A GUIDE TO NORTHEASTERN GARDENING

Sunday, November 15, 2026

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-up November: Welcome All the Colors of Fall!

Welcome!

Welcome to my zone 7b Long Island garden! The month of November has brought milder than usual fall temperatures, ranging in the upper 50’s to the low 60's by day and 40's by night and a straight eighteen days with clear skies since the middle of October. On the morning of the 6th, a powerful thunderstorm came through the region, bringing a much needed rain to the garden. With the beautiful autumn days and perfect conditions, the fall colors are vibrant this year and it has been a wonderful time to enjoy all that nature has to offer. Join me for a tour as the garden transitions and welcome all the colors of fall!

Driveway Border

The first stop is along the driveway border with the changing fall foliage of Coral Bark Maple, Spirea 'Big Bang', and compact Barberry. Evergreens Weeping Norway Spruce, Dwarf Cryptomeria, and Hinoki Cypress join the mix.

Front Island Bed

Joining Dwarf Cryptomeria and Weeping Norway Spruce in the front island bed is the changing foliage of Hosta, as it goes dormant for the season.

Front Walkway-Weeping Eastern Redbud

Along the front foundation, Weeping Eastern Redbud 'Lavender Twist' has transitioned into fall mode as its heart-shaped foliage turns from a medium-green to a vibrant yellow before falling from the tree, leaving behind cascading twisting branches.

Sedum 'Brilliant'

The fading and dried blooms on Sedum 'Brilliant' continue to add color and interest to the landscape. I leave them until the stalks completely dry out and break off easily.

Front Border

Here is one of the Weeping Blue Atlas Cedars on the property accompanied by Coral Bark Maple (back left) and Golden Skyland's Oriental Spruce (back right) along the driveway border.

Front Main Lawn

The Weeping Japanese Maple is holding onto its foliage on the front lawn, so I get to enjoy it each day...

Back Eastern Border

and here is another view of the vibrant fall foliage of Coral Bark Maple from the backyard looking eastward. In the foreground from left to right are Golden Hinoki Cypress 'Verdoni', Dwarf Blue Globe Spruce and Boxwood.

Back Pool Border

Along the pool border in the backyard is Weeping Japanese Maple 'Red Select', a dwarf and more compact form of red maple, along with Spirea 'Limemound' and the remaining foliage of Daylily 'Stella D Oro' and Sedum 'Thundercloud'.

Salvia Still Blooming!

It is hard to believe that the blooms of Salvia 'Blue By You' just keep on going. I slightly deadheaded the plants back in August, and they just keep pushing out blooms, making the bumblebees very happy!

Leucothoe 'Axillaris' Fall

One of the interesting foliage transformations are the changing colors of Leucothoe 'Axillaris' as the evergreen foliage starts off as a lighter green with bright bronzy, pinkish-red tips in spring, then matures to a deeper green, then transitions to tones of red and purple during the fall and winter months. The remaining stalks of once fragrant flowers that the plant produces in spring can also be seen here.

Back Walkway & Island Bed

Here is a view of Hinoki Cypress' Compacta' and Mugo Pine in the back island bed, with Dwarf Blue Globe Spuce in the foreground along the walkway...

Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz' Still Blooming!

and yes...Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz' has been blooming away since summer and continues to do so well into fall!

Cherry Laurel One Last Bloom!

To my surprise...Cherry Laurel 'Otto Luyken' in the backyard is pushing out one last bloom...

Endless Summer Hydrangea One Last Bloom!

and Endless Summer Hydrangea is following along! I think both have been triggered by the unusually mild temperatures.

Patio Hydrangeas

Along the patio, the potted hydrangeas are in various stages of transitioning and have started to show off their fall colors...

Back Pool Border

and here is a view of one of my most recent garden statues, just added this summer.

Pool Waterfall Autumn

As the garden changes, here is a view of the pool waterfall with Weeping Japanese Maple 'Red Select' from a different perspective, along with a mature Weeping Norway Spruce and Upright Variegated Boxwood.

Back "Secret Garden"

In the back "secret garden' is the changing foliage of Heuchera and Hydrangea, along with Weeping Norway Spruce, Variegated Boxwood and Cherry Laurel...

Hydrangea 'Magical Revolution' Autumn

and here is 'Magical Revolution' Hydrangea-my newest favorite in the patio garden, blooming from early summer into fall! As we complete the tour, I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes, “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”― Albert Camus

Thank You For Visiting!

