Welcome to Landscape Design By Lee: A Guide To Northeastern Gardening

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up February: A Wintery Long Island Garden

Welcome!
Welcome! There is something about a winter garden that is magical. After a January with record low temperatures, the month of February has brought a combination of cold windy days, moderately comfortable days and our first significant snowfall overnight on the 8th, followed by more snow on the evening of the 11th, creating a blanket of white upon the landscape. Join me as we embark on a tour of my Long Island garden! You better dress warm!
Winter Landscape: Driveway Border
As we start the tour, Golden Oriental Spruce and Hinoki Cypress are covered with a fresh snowfall, while the bare branches of  Coral Bark Maple alongside them glows a vivid coral-red. The snow always has a way of making the attractive new growth of the Maple glow even brighter.
Nandina 'Obsession'
The winter cold and snow have the same effect on Dwarf  Nandina 'Obsession' as its newer foliage becomes a more vivid pinkish-red. Note: This hybrid form of Nandina is sterile, does not produce seeds or become invasive and it stays at a compact size of just three to four feet at maturity.
Weeping Norway Spruce & Nandina 'Obsession'
Along with Nandina 'Obsession' is Weeping Norway Spruce and joining them is dwarf Cryptomeria...
Nestled in Snow
and all nestled in snow is one of my favorite garden statues, which I get to look out at everyday.
Mature Weeping Norway Spruce
In the back western garden a very mature Weeping Norway Spruce adds some winter interest along with Golden Fernspray Hinoki Cypress. Several yeas ago, one of the main branches of this tree was severely damaged by the weight of heavy snow, but thankfully it has recovered nicely.
Pool Border
Along the pool border is Weeping Japanese Maple 'Red Select', which is one of the more compact varieties of Weeping Japanese Maple. It sits in front of the pool, which now looks like a frozen pond covered with a layer of ice.
Northwestern Border
Along the other side of the pool Spreading Yew, Leucothoe and Sky Pencil Holly are covered in snow... 
Nellie Steven's Holly
while the berries of Nellie Steven's Holly glow bright red in the backdrop and are a feast for the birds.
Patio Border
Along the patio border Garden Gal awaits the days of spring when her planter will come to life...
Pool Border
and as we countdown the days to spring, here is one more view of the waterfall all covered in snow.
Driveway Border
As we move along the driveway border, here is Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar...
Driveway Border
and a closer look at the newer growth of Coral Bark Maple as it glows next to Golden Skyland's Oriental Spruce. The remains of a hornet nest from summer is still hanging on up above.
Evergreen Love!
Have I ever mentioned that I love evergreens? Here are two of my favorites and when combined together they create interest all year long. Variegated Boxwood is in the backdrop while Blue Globe Spruce is in the front. Each is slow growing and can be kept compact to a desired size with some occasional pruning.
Holly Berries Ilex crenata 'Schwoebel' (Upright Japanese Holly)
Here is 'Schwobel' Upright Holly. The berries become a deep purplish-black during the winter months, but note that they are not edible.
All Season Planter
The All-Season planter is on its second winter and doing nicely. On the really cold nights I cover it up with a protective cloth and water it beforehand. We have had a few nights going down into the teens, which the Lemon Cypress does not care for, but I do love its color!
Welcoming Committee
As always, the welcoming committee is here with a warm cup of cocoa, tea or beverage of your choice!...
Hellebore 'Shooting Star' (Lenten Rose)
and the Hellebores (Lenten Rose) are blooming away despite the cold and snow! I do enjoy how Hellebore 'Shooting Star' blooms throughout January and into March with its colorful bracts, with blooms of other varieties of Hellebore to follow.
Hellebore 'Shooting Star' 
As the winter months move along, the indoor garden is doing well with the constant blooms of African Violet and Thanksgiving Cactus. All I do is remove the spent blooms, which pushes energy back into the plant... 
Indoor Garden
and the Thanksgiving Cactus has no idea what season it is, as it just keeps on blooming!  
Indoor Garden
I must admit that my collection of plants has grown immensely throughout the writing of my new book, The Houseplant Guide: How to Easily Select & Maintain Indoor Plants, which just reached one month old! As everyone knows, I refuse to write about a plant unless I have grown it myself or know someone who did! I am also now into rare plants and have had fun growing them, and hubby is supportive, which is a good thing!
Indoor Garden
As I sit near the windowsill, the snow covered garden can be seen from the warm indoors, and life is good.
Indoor Garden
As our stroll through the garden both outdoors and in reaches its end, I hope that you take in a little bit of the garden each day. I know I do and it brings well-being and joy. 
Thank you for Visiting!
I hope you enjoyed your visit to my February garden. I so appreciate you being here, look forward to your comments and enjoy seeing what you have growing in your garden. Special thanks go out to our hostess 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. Also, special thanks to Pam Penick at Digging who had hosted Foliage Follow-Up, a meme I will continue to honor. I am also linking with some other wonderful hosts and hostesses at Floral Friday Fotos, Nature Notes at Rambling Woods, Image-in-ing weekly photo share every Tuesday, Weekly Photo Link-Up at My Corner of the World on Wednesdays and Garden Affair at Jaipur Garden. 

