Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up May 2014: The Garden in all Its Glory!

It is May at last and the gardens are alive with color. Over the past few days the temperatures have elevated into the 70's and even hit 82 degrees one afternoon, allowing buds to burst into wonderful blooms.  I am in my glory especially during the months of May and June when there is so much to be enjoyed in the garden.  I am known to be found with shovel in hand, covered from head to foot in mud, sporting a grin...a state of true happiness and satisfaction.  It is time for another Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and Foliage Follow-Up.  Come walk along with me and take a look at what is happening in my May Long Island garden.

Thundercloud Plum

The Thundercloud Plum in now in its third season and is finally coming into its element with the best blooms yet this spring.  The dainty pink blooms are short lived but enjoyed nonetheless and are followed by beautiful deep burgundy foliage that lasts throughout the summer.

Tulips

Detour!  I came across these gorgeous tulips in my travels.  They were just too beautiful to pass by without a photo opportunity. The color on these is so vibrant!

Viburnum Carlcephalum

Back to my gardens....the Viburnum is all in bloom and the flowers are very large this year with large white fragrant blooms.  

Ajuga 'Bronze Beauty'

The Ajuga and Azalea are blooming at the same time...

Azalea 'Girard's Fuchsia'

displaying purple and fuchsia blooms.

Azalea 'Girard's Crimson'

Another Azalea is playing backdrop to the dwarf cypress in front of it and low spreading Sedum 'Dragons Blood' in the foreground.

Heuchera 'Caramel'

The 'Caramel' Coral Bells are getting all their new growth and are very vibrant in color.  I am still very impressed with this plant.  This particular variety takes both sun and shade and winters very well here on Long Island.

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Viridis'

The Japanese Maple in the front yard has really reached maturity and the trunk gets more and more twisted with time.  It never ceases to fascinate me so take a look under the canopy of the tree and you will see what I am referring to.

Picea pungens 'Glauca Globusa'

Now lets talk foliage.  The evergreens are getting a lot of new growth...

Halenkolea (Japanese Forest Grass)

and the Japanese Forest Grass is looking very full.  

Alchemilla Mollis (Lady's Mantle) 

I finally added some Lady's Mantle this spring and am enjoying its large umbrella like leaves.  When it rains the leaves capture raindrops that sparkle in the sun.  There are some flower buds forming on this one and I anticipate the arrival of blooms.

Juniperus 'Gold Lace' and Heuchera

Around into the front gardens there are two forms of Heuchera, 'Palace Purple' and 'Caramel' next to the golden foliage of Juniperus 'Gold Lace'.

Hosta 'Patriot'

The 'Patriot' Hosta are unraveling their white and green foliage.

Nepeta 'Walker's Low'

The perennials are still slightly behind due to the long cold winter and cooler than usual spring but the Nepeta 'Walkers Low' and Salvia 'May Night' are now forming their flower buds.  The blooms are not far behind!

Salvia 'May Night'

Here is the the front island bed with Skyland's Golden Oriental Spruce, Coral Bark Maple, Barberry 'Royal Burgundy', Nepeta 'Walker's Low' and Juniperus 'Old Gold'.  The Coreopsis and Dwarf Fountain Grasses are also starting to make their appearance.

Front Island Bed with 'Skyland's' Oriental Spruce

Here is the last of the Grape Hyacinths...

Grape Hyacinth

and the Spirea Double Play 'Big Bang' made it through its first winter in the garden and is starting its show all over again.  It started off with vibrant orange foliage that has now turned to gold and huge pink blooms will follow throughout the summer months.  This new addition has certainly become a favorite of mine!

Spirea Double Play 'Big Bang'

I hope you enjoyed the tour of my gardens.  Please visit our hostesses Carol at May Dreams Gardens for Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and Pam at Digging for Foliage Follow-Up.   I am also linking up to Creative Country Mom's new Home Sweet Garden Party. Thank you for the visit and if you leave a note I will know you dropped by to say hello and I will be sure to visit you as well!  

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2014. All rights reserved