Monday, May 15, 2017

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up May 2017: Gardening Season Has Arrived!

May 2017 Garden

In 1557, a gentleman by the name of Thomas Tusser compiled a collection of writings he called "A Hundred Good Points of Husbandry". In the April section of his works he wrote, "Sweet April showers Do spring May flowers". The proverb known today was originally a short poem, which served as a reminder that the abundant rains in April would bring about the arrival of beautiful May blooms. The wonderful month of May is here and since it's May 15th, it is time for another Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and Foliage Follow-up! There are new additions for the 2017 season, so come along with me as we venture to see what is blooming in my Long Island garden.
Ajuga Burgundy Glow
The April rains with temperatures now moderating in the 60's has brought life back into the garden as colorful blooms spring up everywhere. Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow' ground cover adds interesting foliage and bright purple blooms to the May garden.
Foliage Combo May
Heuchera 'Caramel' (Coral Bells) and the Ajuga ground cover make a striking foliage combination when planted together.
Back South Garden
The back south garden to the left and behind the pool area is accented with azalea, which are now blooming. The new Girard's Crimson seen next were recently planted to replace the aging plants that were on the other side in the pool area.
New Azalea Girard's Crimson
Part of the joy of gardening involves watching the evolution of plants as they mature over the years and the anticipation of planning new additions as time goes by. As an avid gardener and designer, I am always planning away in my mind!
Garden Whimsy
This garden statue of a girl and boy with their dog was a gift from years ago, one that I cherish. The statue now has a refreshed backdrop with the new azalea.
May Foliage
With the month of May comes new foliage along with blooms. Here is a combination of Heuchera 'Palace Purple' Coral Bells (foreground), Sedum 'Brilliant' (Right), 'Caramel' Coral Bells (Backdrop) and Ajuga (Right of Boulder) with Mugo Pine and Compacta Hinoki Cypress to the left. Way behind the mentioned is evergreen Juniperus 'Gold Lace'.
Front Driveway Island Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar
As we move along to the front eastern gardens, we come across the Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar and Skyland's Golden Oriental Spruce that reside there.
Skyland's Orieintal Spruce 2008
The Oriental Spruce, planted in 2008, has now grown to a height of approximately fifteen feet. Another Skyland's has joined the back gardens, which we will visit in a little bit as we come back around to the other side of the property.
Spirea Double Play 'Big Bang'
Here is Spirea Double Play 'Big Bang' with its wonderful May foliage, displaying hues of golden-orange and pink. Pink blooms will follow in June.