MORE NEWS:  A Guide to Northeastern Gardening has been selected as one of the top 100 gardening blogs of 2025...Thank you for including me! 

Other Places to Find Me:
You can visit my Author Page to learn more about and Purchase my Books and be sure to check out my newly published book, The Houseplant Guide: How to Easily Select & Maintain Indoor Plants, which just turned one month old! 

Check out my newsletter Northeastern Gardening News for monthly updates all to do with gardening! It's free and all you need to do is subscribe!


Until we Meet Again...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2025. All rights reserved. 
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Location: Long Island, New York, USA

Saturday, February 1, 2025

Landscape Plant Care in Freezing Temperatures

This Month in the Garden
Winter can be a challenging season for outdoor plants. Freezing temperatures, frost, and harsh winds can harm or even kill your garden’s greenery if not properly protected. However, with some planning and care, you can ensure your plants survive through the cold months. Here’s how to give your outdoor plants the preventive care they need during freezing weather.

1. Plant Hardiness: Understanding the hardiness of your plants is the first step. Some plants, like pansies and evergreens, are naturally cold-tolerant, while others are more vulnerable. Use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to determine which plants are best suited for your region and which need extra protection during winter. By the way, here on Long Island we are in hardiness zone 7b. Also, when choosing plants, try to choose those that are cold hardy one to two zones colder than where you live.

2. Monitor Weather Forecasts: Stay informed about upcoming freezes, frost warnings, and temperature drops. Quick action such as covering plants or moving containers can make all the difference in preventing damage. It is the extreme temperature fluctuations that are most detrimental to your outdoor plants.

3. Mulch for Insulation: Adding a layer of organic mulch such as wood chips, straw, or shredded leaves can help insulate the soil and roots from extreme temperature fluctuations. Mulch acts like a blanket, retaining warmth in the ground and preventing frost heaving, where repeated freezing and thawing push roots out of the soil. Apply a 2–4 inch layer around the base of your plants but keep it away from the stem to avoid rot.

4. Anti-Desiccants: Some broadleaved evergreens such as Rhododendron, Azalea, Aucuba, Skip and Cherry Laurel, Holly and Leucothoe (to name a few) lose excessive moisture through their leaves in winter. Applying an anti-desiccant spray can help prevent water loss and protect foliage from drying winds. Anti-desiccant should be sprayed in the late fall/early winter as a preventive before freezing temperatures occur. Follow the instructions on the product label and do not apply when temperatures are going below freezing, as this can do more harm than good and put the plant at risk. With the temperature extremes we have been having, and popularity of certain tropical-like plants such as palms and banana trees increasing in outdoor spaces, anti-desiccant can be a helpful preventive.


Thermonasty: During frigid days when temperatures reach below 20 degrees, certain broad-leaved evergreens such as Rhododendron, display a unique trait known as thermonasty. This adaptation causes the leaves of the plant to act as a natural thermometer. When temperatures dip below freezing, leaf margins curl inward causing the leaf to roll up and droop. This process reduces the surface area of the leaves, thereby reducing water loss. Also, the narrow, drooping, needle-like leaves help to shed snow, which would otherwise accumulate and break branches.

5. Keep your Plants Hydrated: Hydration is crucial for plants in winter, but overwatering can be just as harmful as dehydration. Before a freeze, give your sensitive plants a deep watering to ensure the roots are well-hydrated. This helps the soil retain warmth and protects the roots from freezing. Avoid watering during freezing temperatures, as it can lead to ice damage. Watering before a deep freeze works well with outdoor container gardens and should be done before covering the plant.

