Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up July 2017: Welcome to My Summer Garden!

July Garden 2017

Welcome! It's time for another Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and Foliage Follow-Up to view the garden once again and take in all that nature has to offer. The summer has moved along quickly, with July temperatures consistent in the 80's with some days in the 90's, sunny skies, and an occasional thunderstorm with rain to nurture the blooms. There is much to see everywhere, so come along with me on a stroll through my Long Island garden.

Astilbe Delft Lace

July is a great month for the many varieties of Astilbe, ranging in height from 12-18 inches up to 2-3 feet. Astilbe 'Delft Lace' is one of my favorites in the garden, displaying beautiful pinkish-purple blooms on 24" stalks. When blooming, it appears to be almost three feet tall!  'Delft Lace' is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and prefers partial to full shade.

Astilbe 'Fanal'

Here in the northwestern side of my pool garden is Astilbe 'Fanal'. It displays brightly colored crimson blooms that last for several weeks, putting on quite a show! Astilbe 'Fanal' is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and prefers partial to full shade. It grows to a height of about 18-24 inches tall.

Hydrangea 'Nikko Blue' and 'Twist & Shout'

After a couple of harsh winters, the hydrangea are doing much better this season. They are now glorious with large mophead and lacecap blooms. In this view is Endless Summer 'Twist & Shout' Hydrangea in the center, surrounded by two 'Nikko Blue'.

Hydrangea 'Nikko Blue'

'Nikko Blue' (hardy to zone 5) is a bit old fashioned with its voluminous deep blue mophead blooms that form on old wood. I have had these plants for many years in the garden along the south fence. Hydrangea do need some hours of sun to bloom, and these get the perfect mix of early sun along with afternoon partial shade.

Hydrangea Endless Summer (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bailmer')

One the other side of the property, this Endless Summer Hydrangea has pretty pink blooms. Endless Summer Hydrangea are hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and bloom on both old wood and on the new wood of the season. Blooms appear blue in acidic soils and pink in alkaline soils.

Endless Summer Hydrangea 'Twist & Shout'

This variety is Endless Summer 'Twist & Shout'.  It displays delicate, more open looking lacecap blooms that are white with hints of pink and purple. 'Twist & Shout' also blooms on both old and new wood and is hardy to USDA zone 4. Colors can vary depending on the acidity of your soil.

Hydrangea Nikko Blue (Left) and Twist & Shout (Right)

Here is a view with mophead and lacecap hydrangea next to one another. It is wonderful to see these blooms again after two years of the plants trying to recuperate. 

Stella D Oro Daylily

As we stroll around to the pool area, Daylily 'Stella D Oro' is an old favorite along side Montgomery Blue Globe Spruce. Later on in the summer I will rejuvenate the daylilies so that they bloom into the fall.

South Garden

Here is the southwestern part of the garden with Salvia 'May Night' in front of 'Caramel' Coral Bells and Sedum 'Brilliant'. With some deadheading, this is the second purple bloom on the Saliva since May, and with the Coral Bells it's all about the foliage! The deep pink blooms of Sedum in the background will kick in later next month.

Bumble Bee in Flight

Bumble bees are a welcomed guest in the garden and love all the flowers. Here is one happy visitor!

Echinacea 'Pow Wow'

As we come around to the back perennial border, Echinacea 'Pow Wow' is now in full bloom and will continue to display its pretty berry-pink blooms until late in August. We'll encounter some 'Cheyenne Spirit' as we head towards the front.

Hemerocallis (Daylily) 'Pardon Me'

'Pardon Me' Daylily is also blooming for the month of July. I enjoy its deep cranberry-wine blooms with a touch of yellow with a green tinted throat. These 16-18 inch tall lilies are hardy in USDA zones 2-9 and prefer full sun.

Patio Garden

As we come around to the back of the patio area, here is another view of the walkway leading up through the gardens. A potted spearmint plant is alongside the step along with a potted Weeping Pussy Willow tree. On the right of the path is Weeping Norway Spruce, Blue Globe Spruce and various perennials.

Back Patio Garden

As we move along, Hosta 'Golden Tiara' can be seen beneath a grafted Montgomery Globe Blue Spruce. Heuchera 'Caramel' is in the distance behind the grouping of hosta, adding colorful foliage to a shady area.

