The vibrant transition into autumn brings a fresh wave of seasonal creativity, and garden enthusiasts are taking notes from New Jersey designers Ellen Goldfarb and Tracy Buttrick. In their latest installment for the Garden Photo of the Day (GPOD) series, the designers return with a fresh showcase celebrating the rich colors, textures, and architectural plants that define the autumn season. Highlighting four distinct container designs tailored for everything from narrow front porches to sweeping estates, the collection captures the ingenuity required to keep home landscapes visually striking as the weather cools.
Among the standout displays is a container situated on a narrow front porch in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey. Designing for a confined footprint presents unique spatial challenges, yet this arrangement maximizes vertical interest without overwhelming the walkway. The height of the container is established through a combination of annual broom corn (Sorghum bicolor), yellow winterberries (Ilex verticillata, Zones 3–9), and the whimsical, aptly named pumpkins-on-a-stick (Solanum aethiopicum, an annual).
Adding a touch of soft, cool color to the arrangement is the ‘Mona Lavender’ plectranthus (Plectranthus ‘Mona Lavender’, Zones 9–11). While this variety is a favorite among designers, its availability can occasionally fluctuate, making it a prized find for autumn installations. The plant thrives in shade gardens and tends to put on its best floral display as the days grow shorter. To round out the textured composition, the container also incorporates ornamental cabbage (Brassica oleracea cvs., annual), purple sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima, annual), and Algerian ivy (Hedera algeriensis, Zones 7–11), creating a dense, multi-layered look that instantly elevates a modest entryway.
Moving beyond compact porch spaces, another featured design takes on a prominent spot along a residential driveway. This robust container relies on a dynamic mix of green and brown millet, vibrant orange winterberry, and more of the coveted ‘Mona Lavender’ plectranthus. To inject fiery autumn tones, the designers incorporated spiked celosia (Celosia argentea var. spicata, annual), ornamental peppers (Capsicum annuum, annual), classic mums (Chrysanthemum × morifolium, Zones 5–9), additional cabbage, and hardy heather (Calluna vulgaris, Zones 4–8). The result is a bold, energetic welcome that bridges the gap between late-summer harvests and deep-winter hardiness.
Perhaps the most breathtaking setting in the collection unfolds in Saddle River, New Jersey, where a grand entrance framed by an allée of ginkgo trees (Ginkgo biloba, Zones 4–9) provides a dramatic seasonal backdrop. Here, a matching pair of large-scale containers anchors the space, designed to complement the brilliant golden-yellow canopy overhead. These grand pots feature a sophisticated palette of orange and yellow winterberries, chartreuse-hued ‘Jade Princess’ millet (Pennisetum glaucum ‘Jade Princess’, annual), pumpkins-on-a-stick, ornamental peppers, ‘Snow Princess’ sweet alyssum (Lobularia ‘Inlbusnopr’, annual), and cabbage. Set against the glowing architecture of the maturing ginkgo trees, the containers serve as a masterclass in integrating potted arrangements with mature landscape features.
Following this presentation of regional landscape artistry, the seasonal showcase highlights ongoing contributions from home gardeners nationwide through its popular daily photo platform. Gardeners are continually encouraged to submit their own outdoor spaces, plant collections, and landscape visits by utilizing the official photo submission form or by sharing imagery directly with the publication. Submissions typically feature location details, gardening longevity, personal milestones, and favorite plant selections, fostering a nationwide community of horticultural enthusiasts.
As the seasonal feature wraps up its spotlight on New Jersey design, attention turns toward upcoming installments, including a deeper look into Ellen Goldfarb’s private cutting garden.