I hope you enjoyed your visit to my November 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, and Garden Affair at Jaipur Garden.

Connect With Me 🌼

It's time to plan your garden! Visit my Author Page 👈to learn about and purchase my books, each one focusing on different aspects of gardening, including landscape ideas, design principles, gardening by month for all-season interest, gardening tips and maintenance, shade gardening, gardening inspiration and more. And also be sure to check out my newest publication, The Houseplant Guide, to guide you on your houseplant journey! If you have read any of my books and have found them to be useful, reviews are very much appreciated!

Also, check out my newsletter Northeastern Gardening News for monthly updates all to do with gardening! It's free to subscribe or you can pledge a donation to show support for my work, or upgrade to receive extra perks monthly right into your inbox!

Find me on Instagram at Northeastern Gardening and Facebook at A Guide to Northeastern Gardening Blog & Author Page.

Until we Meet Again...Happy Gardening!

Sunday, November 1, 2026

Feature Plant: Hydrangea 'Fire Light Tidbit'-Long Lasting Impact & Outstanding Color!

Feature Shrub: Hydrangea 'Fire Light Tidbit'

Welcome to This Month in the Garden! Today, I am introducing an outstanding flowering hydrangea, which has proven to be one of the best I have encountered, and which will become an amazing attraction in your landscape. Few flowering shrubs offer as much seasonal beauty in such a small space as Hydrangea 'Fire Light Tidbit'. This dwarf panicle hydrangea offers it all, combining abundant showy flowers that start as greenish-white, mature to creamy white, then deepen to pink, while continuing into fall with a compact growth habit, which is ideal for small spaces and containers. Despite its compact size, 'Fire Light Tidbit' delivers an impressive, long lasting floral display to the garden.

Hydrangea 'Fire Light Tidbit' Summer

Hardiness & Mature Size: 'Fire Light Tidbit' is cold hardy in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 and performs well in a wide range of temperate climates. It prefers to be grown in a well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. An eastern exposure with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal. At maturity, this compact hydrangea reaches an approximate size of 2-3 feet tall by 3 feet wide, creating a compact, rounded mound. It's manageable size makes it especially valuable in gardens where space is limited.

Hydrangea 'Fire Light Tidbit' Late Summer

Exceptional Flowers and Seasonal Color: The outstanding feature of 'Fire Light Tidbit' is its abundance of large greenish-white, panicle blooms beginning early to mid-summer, that turn to white. As the summer progresses and temperatures begin to cool, the flowers gradually develop vivid shades of pink, eventually turning to even deeper pinkish-red tones that last well into fall. 'Fire Light Tidbit' is known for its continuous, prolific blooms on sturdy stems, maintaining a full appearance throughout the growing season. Unlike bigleaf hydrangeas, the flower color of 'Fire Light Tidbit' is not controlled by soil pH. Its progression from creamy white to pink and red is a natural characteristic of this cultivar.

Hydrangea 'Fire Light Tidbit' Early Fall

Pruning & General Maintenance: Hydrangea 'Fire Light Tidbit' blooms on new wood (the current season's growth), making pruning relatively simple. Pruning can be performed in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. The main stems may be shortened by one-third their height, which encourages vigorous new growth and abundant blooms for the new season. You can remove dead, damaged, weak or crossing branches anytime as needed. Application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in springtime, that is higher in phosphorus and lower in nitrogen, encourages abundant blooms over foliar growth.

Hydrangea 'Fire Light Tidbit' Mid-Fall

Whether used as a specimen plant, incorporated into a mixed border or grown in containers, this beauty is sure to add lasting color and structure to your space. From its creamy-white summer blooms to its rich pink and red autumn tones, Hydrangea 'Fire Light Tidbit' delivers months of interest in a compact plant, which is sure to become a favorite in the garden!

Connect With Me 🌼

It's time to plan your garden! Visit my Author Page 👈to learn about and purchase my books, each one focusing on different aspects of gardening, including landscape ideas, design principles, gardening by month for all-season interest, gardening tips and maintenance, shade gardening, gardening inspiration, indoor gardening and more. As winter approaches, check out my book The Houseplant Guide for your indoor gardening needs!

Find me on Instagram at Northeastern Gardening and Facebook at A Guide to Northeastern Gardening Blog & Author Page.