Pool Perimeter

Here is the eastern side of the pool area with another view of Dayliliy 'Stella D Oro' and Spirea to the right of them. You may also notice the giant Globemaster Allium seed heads that remain from early spring.  I enjoy keeping them as part of the garden.

Skylands Oriental Spruce in Back Garden

Along the back portion of the pool is my new Skyland's Oriental Spruce, which seems to be adjusting nicely to its new home. I absolutely adore its beautiful golden evergreen foliage and purple cones that form in late summer.

Japanese Forest Grass Back Shade Garden

In the shadier portion of the back garden is Hakonechloa-macra (Japanese Forest Grass)...

Skip Laurel and Heuchera 'Caramel' South Bed

and here are the Skip Laurel along the back fence along with Heuchera 'Caramel'. These remarkable Heuchera are now reaching a diameter of two to three feet!

Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit' Front Driveway Planting

As we stroll around to the front of the property, Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit' displays its ever-changing colorful blooms in shades of gold, pink, and orange all one one plant! 'Cheyenne Spirit' prefers full sun and does well with this southern exposure. I love when it is just opening up and the petals haven't unraveled yet.

More 'Cheyenne Spirit' Echinacea

 I can never get enough of this amazing plant, and it will continue its bloom into the fall!

Lampost Planting

As we get nearer to the end of the tour, here is a fuller view of the lamp post garden alongside the driveway, with yellow Coreopis and blue Nepeta next to the burgundy foliage of Weigela 'Spilled Wine'. In the foreground is Japanese Garden Juniper with Golden Oriental 'Skylands' Spruce in the backdrop.

Rudbeckia ‘Little Goldstar' (Artistic View)

Last, but not least is one of the newer additions to the garden from last year, dwarf Rudbeckia  'Little Goldstar', and this year's succulent planter. As you can see, I had a little fun with doing an artistic rendition of the Rudbeckia before our stroll!

Succulent Planter

I hope you enjoyed this month's tour through my garden. Special thanks go out to our hostesses Carol at May Dreams Gardens, who makes it possible to see blooms on the 15th of every month with her meme Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and Pam at Digging for hosting Foliage Follow-Up. I am also linking with some other wonderful hosts and hostesses at Floral Fridays, Macro Monday 2, and Nature Notes at Rambling Woods.  Also check out Garden Bloggers' Foliage Day at Creating my own garden of the Hesperides and Wednesday Around the World.

July Garden 2017

Wishing you much gardening happiness. Thank you for visiting!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GARDENING & DESIGN, VISIT MY BOOKS ON AMAZON:

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9

Landscape Design Combinations

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2017. All rights reserved

This Month's Color in the Garden July: Red, White & Blue Blooms for your Garden!

Welcome to This Month's Color in the Garden!  For the month of July we are celebrating with the colors red, white and blue and their meaning in the garden. Red has always been considered a strong color in the garden, radiating warmth and excitement to a space. Throughout the centuries, red has been known as the color of love, romance, courage, respect, constancy and admiration, while lighter shades of pink speak of gentleness, happiness and love.  White blooms in the garden symbolize purity, innocence, reverence and humility and are also a sign of sympathy and bereavement, while blue brings a cool and calming feel. Blue is also a symbol for peace, hope, inspiration, serenity and openness.  For the month of July, let's look at some of the possibilities for red, white and blue in your summer garden.

Double Red Knock Out Rose

Knock Out Roses come in a variety of colors and exhibit a generous bloom cycle every 5-6 weeks that will continue until the first hard frost. This family of roses are the most disease resistant on the market and for the most part self-cleaning. Knock Out Roses winter hardy to USDA Zone 5, prefer full sun and a well-drained soil, and are heat tolerant throughout the entire U.S. 

Endless Summer Hydrangea Blushing Bride

Endless Summer Blushing Bride Hydrangea is hardy to USDA zone 5 and grows to a moderate 5-6 feet in height and width. Pure white blooms gradually mature to a beautiful pink blush. Foliage is disease and mildew-resistant and an attractive dark green against the large white mop-head blooms. Strong stems and branches keep the plant upright in the garden, making the blooms perfect for cuttings. Blushing Bride Hydrangea prefers to be grown in partial shade.

Endless Summer Hydrangea 'Bailmar'

Endless Summer Hydrangea 'Bailmar' is hardy to USDA zone 4 and grows to 4-5 feet tall by wide.  The Endless Summer Collection has the unique ability to bloom consistently on both old and new wood. Large mop-head blooms grow up to 8" in diameter, displaying pink blooms in alkaline soils and blue blooms in acidic soil. Grow Endless Summer Hydrangea in part shade in a moderately moist soil. 

