Color Our World Round Up: November 2016

Welcome! I've recently met a group of wonderfully talented bloggers with vast knowledge on a variety of topics dealing with the home and garden. Each month the participants focus on a particular color, bringing you a variety of posts on topics such as gardening, home remedies, decor and culinary delights. There is a little something for everyone. This month our color is Brown and our bloggers are from Project Beautiful. Here's what's happening for the month of November! 

First let me introduce Susan Brandt at Blooming Secrets with her post The Year in Color-Brown the Natural Color. Susan describes brown as a natural color and an important one at that. "After all, the very soil that we gardeners gleefully toil in is generally a shade of brown and this earthy quality makes brown a symbol of stability and reliability. Unfortunately, it also has a reputation of being boring and in many surveys, on color it is ranked as the least favorite color of them all. Regardless of our personal tastes, it is an appropriate color for November. We watch the leaves turn colors, including brown and the centerpieces on our Thanksgiving tables are often adorned in colors of yellow, red and brown.  You may have to dig deep to find an appreciation for the color brown but sometimes the simplest of colors can be the most interesting"...more

Terri Steffes at Our Good Life shares her recipe for Homemade Cough Drops. "Last week I introduced you to a homemade cough syrup that I loved. I found that I needed something that I could carry around, so I did some research and found a lot of recipes for homemade cough drops. I combined a couple of recipes and made these, which I like for a couple of reasons.  One, they are cheap to make and two, they are very effective. To be perfectly honest, these cough drops do require a bit of time spent on the making of them.  Some tips I would offer are these: use a good pot, use at least a two quart pot, and cool the mixture before making the drops.  I'll explain more as I go."...more on Terri's homemade remedy at Our Good Life.

Kim Brush at Day to Day Adventures gives helpful tips with her recipe for Brown Bag Low Carb Freezer Chimichangas. "Once a month we go to Kansas City and take lunch. Sometimes we take sandwiches but that doesn’t work for some of my peeps who don’t like/can’t have sandwiches. Our solution? Brown Bag Chimichangas from the freezer. My kids barely know what brown bagging it means. We homeschool so most of our lunches are eaten at home!  Since we get to KC early in the morning, the chimis can warm up in a small crock pot for a few hours and be ready for lunch! Best of all they can be low carb and super healthy!  Another way to eat these chimis is to heat them in the oven before leaving the house.  Then wrap them up or put them in a thermal bag(the kind you put your casseroles in to keep them warm"...read more  

Lynee Cherot at Sensible Gardening talks about Chocolate Brown Gardening. "Not the most usual colour in plants, brown adds a touch of mystery to the flower bed. Normally a rather unassuming colour, brown in flowers and foliage stands out when grown among the brighter tones in the garden border. It almost adds a touch of class to plantings and a sense of style to containers. The slightly unusual always draws us in, and brown flowers and leaves are no exception. Would I like an all brown garden, probably not. I prefer these tones to be given specific placement in the garden for the element of surprise and wow factor. Finding brown plants will take a bit of looking but they are out there. Below are some"...read more

Karen Creel at Garden Chick discusses cover crops for the winter garden with her post Cover Crops: Turn a Brown Garden Green. "My garden is now finished, and as a gardener, I’m still looking for reasons to be out in it.  The weather is mild, the garlic still needs to be planted,  and the strawberry and asparagus beds are yet to be cleaned out. Instead of letting the garden lay idle all winter, open to weeds and erosion, I have decided to plant a portion in a winter cover crop. Cover crops are a great way to turn brown gardens green. Here are a number of reasons to plant a cover crop: They keep the soil covered from the harsh winds,snow and rain, helping to prevent soil erosion. They help loosen the soil, in turn making the garden easier to turn over the next spring"...read more

