Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up October: Long Island Garden Autumnal Views

Welcome!
Welcome to my zone 7b Long Island garden! Fall has officially arrived and there are signs everywhere as the landscape starts to transition into an array of color. The month of October has brought cooler temperatures in the upper 50's to low 60's by day, while dipping into the 40's some evenings with mostly clear skies. After a month of drought we finally received a few hours of steady light rain on the 7th, which helped to refurbish the landscape. Join me for a tour for some changing foliage, ongoing blooms and whatever else nature has to offer!
Abelia 'Kaleidoscope'
As we start our stroll, one of my new favorite shrubs for fall is Abelia 'Kaleidoscope'. Planted just last spring, it's white star-like blooms start in late summer and last for months into fall. The blooms are just an added bonus to its colorful evergreen foliage. Joining Abelia are Blue Star Juniper and Echinacea Pow Wow 'Wild Berry', with a Blue Globe Spruce in the backdrop.
Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' October Blooms
Here is a view of the foliage and blooms up close!
Echinacea Pow Wow 'Wild Berry'
It has been a good season for Echinacea as well with its repeat blooms. The gold finches have been enjoying the seeds and now there are a few new buds and blooms lasting well into fall.
Salvia 'Blue by You' Still Blooming!
Salvia 'Blue by You' is a new favorite species of sage that is recently new to the market and to my garden. Its blooms start earlier than those of other varieties and just keep on blooming through fall with just two minimal dead headings. 
Echinacea (Coneflower) Seed Heads
As cooler temperatures arrive and the seasons transition, even the left over seed heads of Echinacea are a delight to see in the garden. In my opinion, I think they add a nice touch to the autumn landscape, and that is why I leave them for quite some time. 
Nepeta 'Blue Wonder'
In the back pool border, Nepeta 'Blue Wonder', a more dwarf version of catmint is still blooming...
Front Island Bed
as Sedum 'Brilliant displays its dried blooms along with the huge leaves of Hosta.
Perennial Border
As many of you know, I am a huge fan of combining foliage throughout the landscape. Along the perennial border, the soft white foliage of Lamb's Ear complements the golden foliage of Spirea 'Candy Corn', making for a colorful fall display. 
Front Walkway
Continuing to bloom in the front walkway border is Variegated Liriope (Lilyturf) with its deep purple spiked blooms. Helpful Tip: Do not cut back Liriope in fall. Rather, leave it for interest during the winter months and cut back in early spring. This will protect its delicate crown from severe cold. 
Rudbeckia 'Little Goldstar' 
It is getting a lot cooler outside, but dwarf Black Eyed Susan keeps pushing out some new blooms...
Montauk Daisy
and of course, Montauk Daisy is blooming, which is a sure sign of autumn!
Back Garden Border
As we stroll along the back garden border, the Kousa Dogwood is producing its red fruits, which are edible. The soft pulp of the fruit is sweet with a flavor similar to a ripe persimmon and can be used to make into jellies and jams. 
Kousa Dogwood Fruit
Here is a close up view of the colorful fruit.
Hydrangea 'Firelight Tidbit' Autumn
Last month, I introduced the new 'Firelight Tidbit' Hydrangea that were planted where my mother's iris garden used to exist. I am loving the pinkish hues of the long lasting flowers as they transition into fall, and am looking forward to years of beautiful blooms.
Dwarf Buddleia 'Pugster Blue'
In the back garden bed, dwarf Butterfly Bush 'Pugster Blue' is still producing colorful blooms...
Double Knock Out Roses Still Blooming!
and the Knock Out Roses are blooming too!
Front Island Bed
As we near the end of the tour, there are more signs of autumn with the changing colors of Weeping Japanese Maple on the front lawn contrasting against the deeper evergreen foliage of Weeping Norway Spruce and evergreen variegated foliage of Osmanthus 'Goshiki'. Heuchera (Coral Bells) 'Caramel' with their burgundy undersides give a pop of color in the foreground and Blue Atlas Cedar can be seen in the distance.
Sedum 'Brilliant' Seed Head
Here the dried flower heads of Sedum 'Brilliant' can be seen along with the deep greenish-burgundy foliage of Ajuga...
Dipladenia Still Blooming in October!
while Dipladenia continues to bloom in a planter along the patio.
Garden Visitor: Common Darner Dragonfly (Anax junius) 
The autumn garden does bring many surprises. While working in the garden, I encountered this Common Darner Dragonfly with its green body and golden highlights that sparkle in the sun. She stayed long enough for me to photograph her, and now I can share the moment with you.
Thanks for Visiting!
I hope you enjoyed your visit to my October 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 WoodsImage-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. See you next month and do check out my newsletter and books in the meantime! As always...Happy Gardening!