6. Frost Heaving: Certain perennials such as Heuchera (Coral Bells) are subject to frost heaving during extreme temperatures. This occurs as the ground freezes, then thaws, then freezes again, causing the roots of the plant to uplift. When this occurs, gently push the crown of the root back into the soil with your foot. If possible, push some extra mulching around the plant for further protection. The mulch will help keep the plants roots and crown in contact with the insulating soil.

7. Relocate/Cover and Protect Plants: Plants in containers are more susceptible to cold weather because their roots are less insulated. Move pots to a sheltered location, such as a garage, porch, or greenhouse. If relocating isn’t an option, frost cloths, burlap, or even old bed sheets can shield your plants from freezing temperatures. Cover delicate plants, such as citrus trees or young or tender shrubs, when frost is predicted. Make sure the cover extends to the ground to trap heat from the soil, and secure it with stakes or rocks to prevent it from blowing away. Avoid using plastic directly on plants, as it can trap moisture and cause more harm.

8. Avoid Pruning in Winter: While it’s tempting to prune during winter, avoid heavy cutting as it can stimulate new growth that’s vulnerable to frost. Instead, wait until late winter or early spring when the risk of freezing has passed. For now, remove only dead or damaged limbs to prevent disease. An additional note is to not try to remove frozen ice from the plant. It is best to allow the plant to thaw naturally, as not to damage/break any branches.

9. Build Wind Barriers: Strong winter winds can dry out plants and cause damage, especially in areas located near water. Create windbreaks using fences, screens, or even stacks of straw bales to shield your garden. Place these barriers on the side of your plants that faces the prevailing wind to minimize exposure. 

10. Build Cold Frames & Cloches: Cold frames and cloches are great for protecting tender plants or seedlings from frost. A cold frame is essentially a mini greenhouse, while cloches are dome-shaped covers placed over individual plants. These structures help to extend the gardening season by  trapping heat and creating a microclimate that helps plants survive harsh conditions. Each method captures the daytime solar energy; thus, heating the surrounding air and the soil floor, while helping to insulate plants. Try to place your cold frame in a sheltered location (as near a structure) and away from strong winds.


Winter doesn’t have to mean the end of your garden’s beauty. By preparing your outdoor plants for freezing weather, you can protect their health and enjoy a thriving landscape come spring. With proper insulation, hydration, and care, your plants will emerge stronger and ready for the growing season.

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden. Be sure to stop by on the 1st. and 15th. of each month as I continue to share gardening tips, information and horticultural adventures! Catch up on posts and other news with my newsletter, Northeastern Gardening News. Subscribe for free to receive monthly updates. 

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Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up: The Beauty of January & Exciting News!

Welcome!