Terri Schuler at the Freshman Cook presents Three Simple Ways to Decorate an Acorn Cookie as she puts together a Dessert Bar for her holiday dinner guests with some simple sugar cookies. "These Acorn Sugar Cookies couldn't get much easier... Even if you have never made decorated sugar cookies, these will be no problem for you! The only thing to remember when making these cookies is to allow enough time. It takes time for the dough to chill, time to decorate them and time for the icing to dry after they are decorated. So, if you are serving these cookies on Thursday, you might want to make them the weekend before"... read more

Nikki Wills at Tikkido talks about "Gingerbread for Beginners" and shows us her wonderful talents. "If you know me at all, you know that gingerbread is totally my thing.  My mother started our family's tradition, and I've continued it, baking 100+ gingerbread houses a year for family, friends, neighbors, and classmates.  I've finally collected our decades of hard-earned gingerbread insights into one simple e-book, Gingerbread for Beginners"...read more

And finally, here is my post This Month's Color in the Garden November 2016: The Changing Garden-The Many Shades of Brown  "As a designer and avid gardener, I have developed a deep appreciation for all the changes that take place in the garden and for what nature has to offer throughout the entire year. The garden can be beautiful, even after the prime of autumn, when shades of brown become more prominent throughout the landscape. For this meme, I have ventured out into the garden with my macro lens to get a close-up view of the many shades of brown that come my way! Multi-colored leaves grace the landscape...hostas fade as the edges of once vibrant green leaves turn to shades of yellow then brown. Even though they are going dormant for winter, there is much beauty there"...read more

Thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoyed #PB Color Our World Round-Up for the month of November. Wishing you joy and happiness in the holiday season and always!

Informational Links:

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening on Facebook

Landscape Design by Lee on Facebook

A Guide to Landscape Design & Maintenance Blog 

NEGardening on Twitter

For more gardening tips and design information, you may be interested in my published book, "A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer (Gardening in Zones 3-9)",
available on Amazon.

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2016. All rights reserved

Allerton Tropical Botanical Garden, Kauai

Allerton Botanical Garden Kauai

Hawaii is the home to many botanical gardens, and Allerton Tropical Botanical Garden on the island of Kauai is one of my favorites. Located in the beautiful Lawa'i Valley, Allerton Gardens encompass approximately 85 acres of land. The mission of this private, non-profit organization is to preserve and protect the one third of all plants that are threatened by extinction. The Allerton Garden Guided Tour lasts approximately two and a half hours and is presented by knowledgeable tour guides, each sharing their vast knowledge of Allerton's botanical and cultural history. Sit back, listen to some Hawaiian music and enjoy the tour!

Allerton Tropical Botanical Gardens Kauai

Kauai's Lawa'i Valley was known in ancient Hawaiian culture as the land divide of Lawa'i. In 1848, the land was granted to King Kamehameha I, who willed a third of the land to Queen Emma. In 1885, Kamehameha's widow gave the remaining land to Queen Emma, and she took permanent residence there after her husband and son passed away. Since she possessed such a deep passion for gardens, Queen Emma planted numerous plumeria, bougainvillea, mango, pandanus, rose apple and fern throughout the valley. Queen Emma leased the Lawa'i Valley to the McBryde family, who eventually bought the estate from her in 1886. The McBrydes continued to plant sugarcane, taro and rice, then sold the land to Robert Allerton in 1938. Allerton and his son immediately expanded the gardens in the lower valley, creating formal garden rooms with various structures, fountains and exotic plantings. In 1964, Allerton was declared as a tropical botanical garden, chartered by the U.S. Congress, which completely took over the estate in the early 1990's.

Water Lily

The ride into the gardens starts with Pump Six, the original pump house that delivered water to the sugarcane fields in the upper valley during the early 1900's. These beautiful water lilies now thrive in the water source behind the pump house.

 Pachypodium rutenbergiantium 

Next is Pachypodium rutenbergianum, an unusual looking tree with spiny leaves that only grow at the very tips of the branches. The tree reaches a height of 3 to 12 meters and displays fragrant white and yellow flowers in the warmer months, the blooms resembling those of plumeria.

