Garden Blogger's Bloom Day December 2012

In my Long Island December garden there is a steady chill in the air as temperatures drop into the 40's by day and 30's by night.  Welcome to my northeastern zone 7 garden in December of 2012.  It is time again to step out into the garden for this month's Garden Blogger's Bloom Day and the focus now is mainly on color, texture and form.  As the perennials go into their sleep the evergreens form the backbone of the garden.  I have a bit of a passion for evergreens as you will see here and new members are always welcome. Come walk along with me and take a look...

Knock Out Rose (December Garden)

This is the last of the Knock Out Roses.  I really am amazed that they have lasted as long as they have and I have the view right outside my window.  The sudden cold has put this one into a state of suspended animation so I am getting some last enjoyment from it.

Nandina domestica 'Gulf Stream'

Here is the Nandina domestica 'Gulf Stream' that I have had in the garden for years.  It is semi-evergreen and displays bright red berries from October on throughout the winter months.   It is also an excellent food source for our feathered friends.

Golden Sedge

This Golden Japanese Sedge is evergreen and remains golden throughout the entire winter.  I enjoy its thread-like grassy appearance and of course...its color.

Ajuga (December Garden)

Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow' adds some additional color during the winter months as well.

Cherry Laurel

   It is good to see the Cherry Laurel setting new buds for next year, especially after the harsh winds from the hurricane this past October.

Montogomery Blue Spruce

Montgomery Blue Spruce is a favorite of mine in the garden with its bright blue compact foliage and wonderful texture.  Should we get a snow it also looks pretty covered in white flakes.

Euonymus 'Gold Spot' and Leucothoe 'Auxillis'

Here is a combination of Euonymus 'Gold Spot' and Leucothoe 'Auxillis', both belonging to the broad-leaved evergreens.  The Leucothoe turns a deep burgundy color at this time of year and contrasts against the golds and greens of the Euonymus and the Nellie Stevens Holly in the left backdrop. 

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar and Mugo Pine Raised Entrance Garden

Around the front of the property is my Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar and Mugo Pine on a raised moss rock boulder wall.  I enjoy the three dimensional look of the rock all year but especially now in the fall and winter.

Weeping Japanese Maple

Here is my one of my older Weeping Japanese Maple trees.  I planted this one about 20 years ago.  By pruning the lower foliage the delicate twisting structure of the trunk can be seen, and the art of the tree can be especially enjoyed in winter.

Backyard Pool Garden (December)

Around to the backyard is the poolscape in December mode.  From back to front are Weeping White Pine, Hinoki Cypress 'Aurea', Montgomery Globe Spruce, Globosa White Pine and Weeping Norway Spruce.  There are also Maiden grasses that are cut part way back for winter and a Royal Star Magnolia.  Recently I also planted the Skip Laurels along the fence which will supply some greenery in the colder months.

Pinus strobus Nana-Dwarf White Pine (Left) and Weeping Norway Spruce (Right)

Here is a close up of the Weeping Norway Spruce and my newest addition to the garden  this fall...a Dwarf White Pine.  The Pine looks a bit like a porcupine but the foliage is very soft to the touch.  I think it may just become a favorite!

Side Yard Garden (December)

Around the side of the backyard is a screening of Arborvitae (Emerald Green and Western 'Virescens'), Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar, Barberry 'Rosy Glow', Gold Mop Cypress , Euonymus 'Gold Spot' and Knock Out Rose. The empty spot is the nepeta which is dormant until next spring but the Heuchera 'Caramel' (left )will continue to show its tan-orange color for some time until the snow arrives.

Montgomery Globe Spruce and Heuchera 'Caramel'

Here is some more Heuchera 'Caramel' next to the blue spruce...

Weeping Pussy Willow, Gold Mop Cypress and Blue Star Juniper

and some more evergreens along with a Weeping Pussy Willow (now dormant).

Euonymus 'Greenspire' (Back Left), Euonymus 'Gold Spot (Front Left) and Dwarf Hinoki Cypress (Right)

This is another combination of greens and yellows with Euonymus 'Greenspire', Euonymus 'Gold Spot' and Dwarf Hinoki Cypress 'Nana' along the pool backdrop... 



Picea orientalis 'Skylands' (Golden Oriental Spruce) with Coral Bark Maple (Left Backdrop)

and one of my favorite evergreens in the garden-Golden Oriental Spruce 'Skylands'.

 

Well that is it for now for this Long Island garden. Predictions are for a snowy winter here in the northeast so I am hoping that January will not be too harsh. Thank you to our Garden Blogger's Bloom Day hostess Carol and be sure to visit May Dreams Gardens for more December blooms. Thanks for stopping by!

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2012. All rights reserved