Welcome back to the final installment of our weeklong feature with New Jersey-based garden designer Ellen Goldfarb. Throughout the week, we have explored her creative vision through stunning fall container designs and thoughtfully curated autumn arrangements. Today, we are stepping away from her container displays to take a closer look at what has been flourishing in her productive cutting garden just as the season comes to a turning point.
Ellen’s cutting garden is relatively young, currently wrapping up only its third year since establishment. Located in a sun-drenched spot with a southern exposure, the garden consists of two substantial raised beds constructed from durable railroad ties. Each bed measures approximately 17 inches high and 4 feet wide, with lengths spanning 8 and 10 feet.
The origins of this vibrant growing space are rooted in a fortunate shift in the landscape. Initially, the designated area existed in full shade. However, the dynamics of the property changed dramatically when a neighbor removed a massive tree situated to the east of Ellen’s land. While losing such a large tree carried a hint of sadness, the resulting sunlight proved to be an unexpected windfall for Ellen’s gardening aspirations, transforming the shady patch into an ideal microclimate for sun-loving plants.
In addition to the primary raised beds, Ellen’s productive landscape features several other compelling elements designed to maximize yield and aesthetic appeal. Among these is a dedicated bean tunnel housing annual climbing beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). The space also accommodates an impressive total of 21 tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum), alongside a thriving fig tree (Ficus carica), a Mediterranean favorite typically hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10.
The timing of this final tour was dictated by the changing weather. Ellen recently made the decision to harvest all remaining blooms from her dahlias (Dahlia cvs., Zones 8–11), zinnias (Zinnia elegans, annual), and garden roses (Rosa cvs., Zones 4–9) because a hard frost was forecasted for that very night. While the impending cold snap marked a bittersweet end to the peak flowering season, it prompted a bountiful final harvest that Ellen quickly brought indoors to preserve in a series of colorful tabletop arrangements.
When arranged in individual vases, the harvest displayed a stunning array of late-season hues, dominated by pink and peach dahlias, brilliantly saturated zinnias, and delicate garden roses. The composition also incorporated other seasonal favorites such as coneflowers and nasturtiums, capturing the rich textures and warmth characteristic of an autumn cutting garden.
Adding a personal touch to the indoor displays, a small purple-flowering stem of cape primrose (Streptocarpus cvs., Zones 10–11) made an appearance in the front center of the arrangement. Unlike the outdoor selections, this tender specimen was not harvested from the cutting garden; rather, it was a houseplant that Ellen had recently brought indoors to protect it from the approaching winter chill.
Reflecting on the season, Ellen and the gardening community find joy not only in the successes of varieties that performed admirably throughout the summer and fall, but also in evaluating which plants earned a permanent spot for next year and which ones might not make the cut. That continuous process of trial, observation, and refinement remains one of the most rewarding aspects of cultivating a personal landscape.
This feature also concludes our special look at the collaborative creativity shared by Ellen Goldfarb and Tracy, whose inspired fall container designs and nature-influenced autumn arrangements have offered readers a daily dose of inspiration. Witnessing their distinct approaches to seasonal styling has provided a wonderful glimpse into residential horticulture as autumn transitions into winter.
For readers inspired to share their own horticultural journeys, the Garden Photo of the Day series continues to welcome submissions from enthusiasts everywhere. Whether highlighting a unique collection of cherished plants, documenting a memorable garden visit, or showcasing personal homegrown triumphs, participants can submit their photographs and stories through the official online submission platform. Contributions can also be sent via email along with details regarding plant varieties, garden locations, years of experience, and memorable gardening anecdotes.
For those looking to enhance their own outdoor living spaces or extend their growing seasons, a variety of horticultural tools and resources remain available for exploration. Products such as durable cold frames help create protective microclimates against extreme weather, while specialized literature on designing resilient plant communities offers guidance for cultivating sustainable landscapes in both urban and suburban settings. Additionally, weather-resistant patio dining sets provide functional and low-maintenance options for hosting gatherings in the garden throughout the milder months.
