Garden Blogger's Bloom Day December 2011

Nandina domestica (Heavenly Bamboo) berries

The temperatures are plummeting in the Northeast and the garden goes into sleep mode for the winter months.  Thanks to Carol at May Dreams Gardens I take my trusty camera and venture out into the garden to appreciate what it has to offer.  The focus now is on structure.   Evergreens with interesting foliage in shades of deep green, gold and blue grace the landscape on this December day.  Shades of purple and gold contrast against the background of evergreens and berries develop on branches of Nandina and Holly.   Seed pods can be seen throughout the garden in preparation for when spring emerges.   I have come to appreciate the December garden.

Picea pungens 'Montgomery' Globe Spruce

Globe Blue Spruce Picea pungens 'Montgomery' offers handsome brush-like blue-green foliage all year round that is especially appreciated in winter. This evergreen grows to two to three feet and possesses a compact form that is excellent for small spaces. The rich silvery-blue color remains vibrant all year long. 

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Gold Mop'

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Gold Mop' displays weeping golden foliage.  More compact than 'Gold Thread' Cypress this species grows to two to three feet.   Chamaecyparis along with Montgomery Spruce offer varying color and texture in the garden.

Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow' (Left) and Golden Sedge (Right)

Seen here is the 'Burgundy Glow' Ajuga that I just planted this year next to Golden Sedge.  Ajuga has been stubborn in my gardens in the past but this year it has really taken off.  I finally found the perfect spot for it in dappled shade and with northeastern exposure. 

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar with Barberry (Right) and Gold Mop Cypress (Left)

Here is the Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar that has had much growth this summer.  In the backdrop is Cryptomeria japonica 'Angelica' along with 'Gold Mop' Cypress  (left) and Barberry 'Rosy Glow' (right).  The Barberry is starting to form some of its vibrant red berries that look beautiful throughout winter.

Berries on Upright Japanese Holly 'Chesapeake'

At this time of year the 'Chesapeake' hollies produce clusters of plump black berries.  I really enjoy this added December interest in the garden...so much fun!  The vibrant red berries of Nandina domestica (photo above) are also a sight to behold!

Crape Myrtle Seed  Heads

This Crape Myrtle is one of my favorite trees in the garden. It even draws interest in winter with its spent blooms and interesting seed heads. When the blossoms fade clusters of greenish berries darken as they dry out. These seed heads attract birds to the winter landscape and provide a welcomed food source for our feathered friends. 



Stachys (Lamb's Ear)

The Lambs Ear is still looking good even in December.This plant is just amazing in that its foliage really adds interest for many months throughout the year. 








Dwarf Mugo Pine Against Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar and Moss Rock

These are the moss rock boulders that I added for some impact last summer. I am really enjoying the dimension that they add to the garden. Soon the winter snow will cover them to add some additional interest.

Blue Atlas Cedar

Here is a photo of my Blue Atlas Cedar that I drove home in the front to back seat of a Ford Probe about eight years ago.  It started off as a "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree and this is what is has become!

December Sky

I took this photo of the beautiful blue December sky against the still and dormant landscape.  December days can be so peaceful.

I hope you enjoyed the tour of my December garden.  Please visit Carol at May Dreams Gardens for more December blooms around the world.

"Nature has undoubtedly mastered the art of winter gardening and even the most experienced gardener can learn from the unrestrained beauty around them." ~Vincent A. Simeone ("Wonders of the Winter Landscape")

"The gardening season officially begins on January 1st, and ends on December 31."

- Marie Huston

 As Always... Happy Gardening and a Happy GBBD!


Author: Lee @A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2011. All Rights Reserved.