The Big Fall Cutback

May is a particularly pretty time of year for this garden bed in my perennial garden in SJC. It is lush and full with a variety of colors and textures.

During summer this bed (shot from a different angle) goes into more a more monotone color palate, but is still brimming with color and interest.

Everything needs a rest and fall is the time for this bed to be cut back and mulched with compost for winter. Allowing air to reach the center of the bed helps eliminate fungal disease during the wet season and gives munching bugs less of a place to hang out for the winter. Good thing we have the holiday decorations to keep our minds off the bleakness of the garden beds this time of year!