For most of us, autumn colors are provided by deciduous plants, especially trees whose leaves turn those warm rich reds, golds, oranges, and bronzes that compel photographers to make the pilgrimage to Autumn Color, be it the Northeastern states in the United States, mountains where the deciduous trees mix in with the dramatic contrasts of the evergreen conifers. It's breathtaking.

Sara's garden is exuberant with colors that go beyond the classic autumn palette...especially cool and smokey blues that create even more contrast.

Paula and her husband purchased a magnificent old home in Petaluma. Over the past two or three years, she has been updating the garden to reflect her love of Japanese art and culture as well as her focus on a garden that uses form and foliage to provide year round interest. Paula graciously allowed us to photograph her garden.

Images from our trip to Iseli Nursery in Boring, Oregon....a pilgrimage for conifer lovers.

A garden that focusses on form and foliage can provide wonderful visual impact, even on the most dreary days of the winter season.

After responding to a Facebook query seeking gardens that are beautiful in late autumn and winter, Garden Design magazine requested a submission for their Jan/Feb 2012 issue.