Hawaiian Native Hibiscus

 Hawaiian Hibiscus is endemic to the island of Kauai and grows as a shrub or small tree, reaching a height of 10-23 feet. The state flower of Hawaii is the yellow hibiscus, while other forms such as red, orange and white can be seen throughout the islands. Native Hawaiian hibiscus is on the endangered species list and is under protection by the National Tropical Botanical Gardens.

Monkey Brain Tree 

If you look closely at the fruit of this tree, it exhibits a bumpy appearance, almost  resembling a brain.  This tree is known as Osage-orange, hedge apple or monkey-brain tree. It was late in the season when these photos were taken, so the fruit which is normally a yellow-green has started to fade. The fruit of the tree is related to the Mulberry, but for the most part is not edible.  The seeds are edible and the hard wood has been widely used in the making of bows.

Our Tour Guide explains the nutritional value of Artocarpus altilis – Breadfruit Ulu

Native to Hawaii, Breadfruit grows in tropical lowland areas, especially in those areas near ancient Hawaiian settlements. The ancient Polynesians had brought Breadfruit to Hawaii in their canoes and used it as a life-sustaining staple,the fruit and seeds are edible and very nutritious. The milky sap was used for medicinal purposes and the fruits were cooked and eaten, sometimes used to make poi. Ulu is known as the "tree of bread" in Hawaii.

Breadnut Tree

This bread nut is a smaller version of breadfruit, containing seeds which are very high in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. The fresh seeds can be cooked and eaten or allowed to dry out.

Allerton Garden Room

Robert Allerton had an affection for formal gardens, so he created this enclosed walled garden. The room serves as a peaceful retreat and leads to a more open area.

Shell Ginger

The lattice structure above leads to these beautiful Shell Ginger which grow in the gardens beyond.

Allerton Garden Kauai

The tour continues through a rain forest of tropical plants including native palms, bromeliads, orchids and ferns, leading to the Allerton family orchid.

Palmello Tree (Hawaiian Grapefruit)

The fruit orchid is full of culinary delights, including this Hawaiian grapefruit, which is quite a tasty treat. It has a similar appearance to grapefruit as we know it and the taste is much sweeter...no sugar needed!

Pomegranate Tree

The tropical climate on the island of Kauai allows these Pomegranate trees to grow upwards to 100 feet, producing pomegranates larger than I have even seen.

Diana Goddess of the Hunt Allerton Garden Rooms

Following the trail, we encounter this peaceful reflecting pool being overlooked by a beautiful Romanesque statue...and

Spilt Leaf Philodendron

over-sized philodendron and aerial roots lead us to another garden room.

Mermaid Room Sculpture and Fountain

One hundred year old Monkey Pod trees and naturally scalloped palms line the Mermaid Room, where a scalloped-shaped fountain creates a soothing water flow at a pace of about 52-54 pulses per minute. Allerton had this fountain designed in order to create a calming "Neptune Effect", which is achieved by sitting on the bench and allowing your mind to relax and heart rate to slow to the beat of the pulsating water.

Chinese Ceramic Urn

More unique sights are seen as we move along. This ancient Chinese urn is placed in just the right location in the gardens.

Three Reflection Pools Room Art

Next is this elongated, three-tiered reflection pool which is overlooked by a Sleeping Horse. This original Hawaiian artwork was purchased by Robert Allerton. It is important to note that all the reflection pools in the gardens are fed by underground springs.

Allerton Garden Opening Scene of Gilligan's Island

Do you remember the television series "Gilligan's Island"? This lagoon is where the filming of the opening scene took place.

Pink Quill Bromeliad and Orchid

Along the walk to the Bamboo Room is an abundance of tropical Bromeliads and Orchids. 

Clumping Bamboo (Non-Invasive)

This Bamboo Room was one of the first garden rooms that Robert Allerton came up with. Many do not know that Robert Allerton was partially deaf; therefore, he enjoyed the loud clicking and clacking of the bamboo reeds as they moved in the wind. This bamboo grove was also used in the filming of 'Pirates of the Caribbean IV:" when Captain Jack crossed over the bamboo bridge!