Happy New Year and welcome to my zone 7b Long Island garden!  It's nice to see you here! It has been an exciting beginning to the new year, starting with the launching of my sixth book, The Houseplant Guide: How to Easily Select & Maintain Indoor Plants. See my post from January 7th (link above) telling about the journey as I share a collection of over 120 indoor plants with care tips and maintenance advice. It has been a labor of love, so I hope you will check out the book and perhaps even read it!
Patio Border Garden- Osmanthus 'Goshiki' and Dwarf Red Pine (front)
Now onto our outdoor garden tour! The month of January quickly diminished any thoughts of the warm winter we had been experiencing. With daytime temperatures below freezing and dropping into the teens at night with high winds and a chill factor in the single digits, it made for a cold start to the month. Long Island received two small dustings of snowfall so far, one on the 6th and another on the morning of the 11th, but this gardener senses that there will be more! Everywhere around us, including north, west and even south as received significant snowfall. I think the month of February may tell another story, and only time will tell.
Shade Border
As we start the tour, there is finally a one-on-one with a visitor that is not too shy. I have been keeping the feeder filled during the cold temperatures, and the birds seem to depend on it. The huge evergreen in the background is Weeping Norway Spruce, with the golden foliage of Hinoki Cypress 'Fernspray'.
Foundation Planting
For some winter brightness is Nandina 'Obsession', a non-invasive hybrid dwarf form of Nandina that has no berries and is safe for wildlife. The newer foliage is a pinkish-red all year long, but becomes even more vibrant in wintertime.
Winter Interest with St. John's Wort
You can have interest in the garden all year round, even with something as simple as the dried berries of St. John's Wort. The dried berries are the remains of the yellow flowers in summer, followed by red fruits in autumn. Note:  While other parts of the plant have been used in medicine, the berries are considered toxic and not edible.
Pool Border
In the summertime there are perennials in this space, but for wintertime it is the foliage of Weeping White Pine that stands out, along with the large boulders that exist throughout the garden, which are so much easier to spot at this time of year.
Pool Raised Garden
The newest planting along the pool with Weeping Norway Spruce, Variegated Upright Boxwood, Cherry Laurel and Golden Pacific Juniper is starting to fill in nicely, with hopes of abundant growth on year three. As the saying goes...first year sleep, second year creep...third year leap!
Patio Border
The Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' along the back walkway is in winter mode with its foliage deepening to an orangey-golden color, while Spirea 'Candy Corn' and Japanese Maple Twombly's 'Red Sentinel' are now dormant. The Lamb's Ear that borders the garden continues to share its white soft foliage throughout winter.
Winter Interest-Nellie Stevens Holly Berries
In the back shade border, the red berries of Nellie Steven's Holly give some winter interest and are enjoyed by wildlife.
Shade Garden-Pool Border
Along with the berries of Nellie Stevens' Holly, the newer foliage of Leucothoe 'Axillaris' deepens to a maroon color. Joining the Leucothoe are Sky Pencil Holly and Golden Sweet Flag.
Butterfly Bush Winter Interest
Even the remaining final growth of Butterfly Bush can add some interest to the landscape...
Heather (Calluna vulgaris 'Firefly')
along with the foliage and dried blooms of summer Heather.
Driveway Border
As the temperatures get colder, the magnificent bark of Coral Bark Maple gets brighter. It is a sight I look forward to every winter. Here the Coral Bark Maple is joined by Skyland's Oriental Spruce.
Front Lawn
When it comes to structure, the twisted trunk of Weeping Japanese Maple is a work of nature...
Front Foundation Planting
while the golden evergreen foliage of Hinoki Cypress 'Verdoni' with Golden Variegated Sedge adds some color and structure to the garden.
Herb Garden Winter
In the herb garden is Rosemary, which my husband uses to cook with all winter. This one is close to the foundation, which shields it somewhat from the winds.
Front Walkway Winter
As we venture to the front of the property, here is a view along the walkway with a variety of evergreens and Liriope (Lilyturf) tucked in between for continuous yearly interest. Helpful Tip: It is important to not cut back your Lilyturf in fall, especially if you are in a colder zone. The foliage adds interest and protects it over the winter. I cut mine back here in zone 7b around mid to late April after any threat of frost is gone and before new growth starts to sprout. 
Front Lawn Winter
As we near the end of the tour, here is a view of the front lawn in wintertime with Weeping Norway Spruce, Osmanthus 'Goshiki' and Dwarf Norway Spruce, joined by Weeping Japanese Maple and Blue Atlas Cedar in the distance...
Hellebore 'Shooting Star'
while on the north side of the property there are buds on Hellebore 'Shooting Star' with blooms soon to follow!
All-Season Planter
By the back entry, the all season planter with a variety of Lemon Cypress, Spruce, Juniper and Dwarf Osmanthus continues to greet visitors. This is the second year for this combination and it has been doing nicely. Since the Lemon Cypress is hardy to zone 7 and is in a container, I do protect it with covering on those really cold nights.
A Little Dusting of Snow!
Speaking of cold nights, it was less than a week ago that we woke up to a dusting of snow covering the garden. It lasted just long enough to enjoy before it all melted away as the temperatures finally warmed above freezing.
Indoor Garden
And while the weather outside is frightful, the indoor garden is so delightful! Here is a small section of my collection of common and rare houseplants, which I do enjoy all year long! As we wrap up the month of January, thoughts from garden author Josephine Neuse ring in my mind, “Anyone who thinks that gardening begins in the spring and ends in the fall is missing the best part of the whole year; for gardening begins in January with the dream."
Thank you for Visiting!
I hope you enjoyed your visit to my January garden. I so appreciate you being here, look forward to your comments and enjoy seeing what you have growing in your garden. Special thanks go out to our hostess 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. Also, special thanks to Pam Penick at Digging who had hosted Foliage Follow-Up, a meme I will continue to honor. I am also linking with some other wonderful hosts and hostesses at Floral Friday Fotos, Nature Notes at Rambling Woods, Image-in-ing weekly photo share every Tuesday, Weekly Photo Link-Up at My Corner of the World on Wednesdays and Garden Affair at Jaipur Garden. 

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Location: Long Island, New York, USA
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