Lobelia Cardinalis (Cardinal Flower)

Lobelia, also known as Cardinal Flower is hardy to USDA zone 4 and grows 24-48 inches tall by 18-24 inches wide and can be grown in full sun to partial shade. Cardinal Flower adapts well to many conditions and thrives in the moist areas beside ponds or water features. Tall spikes of scarlet red flowers opening from bottom to top form on stalks in mid to late summer and stay in bloom for several weeks. Lobelia is also known to be an attraction to both hummingbirds and butterflies.

Pee Gee Hydrangea Tree

Pee Gee Hydrangea is a fast growing deciduous flowering shrub hardy to USDA zone 3 that prefers full sun to partial shade.  Voluminous pure white elongated panicle-shaped blooms emerge in late summer and last for several weeks on graceful arching branches due to the weight on the blooms. Pee Gee Hydrangea blooms on new wood and can be pruned in early spring before new growth emerges. Pee Gee Hydrangea tolerates more sun than other varieties of hydrangea and needs a few hours of good sunlight to flower well.

Platycodon  grandiflorus' komachi' (Balloon Flower)

Platycodon, or Balloon Flower  gets its name from its display of puffy rounded blooms that look like inflated balloons. and open to star-like flowers. Hardy to USDA zone 3, Balloon Flower grows 8-10 inches tall by 10-12 inches wide and blooms in late summer. Platycodon prefers to be grown in full sun to part shade and will bloom in your garden for several weeks, approximately late July though August, depending on your zone. While most Platycodon buds open, this particular variety is known as Platycodon grandiflorus' komachi', in which the flowers remain closed.

Hemerocallis  (Daylily) Pardon Me

Hardy to zone 9, Hemerocallis 'Pardon Me' displays fragrant cranberry red blooms with a yellow center and bright green throat. Petals have ruffled edges and blooms appear on strong 16-18 tall stems that rise above tall grassy foliage. 'Pardon Me' prefers to be grown in full sun to partial shade, and even though blooms last for only one day, flowers are abundant and continuous for several weeks. This perennial blooms from mid-summer to fall.

Lillium Casablanca

Oriental Lilies such as this  Lillium 'Casa Blanca' are hardy to USDA zone 4 and prefer full sun. Cultivars vary from 18" to 6' tall with either large white, pink, rose, or red blooms with intense fragrance. Lillium are one of the most popular cut flowers for flower arrangements. Blooms appear in late summer and last for approximately three weeks.

Cranesbill Perennial Geranium Rozanne

Cranesbill is hardy to USDA zone 4 and comes in a variety of colors. This particular variety, known as Rozanne, displays blue-violet cup shaped blooms on a low lying 15-24 inch plant, that blooms from early to late summer. Perennial Geranium (Cranesbill) is tolerant of a variety of conditions, but prefers to be grown in full sun to partial shade in a well-drained soil.  It is a welcomed old favorite in the garden.

That's it for "This Month's Color in the Garden". Enjoy this month of patriotism in celebrating America's independence and please share how you may use the colors red, white and blue in your garden. See you again on the 15th for Garden Blogger's Bloom Day and Foliage Follow-Up and at the end of the month for Color Our World Round-Up.

Are you an experienced gardener or just wanting to learn? If so, be sure to check out my two published books on Amazon. The first book, A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, is loaded with ideas for different types of gardens and what plants to buy, along with gardening tips and advice on how to maintain your garden once implemented. The second book, Landscape Design Combinations, is geared towards the hands on "DIY" gardener who is looking for a little guidance, along with a dash of inspiration! This latest publication builds on the first and is full of successful landscape designs that can be used as is or as a guide. The book also teaches design principles using evergreens, flowering trees, shrubs and perennials. To preview each book, simply click on the links below!

VISIT MY BOOKS ON AMAZON:

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9

Landscape Design Combinations

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Color Our World Round Up June: Purple Blooms for Your Garden and the Folklore Behind Them

Color Our World Purple!

Welcome! It's time for another Color Our World Round-Up post. Each month the knowledgeable bloggers from Project Beautiful get creative by writing articles with focus on a particular color. The month of June is all about the color purple! Purple is considered a cool and calming color in the garden and has been viewed as  a symbol of royalty and heroism throughout cultural history. To enjoy reading all about the color purple, simply click on the links below to further view each article.

