Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow Up December 2017: Snowflakes on Roses

December 2017 Garden

Welcome to Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and Foliage Follow-Up for the month of December. After a relatively mild November, winter has arrived in the northeast with temperatures in the 30's-40's by day and 20's-30's by night, with a layer of snow covering our Long Island garden. The first snowfall arrived on the 9th with just enough covering to transform the landscape into a winter wonderland, with a refreshing on the 14th. At this time of year, it's all about colorful evergreens, texture and structure. Join me for a stroll to take in the view! 

Snowflakes on Roses

With the milder than usual temperatures, the rose bushes had still been pushing out new foliage, which is now covered with crystals of snow. Many of the deciduous trees and shrubs had just recently lost their leaves within the past couple of weeks, with some still not ready to fall. The seasonal changes have been noticeably behind by about three weeks until just recently.

White Covered Branches of Gold Lace Juniper

Evergreens are in the spotlight during December. Here is Juniperus 'Gold Lace' with its graceful golden branches all covered in snow.

Ice Crystals on Montgomery Blue Globe Spruce

Montgomery Blue Globe Spruce never ceases to amaze me with its vibrant blue foliage, that seems even more prominent during the late fall and into the winter months. The ice crystals make the shrub "glow" even more in the sunlight.

Pool Area December 2017

In the pool garden is Weeping Norway Spruce (Picea abies 'Pendula'). Behind it on top of the rock waterfall are spreading yew and to the left are Hinoki Cypress 'Nana', which reach a height of only about three feet tall at maturity.

Sedum Winter Interest

I often leave the dried seed heads of Sedum 'Brilliant' a little longer so that birds can enjoy them. They also look nice when snow covered, which adds interest to the garden.

Nandina domestica

Towards the northern area of the property is Nandina domestica, also known as Heavenly or False Bamboo. It is a clumping variety (non-invasive in our area) and the interesting looking foliage remains semi-evergreen over the winter. I have read recently from studies that the berries may be harmful to wildlife if eaten in large quantities. While I have never seen any sign of birds going near the Nandina, I still remove the berries as food supply becomes scarce and continue to enjoy the  lovely foliage.

Holly 'Nellie Stevens' Berries

Another berry producing plant in the garden is Holly 'Nellie Stevens'. The berries are a beautiful bright red against dark green shiny leaves and make an excellent food source for birds for a good portion of the year.

Weeping White Pine Reproductive Cones

Weeping White Pine is showing off its large seed cones. I really enjoy nature's artwork as the cones are in varying shades of brown with white accents.

Driveway Entry Garden (Photo taken in Between Two Snowfalls)

In the driveway entry garden, Coral Bark Maple and Weigela 'Spilled Wine' have lost their foliage, leaving evergreens to take on the role of supplying color. Here are Skyland's Oriental Spruce (to the left), Hinoki Cypress and Boxwood (to the right) and Blue Atlas Cedar (in the distance-center).

Skyland's Oriental Spruce

The female seed bearing cones of Skyland's Spruce start off purple in spring and mature to a deeper brown by winter.

Coral Bark Maple (Acer palmatum 'Sango-kaku) Bark in December

Coral Bark Maple 'Sango Kaku' is starting to show its glowing coral-red bark as the temperatures fall. Generally, the lower the temperatures, the more brilliant  the tree.

Hellebore Shooting Star Buds (Lenten Rose)

In the northern garden, Hellebore 'Shooting Star' is developing buds that will open in a month of so. Recently added is Hellebore 'Dark and Handsome', which was planted just this past summer. The goal is to add more interest to the winter garden and have more to look forward to. I am not sure about getting blooms this season, so I'll have to wait and see if it produces any buds.

Patio Garden

Along the patio (left to right) is Colorado Blue Globe Spruce, Weeping Norway Spruce, Blue Star Juniper and Dwarf Fountain Grass, the later being done for the season.

Snowflakes on Hydrangea

Along the fence are the snow tipped remains of hydrangea blooms. The flower heads will eventually disintegrate over the winter, but add interest for now.

Front Walkway Liriope and Juniper

Here is a snowy view of along the front walkway with Variegated Liriope and Japanese Garden Juniper, topped with a tinge of white frosting!

Baby...It's Cold Outside!

At this time of year, even gardening boy and girl look cold with piles of snow upon their heads!

Welcome!

