It is Garden Bloggers Foliage Day (GBFD) and here are some examples of the variety of foliage in the October garden.
Strongly patterned leaves of Arum Italica are maturing this month in a shady spot under the camellias.
Arum italicum
Euphorbia ‘Blackbird’ (Spurge) has been growing in a large pot on the patio since spring and is my first and only Euphorbia success. It needs to go into the ground soon. Having never reached this point before I am not sure how well it will overwinter.
Euphorbia ‘Blackbird’ (Spurge)
Monarda didyma (Scarlet Beebalm) has been expanding its territory recently and has sent up shoots among the Sweet Alyssum, a dainty annual. At this height the lime-green young leaves add nice textural contrast to the tiny white flowers of the Alyssum and they are nicely fragrant.
Monarda didyma (Scarlet Beebalm) and Lobularia hybrid ‘Snow Princess’ (Sweet Alyssum)
Autumn leaf color has become quite noticeable only in the last five days. The complementary hues found in this leafy pair added a touch of boldness to the garden this week. This particular tree has been an underwhelming performer, but in general, Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood) is beautiful in spring and fall.
Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood)
Gentle mounds of Aquilegia canadensis (Eastern red columbine) fill part of a border near the back steps. Round-lobed leaves range in color from pale green to a coppery russet pink, accentuated by dark red stems.
Aquilegia canadensis (Eastern red columbine), Salvia splendens (Scarlet Sage)
Purchased on a whim because they were on sale, three new trees were added this month in front of a south-facing portion of privacy fence. Online resources describe Juniperus scopulorum ‘Wichita Blue’ (Juniper) as having a pyramidal form; however, these seemed very narrow at the store, which is what I liked about them. Also, the plant tags appear to have understated the final height and width, and oops, it may not tolerate heat and humidity very well. I believe I could find a lesson in all this—instead I planted them anyway.
At least the foliage has an interesting texture and is soft, not bristly nor prickly.
Juniperus scopulorum ‘Wichita Blue’ (Juniper)
Thanks to Christina of Creating My Own Garden of the Hesperides for hosting Garden Bloggers Foliage Day (GBFD) each month.
pbmGarden 
Once again, neighbor, you’ve captured some of the concerns I have, but I’m a “none gardener.” Back in the beginning, my landscaper put in things that I was talked into while the house was still under construction, I hadn’t even moved in. Eventually we took a buggy/ golf cart kind of ride through the rolling hills of the wholesale nursery deep in the planted fields of Apex, and I didn’t know what I was doing, but I enjoyed the ride – and that we didn’t end up exceeding the budget. My Japanese holly didn’t make it, my elm tree in front and my dogwood in back also perished but if I had known my Lorepetulam (sp) would dominate my front walkway I would have made different choices, even though as vigorously as we cut it back to gain entrance to my front door, I feel a little jolt whenever those small deep pink blooms wink at me from the end of rigorous new growth. There were some out there yesterday.
HI Linda, it’s hard to picture how just how big plants will become when we see them in a nursery setting, isn’t it? I do enjoy your lovely Loropetalum!
The dogwood leaves are incredible – what colour! I also like the large glossy arum leaves. I have a very similar-looking euphorbia that stands up to any amount of heat and drought, frost and snow. I think they are pretty indestructibel, but don’t know if they like damp or humidity. There are a lot of blue junipers on the dry hills near us. They must be quite tough, as they are on poor chalky soil. I hope yours settle in well! I’m afraid I do the same – if I see something in a sale I am weak, and if it’s pot-bound I have to “rescue” it! The latest example: a flowering Hebe (no label) which is not terribly hardy in our climate, but it is so pretty!
Thanks for your comments. I’m not familiar with Hebe but the wikipedia image is pretty indeed. Hope it will like its new home with you!
The Arum leaves are so beautiful, we have them spreading round the garden, thanks to the birds! I don’t know how cold you get in the winter, but Euphorbia Blackbird is hardy with us in the UK, I think its fingers crossed time!
I’m keeping a close eye on my Arum–found them on a “watch list” for invasive plants here. So far it’s well-behaved in my garden but I guess as you mention, birds can spread it elsewhere. Sounds like Euphorbia Blackbird will pull through winter ok. Interesting we have some of the same plants.
Hi, thanks for joining in GBFD again; Euphorbia ‘Blackbird’ is lovely and is the only Euphorbia that doesn’t grow well for me, which is to say it dies? (Reading Pauiline’s comment above makes me think it needs more water than most other Euphorbia). Arum Italica is one of my favourite foliage plants and as you may imagine from its name it is found growing in wild places here, I don’t really have enough shade for it here, yours are beautiful. Christina
Thanks. I think I have included Euphorbia ‘Blackbird’ in almost every GBFD, but it really has been fun to watch grow this year.
That Euphorbia is really great. I’m making a note of the name.
Thanks for your comment Cindy. I’ve really enjoyed the foliage. Hope it does well for you.