First up is Terri Steffes, from Our Good Life. Terri discusses how she uses the color purple in her garden as an accent, and includes some interesting folklore behind the use of purple throughout history. In her article Color My World Purple, she mentions that "Purple is such an interesting color, because it is rarely seen in nature. It's the most powerful wavelength in the rainbow, akin to x-rays and gamma rays.  It is very likely our prehistoric ancestors never even saw the color purple, because it is so rare in nature. 

In my garden, I like to use purple as an accent. The rich colors are perfect with the lighter yellows and pinks that I also like to use. I really enjoy the rich purples of the Wave petunia. The regular Wave comes in purple classic and misty lilac, both which I used in my garden.  We also love clematis, which usually bears a purple blossom, although they do come in other colors." Read more here.

Next,  Susan Brandt from Blooming Secrets shares her views on combining the colors purple and silver in the garden with her article Color Combos: Purple and Silver. "Throughout history, the color purple has been associated with royalty. During the time of ancient Rome it was the color of the robe worn by the Caesars and today it is still used by the British Royal Family as a ceremonial color on very special occasions. Silver is the color of prestige. As a precious metal, it symbolizes riches and wealth. Purple and Silver are distinctive colors and they are equally unique in the garden. In my opinion, when combined together in a container on a deck or in a hanging basket on a porch, Purple and Silver represent “garden elegance”! Read more here.

Lynne Cherot from Sensible Gardening delights us with her post Purple in the Garden. "When I am an old woman I shall wear purple” the famous first line of English poet Jenny Joseph’s poem “Warning”. The years tick by quickly and I’m not quite at that point in my life so I probably won’t be wearing purple any time too soon, however that doesn’t mean I can’t have it in my garden. The meaning of purple is good judgment. Purple is a combination of red and blue, the warmest and coolest colours, symbolizing magic, mystery, royalty, creativity and the spiritual. It’s been suggested that you should wear purple when you want to encourage fantasy and imagination. Purple flowers have an enchanted, elegance to them and some of the most beautiful and delicate flowers are purple." Read more here.

Finally, here is my post This Month's Color In the Garden: 12 Shades of Purple Blooms for your Garden! "Welcome to This Month's Color in the Garden! Throughout history, the color purple has been associated with royalty, dignity, grandeur, devotion, peace, pride, nobility, luxury, and power. Throughout history, purple robes have been worn by royalty, and many believe this came to be due to the rare occurrence of purple in nature, making the dye expensive to create. Purple represents nobility, as in the Purple Heart awarded by the The United States Military to soldiers wounded in battle and In Thailand, purple is the color of devotion and peace for mourning widows. The lighter shade of purple, or lavender, has long been associated with beauty and femininity. And finally, in landscape design, purple is considered a cool, peaceful and calming color, which is wonderfully complemented by the warmer and more fiery shades of yellow and orange. Here are 12 shades of purple blooms to carry you throughout the gardening season." Read more here.

Thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoyed #PB Color Our World Round-Up for the month of June. If you are enjoying these monthly Round-Ups, please leave a comment, and do share your thoughts about the color PURPLE! Also, be sure to visit these wonderful bloggers regularly for their inspiring articles on gardening, home remedies, DIY projects, decorating, culinary delights and more! I am also linking to Floral Friday Fotos. Check out their weekly meme! Lastly, be sure to check out my two books on Amazon, featuring landscape design principles, feature gardens, plant combinations and maintenance tips, along with a dash of inspiration! 

MY BOOKS ON AMAZON:

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9

Landscape Design Combinations

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2017. All rights reserved

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up June 2017: Everything is Coming Up Roses!

June 2017 Garden

Welcome to my June garden! It's time for another Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and Foliage Follow-Up and as the song says,"Everything is coming up roses!" After a very cool and rainy start to spring, the temperatures are now rising up into the 70's and 80's with blooms everywhere. Come along with me and take a look at what is blooming in my Long Island garden!

Itoh Peony Bartella in Perennial Border

The hybrid Itoh Bartella Peony in the perennial border just keeps getting more and more beautiful as the years go by.  They are now in their third season, and I look forward to their gorgeous blooms, which are short lived, but well worth waiting for!