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up October: The Changing Views & Colors of Fall

Welcome!

Welcome to my zone 7b Long Island garden! It's nice to see you here! After our first nor'easter of the season on September 25 and through the 27th, dumping over three inches of rain upon the garden, the month of October has brought cooler temperatures in the 60's and drier days. A last reminder of summer brought temperatures back into the mid-70's as a final farewell, and now the slightly cooler breezes have returned, and it is the start of sweatshirt season. Join me for a tour of the garden to see remaining late summer blooms, changing foliage and the captivating colors of fall.

Hydrangea 'Firelight Tidbit

The first stop is along the eastern fence line. 'Firelight Tidbit' has become on of my most favorite varieties of hydrangea. From its lime-green blooms in spring, which change to pure white in summer, then to a deep pink in fall, this variety is compact, long-blooming and definitely a winner!

Allium 'Millenium' Seed Head

In the back border, the seed heads of Allium 'Millenium' are such fun! I planted these about three years ago, and am really enjoying the seasonal interest!

Dwarf Blue Spruce & Echinacea

Here is a combination of foliage and blooms. This is Dwarf Blue Globe Spruce with the dried seed heads of Echinacea (Coneflower) and golden Hinoki Cypress 'Nana' to the left. The bird visitors have been feasting on the leftover seeds!

Sedum 'Brilliant' Last Bloom!

As I was walking around the garden, I spotted this one last sedum bloom, which must have been sparked by the rain and warner temperatures...

Back Island Bed with Hydrangea 'Limelight Prime'

and in the back raised bed, Hydrangea 'Limelight Prime' has pushed out a new bloom!

Hydrangea 'Limelight Prime'

Here are the blooms up close. It is a plant that just keeps on giving!

Platycodon 'Kamachi' (Balloon Flower)

Around to the back perennial border, while the foliage of Balloon Flower 'Kamachi' is aging to a deep purple hue, there are still remaining blooms to be seen.

Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz'

This Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz', right outside the back door, has been blooming all summer and is pushing out another round of blooms that will last through the first frost.

Front Walkway

Fall is definitely evident along the front walkway as the foliage of Coral Bark Maple (left) transitions to a fiery orange and the Weeping Japanese Maple on the front lawn is almost glowing!

Front Lawn

This maple always puts on a show, but I think with the combination of drought we had this summer then a nor'easter with tons of rain, the colors seem to be much more vibrant this year.

Front Island Bed

The newly added Nepeta 'Chartreuse' has quadrupled in size on the front island bed since being planted this past spring, and has filled in nicely along the moss rock boulder wall.

Fall Mums!

We had a good season for the herb/vegetable planter, with tomatoes lasting all the way through to about a week and a half ago. After removing the completed plants, I thought, 'Why not plant some mums?!"

Back New Planting

Having mentioned the nor'easter that affected the entire east coast in September, the continuous rain for three days and winds gusting up to 50 miles per hour had caused a row of very mature Emerald Green Arborvitae along our northern fence line to uproot, so a major renovation was needed. The trees were taken out with a mini backhoe and replaced with these Blue Point Juniper and Juniper Sea of Gold just four days ago.

Hydrangea 'Tardiva'

Along the northern side of the property, Hydrangea 'Tardiva' is continuing to display its white panicle blooms that start in late summer and last through fall...

One Last Glance!

and we could not end the tour without one last glance of the Hydrangea 'Firelight Tidbit'!

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 Woods, and Garden Affair at Jaipur Garden.

Connect With Me 🌼

Find me on Instagram at Northeastern Gardening and Facebook at A Guide to Northeastern Gardening Blog & Author Page.

Until we Meet Again...Happy Gardening!

Thursday, October 1, 2026

Bayard Cutting Arboretum Dahlia Garden

William Wolkoff Dahlia Garden

Welcome to the William Wolkoff Dahlia Garden. Located within the Bayard Cutting Arboretum in the town of Great River, along Long Island's south shore, the Long Island Dahlia Society describes it as one of the largest public dahlia display gardens on the East Coast! With more than 1,300 dahlia plants and roughly 300 different varieties, it is definitely worth the visit. The garden was originally planted in 2012 and has been maintained since by volunteers from the Long Island Dahlia Society.