I love the garden throughout all the seasons, each month of the year bringing something new to look forward to. No matter what the time of year, whether spring, summer winter or fall, the garden is my sanctuary...a place of thoughts, dreams and sweet memories.  

There's No Place Like Home!

Being that this is the last Bloom Day and Foliage Follow-Up post for the year of 2017, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to you, for being here throughout the year, with best wishes for a beautiful and peaceful holiday season. There's more to come with 'This Month in the Garden" on the 1st to bring in the new year, and a 2017 Gardening Year in Review on the 7th!

December 2017 Garden

I hope you enjoyed this month's tour through my 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 Floral Fridays, Macro Monday 2, and Nature Notes at Rambling Woods. Also check out Garden Bloggers' Foliage Day at Creating my own garden of the Hesperides, Wednesday Around the World, Dishing It & Digging It and Image-in-ing weekly photo share every Tuesday. 

Sharing My Passion and New Video Trailer:

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9

Landscape Design Combinations

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~Enjoy the beauty of the season...and As Always...Happy Gardening!~

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2017. All rights reserved.

This Month in the Garden: Winter is Coming: Tips to Preserve Your Garden During the Cold Months

It has been a spookidly warm autumn but do not be lulled into a false sense of security; irrespective of what went before, winter brings wild winds and cold weather. So late autumn is a good time to take some elementary, precautionary measures. In doing so, come spring, you and your garden will be ahead of the game.

It is worth pondering the fate of birds and insects in your garden during these inhospitable months. Keep the water in your birdbath clean and topped off, ditto the bird feeders. If there is a quiet spot out of sight of tidy-minded passers-by, you could consider making it hibernation city. Just collect old logs, bundles of sticks, leaves and branches into an untidy heap to encourage hibernating wildlife. This heap will then act as a magnet for pollinating insects and pest predators. At the end of winter, they wake up and supplement the population of good guys in the garden.

There is also cutting down and tidying to be done. Most urgent is to rake up leaves that make paths slippery and kill patches of lawn. You might want to think about pressure washing concrete/stone paths – they may become slippery if you don’t. Small leaves from deciduous trees can be put in a heap where they turn into leaf mould.  Rose and fruit tree leaves tend to harbour disease and need to be binned or burned. Any structural shrubs or trees which have grown wayward branches need pruning back into the shape you want. Branches should not cross, otherwise they may rub and create a wound. At the same time remove any diseased, damaged or dead growth.

Never prune when the weather is freezing or when sub-zero temperatures are expected within 48 hours. Subject to this overriding rule, hedges can have a very tiny trim where they have sprouted before the frosts come, but allow enough time for new growth to harden off. While you are clipping your hedging, whenever your arms get tired, have a little weeding moment at the base.

Cut back perennials that look lost and faded but keep the ones that look good shrouded in frost. Compost all these trimmings, but before you do so, empty your compost bins of last year's well-rotted compost and use that on the beds once you have cut everything back. The soil looks much better with a layer of black compost as mulch, weed suppressant and joy for worms all at the same time - how is that for multi-tasking?

Cut large rose bushes back by about a third. Don't bother with careful pruning, if you have lots you can do this with a hedge trimmer.  Proper rose pruning happens in early spring.  This quick 'haircut' is to reduce the chance of your roses being rocked around by the winds.  Stray shoots from climbers and ramblers should be tied in while they remain pliant.

Soft fruit bushes (such as currants and gooseberry) will need pruning as well.  This is a fair-sized topic that you can find a good article on the subject here which will guide you through the intricacies of old and new wood and fruiting spurs.  While speaking about fruit, nothing will ripen any further so any remaining fruit on the trees should be picked and stored, fed to the birds, or composted.

Some fruit trees will need pruning in winter. The golden rule here is you can prune any fruit that has a pip (apples, pears etc) and you cannot prune any fruit that has stones (plums, cherries etc). While you are there, check stakes and ties on your trees to prevent strangulation and apply tree grease. November is the best time to prune walnut trees- they bleed less. 

Evergreens are the ones to watch in winter. They continue to transpire and need watering if young or newly planted. 3 cm (1.18 inches) of rainfall a week is necessary, and you need to supply the shortfall. It is the drying wind that is so pernicious. A protective, temporary barrier will stop this. Such a windbreak is an idea for any newly planted hedge in an exposed position.