Allium Globemaster
Let's venture back into the pool area where giant Globemaster Allium are preparing to open into large ball-shaped lavender blooms. The original three bulbs have multiplied into seven buds and I look forward to these magnificent blooms in June!
Pool Garden
Here is a wide view of the southern section of the pool gardens, with Weeping Norway Spruce, 'Stella D Oro' Daylilies, Allium Globemaster and Spirea 'Limemound'. In the backdrop is a Weeping White Pine and Hinoki Cypress.
Back North Raised Bed
Back around to the northeast side of the garden is Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar with Gold Mop Cypress and Coral Bells 'Caramel'. I love the new caramel colored foliage on the Heuchera.
Perennial Border
Moving to the perennial border, Lamb's Ear, hosta, lillies and Mont Blanc Allium buds rise above the garden, waiting to bloom in June and Peony buds that grow larger by day appear above wispy foliage. A grafted Montgomery Globe Spruce borders the patio and rises above the garden and is a favorite place for birds to raise their young.
Mother Dove and Baby May 2017
This May, a mother Morning Dove watches over her baby in the Globe Spruce right near the patio. She feels comfortable enough with me that I can walk right up to visit and say hello each morning...simply put...precious!
Salvia May Night
The month of May wouldn't be the same without May Night Salvia, which is now starting to bloom with its vibrant purple flowers on 12-18 inch stalks.
Dianthus 'Raspberry Surprise'
Here is the newest addition to the back gardens. While at the local nursery I noticed this Dianthus 'Raspberry Surprise' with its large pink blooms and sweet fragrance. Dianthus 'Raspberry Surprise' grows to a height of just ten inches, is hardy to USDA zone 5 (-20 F/-29 C) and blooms from spring to summer in full sun. I am test driving this perennial before recommending it to clients.
Kwanzan Cherry 2017
Another new addition is this magnificent Kwanzan Cherry that replaced a troubled maple tree in the southwestern corner of our property. I have always had an admiration for these beautiful double pink blooms in May and now own one of my own...so exciting! 
Kwanzan Cherry 2017
Here is a bloom up close. I will wait in anticipation as the tree matures and widens over the years. I know it will just keep getting better and better!
Skyland's Oriental Spruce Just Planted May 2017
There are a lot of new larger additions this year. Another 'Skylands' Golden Oriental Spruce was recently added to the back garden.  It is starting off at five to six feet in height and will mature over time to resemble the one in the front of the property. 'Skylands' Spruce is hardy in USDA zoned 4-7 and reaches an eventual height and width of of 10-35 feet high by 4-12 feet wide.
Weeping Japanese Maple Viridus May
As we come close to to the end of the tour we pass by the two Weeping Japanese Maples on the front lawn. Above is Acer palmatum Green Viridis, which reaches a height of 5-10 feet tall by wide...
Weeping Japanese Maple
and here is Acer palmatum 'Tamukeyama'. which stays a a smaller stature of 6-8 feet tall by 8-12 feet wide.
Coral Bark Maple
If you have toured my gardens before, you are probably familiar with the Coral Bark Maple by the side driveway garden, which is now displaying its brilliant new foliage. Below is Weigela 'Spilled Wine' with its burgundy foliage. Pink blooms will emerge in June.
Bleeding Heart
Here is Dicentra spectablis (Old Fashioned Bleeding Heart). It is not in my gardens, but in a client's.  I couldn't resist taking a photo and had to share. Maybe a new addition in my own garden next year?
Succulent Planter 2017
As we come back around to the patio, the succulent planters are all ready out and displaying a variety of Sedum and Sempervivum (Hens & Chicks).
May Garden 2017

I hope you enjoyed your stroll through my May 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 FridaysMacro Monday 2, Nature Notes at Rambling Woods and Saturday's Critters at Viewing Nature with Eileen. Also check out Garden Bloggers' Foliage Day at Creating my own garden of the Hesperides and Wednesday Around the World.

Before you leave, did you know I am the author of two gardening books? If you are seeking some guidance or perhaps a little bit of gardening inspiration, check out my author page here. The first book, A Guide to Northeastern Gardening is geared towards the novice or semi-experienced gardener and  recommends plants for specific types of gardens with general maintenance tips to keep your garden at its best.  The second book, Landscape Design Combinations goes into more detail, teaching the concepts of garden design. Besides teaching design, there are a variety of successful garden plans provided with labeling and detailed descriptions of each plant recommended. Each design can be used as presented, or as a guide, and may just spark your imagination!  Be sure to check out both books and I wish you all the best for a wonderful gardening season!

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

30 comments:

  1. That Cherry Tree is fantastic!
    The Ajuga is pretty planted next to the Coral Bells. I bought a pot of Ajuga yesterday (just ran into the store to get something else, and could not resist). The tag does not say 'Burgundy Glow' but the leaves have a slight purple (burgundy?) tint to them.
    Happy Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day!

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    1. Thank you Lea! I enjoyed your Nandina with its lovely new foliage. If the Ajuga has a slight purple tinge, then they are probably the 'Burgundy Glow'. You will get a lot of enjoyment from it.

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  2. not a weed in sight. I am impressed and wish i could say the same about my garden!

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    1. Thank you Steve! I certainly try. Your gardens are beautiful! I love your Peony, Roses and Wisteria...simply gorgeous!

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  3. What a wonderful May garden, Lee!
    I love all your weeping trees, as maples and spruce. They decorate your garden and made it individual yours. Love the photo named 'May Foliage' - such colorful and well designed.