Sharing a Lifetime of Gardening with My Books! (Garden Design, Planning, Maintenance Tips and more!) - Makes a great gift too!

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2024. All rights reserved. 
 

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Feature Plant: Balloon Flower (Platycodon)

Welcome to This Month in the Garden!

This month's feature is Balloon flower. One of my favorite perennials in the garden, Balloon Flower is scientifically known as Platycodon grandiflorus, and is a member of  the Campanulaceae (bellflower family). It is ideally a unique perennial known for its balloon-like buds that burst into beautiful star-shaped blooms. Native to East Asia, Balloon Flower has gained popularity in gardens worldwide due to its low-maintenance nature and striking appearance. While the typical form has violet-blue blooms, there are several cultivars displaying colors ranging from blue to white and pink. These include Platycodon grandiflorus 'Komachi', the Platycodon grandiflorus 'Fuji Series', and the Platycodon grandiflorus 'Astra Series'. Platycodon grandiflorus 'Komachi' displays blue flowers that remain as balloon-shaped buds that never open, making them particularly unique and a conversation piece in the garden.  'Fuji Series' offers white, pink, and blue flowers and Platycodon grandiflorus 'Astra Series' consists of a collection of dwarf varieties at 8-10 inches high by 12 inches wide, which are perfect for smaller spaces producing compact, bushy plants. 

Platycodon grandiflorus 'Komachi' 

Balloon flowers are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8, making them well-suited to a wide range of climates. Their resilience allows them to withstand cold winters, though they may die back completely to the ground during dormancy. In the spring, new growth emerges from the root system. Depending on the variety, balloon flowers can reach heights of 1 to 3 feet, with a spread of about 1 foot. Space plants accordingly to ensure adequate air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases. 

  

Growing Conditions: Platycodon grandiflorus prefers full sun to partial shade and moderate watering. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not soggy, especially in their first growing season when they are establishing roots. Once established, balloon flowers are fairly drought tolerant. Root rot is a condition that can happen in the case of poor drainage or overwatering. Make sure the plant is in well-drained soil, especially in areas with heavy rainfall. Balloon flowers are not heavy feeders. A light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring will help them grow vigorously. Over-fertilizing can lead to weak stems and reduced flowering.  Balloon flowers are relatively pest-free, though slugs and snails may nibble on young shoots. An organic slug deterrent can help protect them.  In some cases, balloon flowers may grow tall and develop weak stems that flop over. This issue can be resolved by staking taller varieties or planting them in groups where the plants can support one another.

Platycodon grandiflorus 'Komachi' 

Propagation: To propagate Balloon Flower, collect the seed pods once the flowers dry out and allow the pods to dry out completely. Once dry, break open the pods to expose hundreds of tiny, brown seeds and sow the seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors in early spring. For indoors, scatter seeds on the surface of a seed-starting mix, press them lightly into the soil, but do not cover them so they can get light. Keep the soil moist and warm, at about 65°F-70°F (18°C-21°C), until seeds germinate within 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings develop several true leaves and are large enough to manage, they can be transplanted outdoors once threat of frost is gone. Since balloon flowers have sensitive roots, seed propagation is recommended, as not to disturb the plant’s deep taproot system. If you decide to divide your plants, Spring is the best time to do so. Dig up the plant carefully to avoid damaging the taproot, and attempt division only if offsets are visible. Replant the divided sections in proper soil and water thoroughly. Note that it may take some time for the plants to recover. Propagation through seeds is known to be the easiest method, though division is possible with care. I am going to try propagating my own 'Komachi' Balloon Flowers from the seed pods I collected this September, hoping to grow more of this hard to find plant. 

Platycodon grandiflorus seed pods harvested in early fall

Balloon flowers are an excellent addition to any perennial garden. With their interesting balloon-like buds and star-like flowers, they bring charm and interest to garden beds, borders, and containers. By providing the right growing conditions, these plants will thrive with minimal maintenance and reward you with years of beautiful, long-lasting blooms!


