Andrea’s Garden Blog

Fall is the season for Aconitum. Its quiet blue color differs so much from the usual bright colors of fall perennials.

I have gotten my first monkhood from a neighbor who didn’t want to have it in her garden anymore. She didn’t know when she planted it that it was very poisonous and was afraid of having it around her children. Rightfully so, I’d say. My children are grown, but I handle it with care after having had a rash working with it. The plant is among the most poisonous plants in Europe, but it is also known to be a medicinal plant.

When I rearranged my shady corner, Aconitum was the perfect plant to put there. The one I have grows over 5 ft. tall. It is a beautiful contrast during the fall season to the leaves of the hedge of Carpinus Betulus (sorry, don’t know the common name in English) I have planted back there to keep “busy” neighbors from looking into my backyard all the time and providing some privacy.

I have also received a type of monkhood which blooms earlier in the year at the same time my lupines are having their prime time.

Blue is my favorite color of all, but there are so few plants which are “true” blue. I wonder if a garden in one color would look boring?

At the moment I am trying – really trying – to arrange my garden by colors. We’ll see if I succeed in the years to come.

Have nice week,
Andrea