Pots can be planted with pansies, ornamental cabbage and dwarf boxwood for winter interest. Any pot that you leave outside which is not truly frost proof may need wrapping in bubble wrap in severe frosts.

The virtue of all this tidying is that you actually get to see your fences/ trellis/ greenhouse again, presenting the perfect opportunity for repairs, cleaning of glass (don't forget the roof), seed trays, application of wood preservative to exposed timber and decking-and crucially clearing leaves from gutters and down-pipes. If these empty into water butts then these should (I know, I know) have an annual scrub to remove algae. Winter is the time because they have a chance to fill again before dry weather next year. Outdoor furniture needs to be taken indoors or wrapped with tarpaulin. Genuinely outdoor furniture can be titivated with a clean and, where relevant, a generous application of reviving teak or furniture oil. Machinery can be serviced and tools oiled and sharpened before being put away.

All that is done you can go inside and, instead of putting your feet up, start wrapping Christmas presents!

The contributing author of this article, Julian de Bosdari is a garden writer and owner of Ashridge Trees, a UK based gardening site that specializes in hedging and hedging plants. The site is full of valuable information, and if your visit their advice page, you will encounter numerous articles on all facets of gardening.

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2017. All rights reserved

Happy Thanksgiving: A Note of Thanks to You

Thanksgiving 2017

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all that we have to be thankful for. Life has its ups and downs and sometimes hands us challenges, but it is always best to look for the positive, such as good health, a comfortable home, the love of family and friends, and of course the beauty of a garden. We often take so much that we have for granted, so on occasion, I like to share one of my favorite quotes, "Life is not about counting the days but making the days count...and while you're making the days count, always be sure to stop and smell the roses." I know this is a combination of two quotes and a little cliche, but these are words I try to live by.

Autumn Garden

While reflecting today, I want to thank all my readers who have followed me throughout the years, many whom I feel I've gotten to know on a more personal level. I appreciate all your visits and comments and love to visit your blogs. You've made me laugh, cry (sometimes a combination of both!) and your posts and beautiful photographs are something I always look forward to. I never knew that when I started this blog in 2010, that blogging would form so many new relationships and develop such close connections with others who share the same passion, whether they be in the same area or far away. 

Thoughts of Spring!

I look forward to many more years of your wonderful posts and visits, and maybe someday I will actually get to meet you in person! In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy your gardens and other journeys virtually. Keep on blogging, and as you celebrate this day, I wish you and yours all the best that life has to offer.

 ~Happy Thanksgiving!~

And As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2017. All rights reserved

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up November 2017: The Changing Colors of Fall

November 2017 Garden

Welcome to my Long Island garden. It's time for another Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and Foliage Follow-Up for the month of November. Autumn is a wonderful time of year as the garden slowly transitions into an array of bountiful color with seasonal changes everywhere. The temperatures are moderating to produce 50 degree days with cool autumn evenings in the 30's and 40's, with a couple of nights dropping into the 20's, signaling that winter is just around the corner. There is a wonderful crispness in the air at this time of year, which is quite refreshing. Come stroll with me to see all the changes and colors that fall has to offer.

Sedum Brilliant

As the garden transitions into a palette of changing color, the foliage of Sedum 'Brilliant' turns from deep green to lime-yellow, while dried flower clusters deepen from pink to a rusty brown. The contrast is much more noticeable in front of the deep green foliage of Weeping Norway Spruce at this time of year, and creates a striking combination.

Nandina domestica

Nandina domestica (also known as Heavenly or False Bamboo) forms its fall/winter berries against evergreen foliage that changes from light green to blue-green during the fall months here in the northeast. Known mostly for its foliage, Nandina domestica is hardy in zones 6-9 and is non-invasive here in zone 7. If you are located in a warmer climate, check your local Cooperative Extension for details.

Skylands Golden Oriental Spruce

Along the driveway entry is Skyland's Oriental Spruce. This tree is always a pleasure with its golden-yellow foliage which can be seen as soon as you enter the property. It has been on a bit of a growing spurt over the past season and now reaches to a height of about twenty feet and width of 5-6 feet.

Hydrangea Tardivia

Some flowering shrubs continue to provide interest even after the blooms are spent. Hydrangea Tardivia is one of them on the north side of the property, with its elongated spikes consisting of multiple miniature flowers, all in one package! 