I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden. If you have grown Balloon flower from seed, I would love to hear your experiences. Be sure to stop by on the 1st. and 15th. of each month as I continue to share gardening tips, information and horticultural adventures! 


"As Always...Happy Gardening!" 

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2024. All rights reserved. 

Sunday, September 15, 2024

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up September: The Changing Garden

Welcome!
As days with clear blue skies and temperatures in the 70's continue, fall is just around the corner as I gaze into the garden. As the seasons change so does the landscape, with much anticipation for the colorful display to arrive. Hopefully the time will not pass by too quickly, as for right now this gardener is living in the moment. Welcome to my zone 7b Long Island garden. Join me for a tour!
Patio Garden: Weeping Norway Spruce and Sedum 'Pure Joy'
One of the major signs of autumn arriving in the garden is the appearance of Sedum blooms. This late summer blooming cultivar is Sedum 'Pure Joy', which tends to stay at a more more compact height of just twelve inches tall. It is accompanied by Weeping Norway Spruce.
Another View of the Patio Garden
Viewing the patio garden from another angle,  here is Juniper 'Blue Star' and Nandina 'Obsession' joining the spruce and sedum. This variety of Nandina is a dwarf evergreen, non-invasive cultivar, which does not produce berries or seeds; hence, safe for birds.
Liriope 'Big Blue'
Along the shade border, Liriope 'Big Blue' is showing off its deep purple blooms this time of year. 
Pool Border
Here is Sedum 'Thundercloud', which I bought years ago at the local nursery. It does resemble a cloud with its tight clusters of star-like white blooms.
Double Red Knock Out Rose Mid-September
Even though it is September, Double Red Knock Out Roses are blooming and will continue up until the first frost...
Ornamental Grasses & Sedum in Pool Border
while Dwarf Maiden Grass 'Yaku Jima' displays its wispy plumes, joined by Sedum 'Brilliant'.
Sedum 'Brilliant'
I had separated some Sedum and started new plants last summer and the newer plants have a deeper color pink bloom. They are both the same cultivar, but with a different look!
Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' Mid-September
Newly added this summer to the pool border is Nepeta 'Blue Wonder', a more compact variety of catmint, growing to just 9-12 inches tall by 12-18 inches wide, and with deeper blue blooms.
Patio Border Western Side
Along the patio border, Japanese Maple 'Trombly's Red Sentinel' has been pushing out new growth... 
Salvia 'Blue By You' Mid-September
and Salvia 'Blue By You' has been blooming since mid-May!
Iris Garden Renovation
I have shown this iris garden area every spring, which I had watched my mom plant when I was growing up. The once beautiful massing of iris had been taken over by wild ferns that had invaded the garden, and no matter how hard I tried to eliminate them, they would continue to persist. It took several years of contemplating, but I finally had my crew clear the area and plant these beautiful hydrangeas just two weeks ago. I think my mom would approve and think of her every time I look at them.
Hydrangea 'Fire Light Tidbit'
While the new Hydrangea 'Fire Light Tidbit' displays its beautiful panicle white blooms that will fade to pink, Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' is blooming along the patio border. It's colorful evergreen foliage is complemented by white tubular flowers.
Abelia 'Kalidoscope' Late Summer
The bumblebees are really enjoying the late summer blooms too!
Echinacea Pow Wow 'Wild Berry'
The Echinacea has been done blooming for some time and the Goldfinches have been enjoying the seeds, but just yesterday there were new blooms, so no complaints here! The garden always has surprises in store!
Heuchera 'Palace Purple' (Coral Bells)
As the summer winds down, Heuchera 'Palace Purple' in its planter continues to add some color to the patio area...
Hydrangea 'Nikko Blue' Mid-September
and the dried flowers of Hydrangea 'Nikko Blue' are just nice to look at.
Taking Time Out!
The newly added garden statue that is tucked in among Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar and Heuchera 'Caramel' invites one to stay a while and perhaps read a book...
Dipladenia
as the deep pinkish-red blooms of Dipladenia continue to shine along the patio.
Front Lawn
As we come to the end of the tour, here's a little bit of those blue skies I mentioned when we started. The month of September certainly has its moments.

I hope you enjoyed your visit to my September 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 WoodsImage-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. See you next month and do check out my newsletter and books in the meantime! As always...Happy Gardening!


Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2024. All rights reserved.