Itoh Peony Bartella 

Let's get a close up of the beautiful yellow blooms that are 5-6 inches in diameter.

Peony 'Karl Rosenfield' and Salvia May Night

Peony 'Karl Rosenfield' Double Peony are also blooming in the perennial border with Salvia 'May Night' in the foreground. The two reach peak at about the same time every spring.

Peony 'Karl Rosenfield'

Of course we need a close up of 'Karl Rosenfield'. I just adore its blooms!

I

Allium Globemaster

In the western pool garden, Allium 'Globemaster' rises above 'Stella D Oro' Daylily with their voluminous purple blooms. Behind the Allium is Spirea 'Limemound' and Weeping Japanese Maple 'Red Select'.

Hosta Shadowland Autumn Frost and Nepeta 'Walkers Low'

Nepeta 'Walkers Low' and Hosta make a colorful combination in the back garden.

Pink Double Knock Out Rose

One of my favorite blooms in the garden are the Double Knock Out Roses. They bloom from late spring until the first frost, and have an amazing color and fragrance.

Cornus kousa chinensis 'Greensleeves'

New to the property for its second season is Japanese Kousa Dogwood 'Greensleeves'. 'Greensleeves' is a newer hybrid that is more cold hardy and disease resistant.  It is literally covered in greenish-white blooms for several weeks in late spring and has become a favorite of mine in the garden.

Cornus kousa chinensis 'Greensleeves' Blooms

Here are the star shaped blooms close up.

Red Double Knock Out Rose

I did refer to Ethel Merman's "Everything is Coming Up Roses" at the beginning of this post. Here's continuing the theme with Double Red Knock Out Rose!

Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz'

Here is Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz' in all its glory...

 Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz' Bloom

with a close up of its blooms.

Kinetic Mobile

There's always room for a little garden whimsy. I purchased this kinetic spinner in Las Vegas a couple of years back and enjoy watching the blue ball as it mysteriously appears to climb and fall along the spiral.  The optical illusion is very mesmerizing.

Japanese Forest Grass and Leucothoe in Shade Garden

As we continue the tour, you are viewing the back shade garden. Follow the Pennsylvania Bluestone path that passes by the Hakonechloa (Japanese Forest Grass), Leucothoe 'Axillaris', and various species of Hosta on the left. 

Hosta Patriot

Hakonechloa Japanese Forest Grass

Shade Garden with Astilbe Peach Blossom (Back)and Caramel Coral Bells (Front)

On the right of the path, is a combination of Hosta, Astilbe 'Peach Blossom' and Coral Bells 'Caramel'. As you continue to follow the path into the "secret garden", you will come to this birdbath, which is backed by a wall of English Ivy.

End of the Garden Path in the Secret Garden

Weeping Japanese Maple Viridis

Now, let's venture into the front yard. Weeping Japanese Maple 'Viridis' now stands at a stately height of eight feet tall...

Skylands Oriental Spruce

and the Golden Skyland's Oriental Spruce that I planted in 2008 has developed into a mature tree.

Iris pallida Aureo Marginata and Spirea Magic Carpet

Along the southern section of the driveway is  Salvia 'Magic Carpet' that was introduced into this bed just last summer, along with Salvia 'Caradonna' and Weeping Norway Spruce. Variegated Iris (Iris pallida Aureo Marginata) is brand new this year.

South Driveway: Magic Carpet Spirea and Salvia Caradonna

Iris pallida Aureo Marginata

North Shade Garden
Back around full circle is another shade garden at the western side of the property and as we end the tour, Garden Gal is nestled under the Weeping Pussy Willow Tree near the back patio, with Black Mondo Grass in her planter for a little more whimsy.

Under the Weeping Pussy Willow: Black Mondo Grass in Garden Gal's Planter

I hope you enjoyed this month's tour through my garden. Special thanks go out to our hostesses Carol at May Dreams Gardens, who makes it possible to see blooms on the 15th of every month with her meme Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and Pam at Digging for hosting Foliage Follow-Up. I am also linking with some other wonderful hosts and hostesses at Floral Fridays, Macro Monday 2, and Nature Notes at Rambling Woods.  Also check out Garden Bloggers' Foliage Day at Creating my own garden of the Hesperides and Wednesday Around the World.

June 2017 Garden

Wishing you much gardening happiness. Thank you for visiting!

MY BOOKS ON AMAZON:

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9

Landscape Design Combinations

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2017. All rights reserved