Plants I've Fallen For

STEP ON IT: As delicate as it looks and feels, Cotulina leptinella 'Platt's Black'
(Dollhouse Fern) can handle light foot traffic. Just don't dance on top of it.

It's full-on Fall here in Oakland. The redwoods are shedding like cats, blanketing our deck, paths and garden beds with their old crispy brown twigs, leaves and cones. Some of it we rake up and toss into the green bin. Most of it we leave where it lands so it can nourish the soil, perfect for our understory of acid-loving shrubs, groundcovers and smaller trees.

Fall is also the time of year in which I stock up on plants the most. The bounty of local plant sales makes in incredibly easy, not to mention tempting!

My list of season's must-haves is rather small so far - only two! - but I'm still compelled to share them. Here goes.

Cotulina leptinella 'Platt's Black' (Dollhouse Fern) is an insanely adorable groundcover that hails from New Zealand. It's one of those plants you want to reach out and touch. The tiny frond-like leaves are soft and kinda fluffy - like feathers. Adaptable to USDA Zones 4-11, it's especially sweet between stepping stones. Water regularly and feed occasionally for best results. It thrives in part shade and tends to be greener; darker in more light. Only 2" tall max, it will spread quickly if kept consistently moist.

AIN'T SHE PURTY? Lonicera nitida 'Lemon Beauty'

I love the free-form, fountain-like growing habit of the Lonicera nitida 'Baggesen's Gold' (Box Honeysuckle) I planted in my garden last autumn. But for this season I have my sights set on its cousin, Lonicera nitida 'Lemon Beauty.'

I'm a sucker for the dramatic foliage color of this evergreen shrub. If only folks would plant more of this instead of boxwood! After all, it can be used in a much similar fashion.

From a distance, it looks more golden yellow, which makes it extra stunning for a border or as a focal point in a garden bed with darker plantings. Upon closer examination, the tiny, opposite leaves that are green in the center and yellow on the borders run the entire length of the upright, horizontal branches. More deets: Prefers part to full sun; regular watering; is fast, compact and can reach 3 to 6 feet tall and wide. Plus it's easy to prune and shape it the way you like. Along with Choisya ternata 'Sundance,' I'll be using it this fall to brighten up some dark spots in my redwood-shaded back yard.