Spirea and Stella D Oro Daylily

As we venture to the pool gardens, there is a sight to behold. Believe it or not, 'Stella D Oro' Daylily is still blooming! It's been such a mild fall that the plant just isn't ready to quit. Fall clean-up is going to be delayed this year!

Golden Variegated Sedge (Carex oshimensis 'Everoro')

Here is one of my new favorites for designing. It is an evergreen, grass-like variegated golden sedge called 'Everoro', that is virtually maintenance free. 'Everoro' Sedge is considered a perennial and is hardy to USDA zone 5. It reaches 18-24 inches wide by 12-15 inches high, approximately the size of a hosta, and is prized for its outstanding foliage and all year round beauty.

Succulent Planter

As we approach the patio gardens, the succulent planter is still showing off its interesting foliage of Sedum Aurea and Hens & Chicks (Sempervivum). Talk about low maintenance...all you have to do is give these plants a location with full sun and water as needed. Soon I will be bringing the ceramic planter inside to overwinter.

Astilbe and Lamb's Ear

The Lamb's Ear looks exceptionally well at this time of year along the patio garden. I think it prefers the cooler temperatures for developing new sprouts and the silvery-white foliage always looks more pronounced against the orange glow of the dried Astilbe blooms behind it.

Double Red Knock Out Rose

Double Red Knock Out Rose continues to bloom throughout November, extending the gardening season well into fall. It is literally a three season plant here in the northeast.

Weeping Norway Spruce

As we pass by the patio garden once again, here is a long view of how the garden wraps around to the main sitting area. You can see the Astilbe and Lamb's Ear to the left with Blue Star Juniper and Weeping Norway Spruce to the right. The tall purplish looking perennial in behind the Norway Spruce is Platycodon (Balloon Flower).

Platycodon  grandiflorus' komachi' Balloon Flower

 I didn't have the heart to cut it back because it still has one lone bloom remaining on it.

Hellebore Shooting Star

It certainly has been an unusual autumn temperature wise. This Hellebore is pushing out some blooms way ahead of time. We did get a couple of nights in the upper 40's, then warmer days to follow, which must have confused the plant. Hellebore 'Shooting Star' is my winter blooming plant, which should be blooming in January!

Fall Pumpkin

It's November, so it's and pumpkin and Chrysanthemum season! The Chrysanthemums just barely held in there for Bloom Day. 

Weeping White Pine-Pine Cones

One of my favorite evergreens, Weeping White Pine, is producing its wonderful pine cones that reach their full size during the fall. The cones have such an interesting look to them with their varying shades of brown that are accented with white edging. 

Foliage, foliage, foliage!!!

Here the dark green foliage of Skip Laurel acts as a backdrop against 'Caramel' Coral Bells and Japanese Golden Variegated Sedge. At this time of year it's all about the foliage, and if you are familiar with what I do, you'll know that one of my passions is finding the perfect combination of color and texture! I especially enjoy this combination when the color of the Coral Bells turns to a deeper caramel color against the gold of the sedge.

Autumn Colors

As we come towards the end of the tour, the autumn foliage of the maple tree along the median of our street is turning to hues of fiery-orange. Speaking of autumn foliage...each year I take a drive with telephoto lens in hand to the local pond in my little town of Sayville. I have fond memories of the beautiful transitioning trees along the pond as a child, and gain a deeper appreciation of the view each passing year as I get older. Let's take a short ride to the pond and I'll share the view with you.

Mill Pond Sayville, Long Island, NY~Autumn Reflections

Mill Pond Sayville, Long Island, NY~Swan Song

Mill Pond Sayville, Long Island, NY~Tranquility

Mill Pond Sayville, Long Island, NY~Beautiful View

Mill Pond Sayville, Long Island, NY Autumn 

 The Colors of Autumn

The Beauty of Autumn 

Nature's Artwork

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. ~Albert Camus

November 2017

I hope you enjoyed this month's tour through my 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 Floral Fridays, Macro Monday 2, and Nature Notes at Rambling Woods. Also check out Garden Bloggers' Foliage Day at Creating my own garden of the Hesperides, Wednesday Around the World, Dishing It & Digging It and Image-in-ing weekly photo share every Tuesday. Fall is a time for dreaming and planning, so if you are getting ready to plan your garden for next year, be sure to check out my two books.

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9

Landscape Design Combinations

Enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons.

As Always...Happy Gardening!