Crytostachys renda Lipstick Palm 

As we leave the Bamboo Room, we encounter a tropical Lipstick Palm. Its bright red bark was used to make dyes by the ancient Polynesians.

Moreton Bay Figs Kauai

Here are the famous Moreton Bay Figs. In 1992, Steven Spielberg filmed the movie "Jurassic Park" right here at this sight. If you remember the scene of the raptor eggs, they were placed in the root of the second tree, and the jeep scene took place in the third tree over. The Moreton Bay Fig, originally native to Australia was introduced to Allerton Gardens just 70 years ago. 

Moreton Bay Figs Kauai

The figs that were collected as saplings by Allerton and shipped in empty beer cans now have roots reaching 6-8 feet in height.

Palm Seeds

As we continue the tour, bright red palm tree seeds tower above our heads...

Vanilla Bean Orchid

and Vanilla Bean Orchid vines can be seen climbing up a palm tree.  If you are wondering if this is where vanilla comes from...you are correct!

Heliconia (Lobster Claw)

Other sites are the beautiful and unusual blooms of Heliconia, also known as Lobster Claw Plant...

Staghorn Fern Allerton Garden

and Staghorn Fern hanging from the trees above.

Allerton Botanical Garden Kauai

I hope you enjoyed the tour of the beautiful Allerton Botanical Gardens in Kauai. For now it's Aloha or A hui hou...until we meet again.

Allerton Botanical Garden Kauai

For more information visit Allerton Botanical Gardens 

Visitors Center - 4425 Lawai Road, Poipu 96756

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2016. All rights reserved

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up November 2016: The Many Colors of Autumn

November 2016

Albert Camus once quoted, "Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." His words recollect in my mind every fall as the landscape turns into a canvas of kaleidoscopic color. November has arrived and it is time for another Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and Foliage Follow-Up, so come along with me as we explore my Long Island garden.

The Changing Colors of Autumn

As the temperatures dip into the 50's, there are so many changes going on in the landscape, as foliage that was once green turns to hues of orange and gold. As we start our walk we immediately come across some of nature's artwork. Sometimes something as simple as a lone leaf will appear like a well planned painting.

Hosta in Autumn

Structure becomes more of a prominent factor in the garden in November. Here is the exfoliating bark of Crape Myrtle 'Sioux'. The underlying trunk has a mixture of light and dark hues, which are more noticeable at this time of year as the top layer disappears.

Crape Myrtle Bark Autumn

Here is the back perennial border.  Astilbe and coneflowers have turned to seed heads, while Stachys (Lamb's Ear) still displays its soft white foliage, which will last well into the winter months.

Perennial Border November

These seed heads of Sedum 'Brilliant' make for nice interest in the fall garden and can even be brought inside as dried floral display, which I'll do on occassion.

Sedum 'Brilliant' Seed Head

The colors seem to be coming on much stronger this year, brought on by a prolonged period of drought followed by rainfall and cooler temperatures throughout this month and last. It's fascinating how the morning dew on this Spirea 'Limemound' is causing it to shimmer in the sunlight, resembling what looks like tiny pink crystals.

Morning Dew on Spirea

Here are the remains of Echinacea 'Pow Wow'. I leave the seed heads in the garden for a long time until they practically disintegrate. They add interest to the perennial border and supply seeds to the birds as well.

Echinacea Seed Heads

As we pass by the back northwest bed, we encounter one of the newest additions to the garden. The longtime wisteria that had thrived there for twenty years did not come back from the winter of 2016, so I replaced it with this 'Kousa' Dogwood.  I love this tree and the striking red fruit it produces in fall. Hopefully it will thrive in its new home.

Kousa Dogwood Autumn

Here is a closer look of the large fruit!

