A Cozy Fall Garden Nook

Whether you have an empty garden bed or an eclectic collection of gardening odds and ends, one thing about the side of the garage is that it makes a great hiding place.

- - Chloe Deike

Here’s a plan for turning that space into a shady and private hideaway—a spot to lounge as the heat of summer drifts into the crispness of fall.

CURIOUS COMBINATIONS This small-space garden doesn’t cover a lot of ground, but it still contains a variety of growing conditions. Even though it’s mostly a shade garden, sunny pockets here and there require some sun-loving plants too. It’s a delicate, but interesting, balance to strike. Groups of ground cover sedum stretch across the sunniest spots in the front of the border, nearly reaching clumps of hostas and other classic shade perennials that thrive in the partly shaded spots along the garage and under the tree.

And because the area might be far from a water spigot, it’s mostly filled with plants that can thrive without consistent watering from you.

This is a garden that keeps you outside into the fall and, instead of demanding your energy, offers you a bit of rest. Don't you think you deserve that? Let me make growing this garden as easy as possible: Turn the page for the tips you'll need.

COZY CANOPY As the tree grows larger, you might need to limb up the Korean maple so you still have enough room to nestle underneath. In late winter or early spring, prune or saw off any lower branches that impede the patio space, taking care not to nick the thin bark and cause damage.

BRING YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY Why not create a reading spot? Stash a weatherproof storage box in the side table and keep a pair of reading glasses and a book or your latest knitting project inside.

COLOR-DRENCHED FOR FALL A current interior design trend called “color-drenching” paints the ceilings, walls and trim in the same color. This is the garden version: A tree, some medium-sized shrubs and perennials and even a ground cover all turn a deep shade of red in the fall to create a warm monotone effect.