Serviceberry and the Fall Garden

When we put in our garden, I asked my knowledgable friend Niko for a list of suggestions. Near the top of her list was Amelanchier grandiflora, or Serviceberry.

Ours has been a fairly fast growing shrub, adding over a foot a year. It’s got a lovely branching shape, a short intense burst of white spring flowers, edible summer fruit and then vibrant fall color. In our garden, there is always something a bit more eye-catching happening, maybe the bright yellow daffodils catch your eye first or you find yourself like the bees drawn to the late asters, but tucked out in back, the Serviceberry goes about it’s four-season work as one of my favorite plants in the garden.