Kousa Dogwood Fruit

        The Weeping Japanese Maple on the front lawn has been there for over twenty years and is showing its wonderful fall foliage...a sight I look forward to every year.  

Weeping Japanese Maple

Perennial Border November

   Let's circle back around and pass by the perennial border another time. In this view is Blue Star Juniper on the right with astilbe seed heads...

Stachys (Lamb's Ear) November

and here is the Lamb's Ear much closer up.

Rudbeckia 'Little Goldstar' 

A true gardener never gives up thinking and adding new elements to the garden and I could not pass up these new hybrid Rudbeckia 'Little Goldstar', seen while at the nursery.  They are a dwarf growing form, only reaching a height of 14 inches tall.  Rudbeckia 'Little Goldstar' is hardy in USDA zones 4-9, prefers full sun to partial shade and blooms from September through fall. 

Weeping Norway Spruce

While many of the other plants in the garden go through seasonal changes, the true reliable evergreens continue to add interest all year long. I have several of these Weeping Norway Spruce throughout the property, for each one has its own unique form and character. This particular one resides along the perimeter of the back patio.

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar, CoralBark Maple and Golden Oriental Spruce 'Skylands'

Other evergreens on the property include this Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar (front) and Golden Oriental Spruce (to the right). To the left of the spruce in the center is Coral Bark Maple Acer palmatum 'Sango kaku' and to the far left towering above is a White Ash.

May Night Salvia's Last Bloom

May Night Salvia is a favorite of mine in the garden and while they are only supposed to bloom throughout May until August, there is a trick in getting them to last all the way though November. Here are the last of the blooms.

Lady's Mantle

Lady's Mantle is known for its beautiful foliage, especially when graced by the morning dew. I have had this plant in my garden for many years and get lots of enjoyment from it.

Montauk Daisy

I have always had a fondness of Montauk Daisies over the years and they were also my mom's favorite flower. While at the nursery a couple of weeks ago I finally bought some. They bloom from late summer well into November, but do tend to take up a lot of space in the garden, so I planted them in a large planter on the patio. I am hoping to enjoy their beautiful blooms right from the window each fall, and think of mom each time I see them. 

Succulent Planter Autumn Blooms

Do you remember the other succulent planter I have with the Hens and Chicks, which bloomed last July? I had made up another planter with a mix of sedum varieties, and it is now also blooming. It started in late September and has been going on for some time now.

Mill Pond Autumn Glory

Well that's it for the garden, but the tour just wouldn't be complete unless I took you for a stroll down the street to the local pond. This is the sight we are graced with every year, ever since I was growing up in my small town. The beauty never ceases to amaze me, so I thought I would share it with you.

Mill Pond: The Changing Colors of Autumn

Autumn has arrived...

Autumn at Mill Pond

with a silent stillness...

Mill Pond Autumn Reflections

as the trees cast reflections in the water.

In A Vase on Monday

As the tour for November comes to an end, here are some Knock Out Roses I just collected from the garden...which...yes...are still blooming. Soon, delicate white flakes of snow will be upon them and they will be done for the season, so I enjoy them for as long as I can.

November Memories

I  hope you enjoyed your stroll through my November garden. Special thanks go out to our hostesses 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 and Pam at Digging for hosting Foliage Follow-Up.  I am also linking with some other wonderful hosts and hostesses at Today's Flowers, Floral Fridays, I Heart Macro, Macro Monday 2, and Nature Notes at Rambling Woods. Also check out What's Blooming This Week Garden Update, In a Vase on Monday at Rambling in the Garden, Garden Bloggers' Foliage Day and Saturday's Critters.

Planning your garden for next spring and need some winter reading? Have you read my book, A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer (Gardening in Zones 3-9)? It covers a wide range of information on garden design, tips, maintenance and more! If you have read my book and found it to be helpful, please consider leaving a short review on Amazon. Reviews are vital in getting a book noticed and your help would be very much appreciated!

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2016. All rights reserved