Garden Blogger's Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up December 2013: The Garden Goes to Sleep

Mugo Pine and Sedum 'Brilliant' Dried Flower Heads

 The temperatures have been falling into the 30's over the past few days with snow flurries and winter has found my northeastern Long Island garden.  It is December and time for another Garden Blogger's Bloom Day on the 15th and Foliage Follow-Up on the 16th to take a look around the garden, get some photos, and visit some other gardens around the world.  Having not been here for last month's memes, quite a bit has changed in the landscape.  Come stroll with me as I get some photos before the next snow arrives!

Astilbe Dried Flowers 

 The beauty of a garden is its never ending state of change reflected with each passing season. With winter approaching and few blooms in sight there is now more concentration on foliage.  All that remains of the Astilbe are their dried flowers which are still lovely  against the backdrop of Lamb's Ear and back lawn, a view which I have come to appreciate.

Barberry 'Royal Burgundy' December

I have two types of Barberry on my property, 'Royal Burgundy' and 'Rosy Glow'.  They are both displaying the last of their bright burgundy foliage and are starting to form small red berries in preparation for winter.

Birdbath

Here in a small garden under a window is one of the several birdbaths I have on the property.   There are numerous evergreens and dense shrubs where birds seek shelter and I always try to have a supply of fresh water for them.  Also they are fun to watch gathering and splashing around! The only thing is that the water has frozen over the past few days and I have no electric source for one of those birdbath heaters, so I have to add a little water daily to keep it drinkable.

Bird's Nest Garden Art!

 Look a bird's nest!  While strolling in the garden to take these photographs I spotted this beautifully constructed and well hidden bird's nest in my Wisteria tree.   Now that the leaves are all gone the nest is finally visible to see and I believe it was built by the Mockingbirds that were so abundant this summer.

Blue Star Juniper and Dwarf Fountain Grass

 Around to the side yard the dwarf ornamental grasses are finished for the season but form contrast against the evergreen Juniperus 'Blue Star'.  

Blue Globe Montgomery Spruce, Gold Mop Cypress and Barberry

Here are more of the evergreens on the property.  I enjoy combining the blues and golds of Montgomery Globe Blue Spruce and Gold Mop Cypress with the burgundy of the Barberry in the backdrop.  A Weeping Pussy Willow cascades over the rest of the garden.  The differences in texture and color of the contrasting foliage help to keep interest in the landscape over winter. 

Dwarf Butterfly Bush Lo & Behold 'Blue Chip' December

Speaking of foliage, the dried blooms of my Dwarf Butterfly Bush do provide some nice interest for the wintertime...

Endless Summer Hydrangea Faded Blooms

as well as the Endless Summer Hydrangea with their dried mop heads.  I focus on having as much structure in the garden as possible especially at this time of year.

Iris Seed Heads

The Iris are in winter mode displaying their interesting seed heads.  Since I have been photographing I have learned to appreciate them even when they are not blooming.

Lamb's Ear and Astilbe Seed Heads

This Lamb's Ear was an addition to the perennial garden years ago as a border and I am always amazed how it supplies interest to every season of the year with its fuzzy white foliage.

Royal Star Magnolia New Buds in December

Come take a look at the 'Royal Star' Magnolia already forming its flower buds for next year.  It is a pleasant sight to see a hint of spring even though winter isn't even officially here yet with more significant snow on the way.

Dwarf Maiden Grass Yaku Jima in December

Here are the the Yaku Jima grasses and their plumes adding some movement to the garden.

Nandina domestica Berries

Poking over the side fence, the color of the berries on this Nandina are a vibrant red that lasts all throughout the winter months.  They provide a dual purpose of adding both color to the landscape as well as supplying a food source for the birds.

Sedum 'Brilliant' Dried Flower Heads

And last but not least...here is a close up of the Sedum with my new camera lens.

Here It Comes!!!

As the garden goes to sleep for winter there will always be something new to be found with each changing season and a true gardener always has something to look forward to. Thank you for visiting my gardens and you are always welcome!   I am glad I was able to get these photographs before the snow and hope you enjoyed the tour.   Drop a note to let me know you've been here and I will be sure to visit you as well. Also please visit our hostesses Carol at May Dreams Gardens to see what is blooming for December Garden Blogger's Bloom Day and Pam at Digging for Foliage Follow Up.


As Always...Happy Gardening and Happy Winter in one week!  

Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2013. All rights reserved.