One of the loveliest plants in the garden waited until the visitors had gone for the year before revealing its beauty. Leucanthemella serotina is a simple white daisy, but with the faintest tint of lemony green and an ethereal luminescence about it which shines out in the low autumnal light. It is quite tall at about 5′, but very upright and sturdy, forming a tight clump with all its blooms endearingly turned towards the afternoon sun. I’m quite capitivated by it.
The hedgerows are lit up with red hawthorn berries and rose hips, but the most vibrant red in the garden is the scarlet seed pod of the Arisaema in the sundial garden. I’m leaving it as long as I dare before collecting the seeds – it is simply stunning. 
On Gardener’s World last night, Joe Swift recommended Miscanthus ‘Yakushimo Dwarf’ and I completely agree. The seed heads are held at about 4′ instead of the typical 6-7′ of most Miscanthus bringing it to eye level. It is graceful, well-behaved and looks lovely in sunshine.
And how’s this for a little gem? It’s new to me this year – Spiranthes ‘Chadd’s Ford’. A customer correctly observed that it is in the Orchidaceae family. I love it’s spiral flowering pattern and it is scented too. Another beauty to light up an autumn border.
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