are generally rich with colors such as
crimson, gold, dark green, and burnt orange. These beautiful
colors result from a variety of flowers, foliage, berries and
seed heads. In keeping with a traditional Halloween theme,
there are several ways to accomplish a spook-tacular garden. If
you desire, your focus can be centered on orange and black.
However, too much dark color can result in making the garden
dull and unappealing. Your goal is to achieve an inviting
atmosphere. Good choices for adding orange color might include
zinnias, marigolds, tiger lilies, Gerber daisies, poppies, and
butterfly weed. Near-black beauties could include a variety of
tulips and irises.
Don’t forget to throw in some orange and black-colored
pansies as well. Keep in mind, however, that a Halloween theme
does not need to be limited to just these colors. Flowers that
are deep maroon can also help set off your Halloween effect.
Look for these shades in favorite varieties of cosmos, bachelor
buttons, or snapdragons. Complimentary colors such as orange
mums and purple asters can add additional interest. Mix in some
gray or blue grasses. Likewise, try implementing some dark
maroon roses in the garden; allow them to climb along an old
iron trellis. Place stone benches in various areas for seating,
allowing different views, and maybe a nearby water basin to
wash away troubles. Additionally, you might want to include
plants that have creepy names such as devil’s tongue, blood
lily, spider orchid, bat plant, bleeding heart, bloodroot,
etc.
Did you know that at one time having certain plants within your
garden made you guilty of being a witch? Many types of herbs,
weeds, and flowers were once considered to be used solely by
witches for making up magical potions and spells. Some of these
included Hellebores, lavender, poppies, dandelions, and even
ferns. Foxglove, known also as witches thimbles, and yarrow,
referred to as devil’s nettle, are also commonly grown plants
in many gardens today that have a ghoulish connection with
witchcraft.
Just for fun you might consider designing a witch’s garden
filled with various herbs. These gardens are generally circular
in shape as it was once believed a sacred symbol by witches.
Plant rows of red beauties around the perimeter of the garden.
Red blooms were said to keep out evil doers. Try geraniums,
zinnias, nasturtiums, red spider lilies, or firecracker
flowers.
On the other hand, if you’re wishing to ward off a witch, try a
border filled with vibrant yellows and rich greens. There are
many varieties of flowers such as marigolds, sunflowers, green
zinnias, etc. and foliage plants such as hostas, ornamental
grasses, or evergreens that will achieve this effect easily.
Within the witch’s garden you may find an array of native
plants. Add further interest and drama by incorporating
ornamental plants as well. Enhance your theme with various
features such as gargoyles, toadstool ornaments, broomsticks,
and small cauldrons. Allow these objects to crawl out from
beneath or behind plants to create an air of mystery.
An autumn garden can easily be designed to fit a Halloween
theme. With only a dash of imagination and a few
Halloween-related props, you can create an autumn garden that
will amaze your family, friends, and neighbors. Happy
Halloween.
This article was written by Nikki Phipps and was sponsored by
DareToScare.com . Reproductions of this article are encouraged
but must include a live link back to http://www.DareToScare.com.