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    1. Thank you so much Nadezda! Your garden is looking very spring-like and the purple iris and blue Chionodoxa are so lovely. Happy Bloom Day!

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  4. Your garden is immaculate - and the Acers are wonderful! Did you plant them - if so, how long ago?

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    1. Thank you for your kind words Sarah. I did plant the Acers over 20 years ago. The green variety is about 8 feet in height by 10 feet wide and the red one is 6 feet high by 8 feet wide.

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  5. You have some beautiful plant combinations - in particular I love the Ajuga and Heuchera together and your lovely Salvia 'May Nights' - a perfect name for this time of year!

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    1. I do enjoy combining different varieties of foliage and blooms. Thank you for your kind words!

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  6. Your garden is gorgeous and your foliage combinations are masterfully done and a delight to the eye. Your morning dove and her baby are adorable!

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    1. Thank you so much Peter! I appreciate your kind words. I just got back from reading your post on the beautiful SeaTac Botanical garden and it is gorgeous! I can never get enough of different types of gardens, even if they are seen virtually.

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  7. Wow what a beautiful garden you have Lee. And what an amazing size your garden has. A feast to my eyes.
    Rosehugs Marijke

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    1. Thank you for visiting and for your kind words Marijke. I loved your beautiful roses!

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  8. I sure enjoyed my garden walk through your lovely place! I especially like the combo of ajuga and the caramel heuchera. Very nice!

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    1. Thank you Robin! Your garden photos are a feast for the eyes and I loved your capture of the Blue Jay. You have such beautiful blooms for the month of May.

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  9. Thanks for sharing your lovely garden. Blooms are just starting for me. Two nights of frost last week did some damage, but not much. Just planted three more May Night salvia. Love the fact that deer do not eat them.

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    1. I am glad you enjoyed the photos of my garden Denise. May Night Salvia are definitely one of my favorites, and yes..they are deer resistant!

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  10. It's always a treat to tour your garden, Lee! As one of the other commenters said, I'm impressed how neat and tidy everything is--I'm still battling weeds as I try to plant all the new plants I've purchased:) The Japanese maples are simply stunning, and the new cherry tree is beautiful!

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    1. I so enjoyed the visit to your garden as well Rose. The month of May is one of my favorite times of the year, when everything is so lush and green with blooms everywhere, after a long and gray winter.

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  11. What a fantastic tour of your garden! It looks like you have a bit of every color and texture! It's so great to have the doves so close and so at ease around you!

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    1. I am glad you enjoyed the tour Betty. The doves were a wonderful treat that I was so glad to have discovered in my garden. I was happy to be able to share them!

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  12. Hello, I just love the sweet momma dove and her baby. Your garden tour was beautiful. The maple trees are lovely and the bleeding hearts are a favorite of mine. Lovely images and post. Thank you for linking up and sharing. Have a happy Monday and new week ahead.

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    1. Thank you for hosting and visiting Eileen. I always enjoy your photography of so many beautiful species of birds!

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  13. Hi Lee, I loved the stroll through your May garden! The morning dove and her baby are adorable! Your garden is wonderful in every way, full of gorgeous foliage, as well as flowers. I have always loved weeping blue atlas cedar. I think it will grow this far south, if I could find the right place for it in my garden. ( Actually, the right place exists, but I am waiting for a future garden house to be built so I can plant one by an adjacent slope!)

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    1. Thank you for visiting and for your kind words Deb! I loved your wonderful post about the wrens. Good luck with that garden house and Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar. It's fun to plan isn't it?!

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  14. Oh, this is an amazing garden! The pictures are gorgeous!

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  15. Thank you for visiting and commenting Felicia. I enjoyed your blog and beautiful photography!

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  16. Your May garden is stunning! I love very much the different leaf colors (in heucheras, Japanese maples, spireas...). I have a similar glorious orange-yellow spirea, but with a different name! Have fun in the garden!

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Thank you for visiting. I love reading your comments and knowing you have been here, and will try to reciprocate on your blog. If you have any questions I will try my very best to answer them. As always...HAPPY GARDENING!