Autumn Clematis

The estate of William Bayard Cutting, originally known as Westbrook, began development in the 1880s, with guidance from the firm of Frederick Law Olmsted Cutting. William Bayard Cutting developed an important collection of conifers with the assistance of Charles Sprague Sargent, director of the Arnold Arboretum, and the Cutting family donated the property to New York State in 1936. The purpose was not simply to create another public park, but to preserve a place where people could appreciate landscape design and plants.

Semi-Cactus Dahlia 'Alfred Grille'

In 1944, The Long Island Dahlia Society was founded by a group of dahlia enthusiasts, and over the decades Long Island Dahlia Society has developed into an important regional dahlia organization, in which its volunteers now maintain the Wolkoff Garden at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum. Members are involved in the entire annual cycle of selecting and preparing tubers, staking, training, disbudding, pest control, identifying varieties, digging tubers, dividing tuber clumps, and winter storage and preparation for the following season.

Collarette Dahlia 'Pooh'

The Dahlia Garden fits in particularly well here at Bayard as the property has always had an emphasis on horticulture, plant collections and informal landscape design.

Semi-cactus Dahlia

Dahlia Garden

Judging the Dahlias: When judging each Dahlia, The American Dahlia Society has a detailed judging criteria and classifies each according not only to color, but by several other characteristics, including size, form, symmetry, stem thickness and proportion. The annual show is usually held the first week in September and features blooms ranging from tiny flowers to enormous dinner-plate varieties. The blooms can be visited throughout the month of September, and the park is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday throughout the year and closed on some holidays.

Dahlia 'Belle of Barmera'

The Secret to Getting Large Flowers: To achieve a giant exhibition flower, it is customary for growers to remove the two side buds and allow the central bud to develop, allowing the plant's energy to concentrate into one bloom. The American Dahlia Society describes this technique as removing the outer two buds from the three developing at the end of a branch. The result is a larger, stronger bloom.

Dahlia Garden

Dahlia 'Kelvin Floodlight'

Dahlia Midnight Dancer

Storing Dahlia Tubers for Winter: Dahlias are tender perennial plants, whose underground tubers survive winter only where the ground doesn't freeze deeply. After digging, remove excess soil, trim feeder roots, and allow the clump to cure/dry. Divide if desired, and store in a cool environment such as a garage. It is recommended to layer the tubers with a dry packing medium such as vermiculite or peat moss, although many growers successfully store them in plain paper bags with no medium at all. Label each variety and inspect periodically through winter. Long Island Dahlia Society recommends a storage environment around 40–50°F, with enough humidity to prevent the tubers from shriveling but without creating wet conditions that encourage rot.

Dahlia Garden Birdhouses

Dahlia Garden

Stroll around to see some other sights, then after you visit the Dahlia Garden, maybe you can find a peaceful place to rest, walk through the forest or perhaps...hug a tree!

A Peaceful Place to Rest...

Or A Walk Through the Forest...

Or Perhaps Hug a Giant Redwood Tree!

I hope you enjoyed the virtual tour of the Bayard Cutting Arboretum Dahlia display. Today the Arboretum encompasses roughly 690 acres along the Connetquot River and contains extensive collections of trees and seasonal plants. The yearly Dahlia display is certainly a delight to the eyes and definitely worth the visit! I have tried my best to identify the Dahlias pictured here, but do chime in if you know the variety for sure! As mentioned previously, the Arboretum is opened year round Tuesday- Sunday, except for some holidays.

Connect With Me 🌼

It's time to plan your garden! Visit my Author Page 👈to learn about and purchase my books, each one focusing on different aspects of gardening, including landscape ideas, design principles, gardening by month for all-season interest, gardening tips and maintenance, shade gardening, gardening inspiration, indoor gardening and more. As winter approaches, check out my book The Houseplant Guide for your indoor gardening needs!

Find me on Instagram at Northeastern Gardening and Facebook at A Guide to Northeastern Gardening Blog & Author Page.

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Welcome!

Welcome to A Guide to Northeastern Gardening. I am a landscape/garden designer, consultant, speaker and book author from the south shore of Long Island. Involved in the horticultural field since 1996, I started this blog so that I could share my love of gardening with others. Join me for over 350 articles on general gardening, landscape design principles, gardening tips, planting, pruning, garden maintenance, feature plants and more. I look forward to and welcome your comments and will try my best to answer any questions that you may have. Thank you for visiting and do come back often! Happy Gardening! ~ Lee (A Guide to Northeastern Gardening)