Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow Up April 2018: A Long Awaited Spring!

April 2018 Long Island Garden

It's springtime at last and its time to take a walk in my Long Island garden. It has been a long awaited spring, resulting from one of the most roller coaster journeys I can remember. A freezing start to winter was followed by one of the mildest months of February on record. It was the calm before the storm as spring arrived with strong winds, freezing cold temperatures in the 30's and four snow storms within three weeks. The storms continued into April, with the last covering of white occurring on April 2nd. At last, mid-April has arrived and those thoughts are becoming a distant memory with each passing day as the garden comes back to life and  blooms appear. Come along for a stroll in my April garden!

Hellebore 'HGC Merlin'

The first stop is to view my brand new Hellebore 'Merlin', which I was finally able to plant just a few days ago. With the later arrival of spring temperatures these late winter blooming perennials really hold down the fort with their flowers. The garden is still about three weeks behind, but spring is evident.

Purple Crocus 'Remembrance'

Crocus 'Remembrance' is displaying its vibrant deep purple blooms. I love how they look before they open.

White Crocus

The white crocus was the first to bloom this year and was determined to come up, even when covered with snow!

Pink Hyacinth

This pink Hyacinths open to a lavender-pink bloom and are so springlike. 

Spring Bulbs

Here is a full view of the perennial border. Along with crocus, hyacinths and daffodils, the foliage of lilies and Allium is starting to appear.

Daffodil

Daffodils add a touch of bright yellow to the perennial border.

Peach Hyacinth

Another variety of Hyacinth displays peach colored buds that open to pink blooms.

Purple Crocus

Around by the pool garden, a crocus shows off its pretty bloom alongside the evergreen foliage of a Weeping Norway Spruce.

Sedum 'Brilliant' Foliage

The perfectly shaped rosettes of Sedum 'Brilliant' have appeared, which will develop stalks of wonderful pink blooms near the end of summer. I think the foliage is just as interesting, as it adds a nice touch to the garden throughout all the warmer seasons.

Weeping Pussy Willow

As you can see, the Weeping Pussy Willow has come a long way since March with its soft white catkins that are bursting open to show the yellow pollen inside.

Weeping Pussy Willow

Weeping Pussy Willow Catkins

Here is a closer view of the catkins.

Nesting Birds

With spring comes the nesting season. The birds have been getting ready by finding the perfect tree to raise their young.

Purple Crocus 'Remembrance' Opening

Here are the crocus in the front island bed in a different light, as the late morning sun casts upon them.

Sedum Aurea Foliage

The foliage of Sedum 'Aurea', which lives in the crevices of the rock waterfall behind the pool, is turning to shades of golden yellow. Soon it will also be displaying yellow blooms.

Newest Skyland's Oriental Spruce

The view from behind the pool garden looking outward shows a more upright, narrow form of Western Arborvitae (in the background to the right) with a lingering winter bronzing, along with evergreen Skip Laurel (to the left) and golden Skylands's Oriental Spruce (front center). The bronzed foliage of the Arborvitae will turn back to green with the rising temperatures, but for now it makes for nice contrast with the other evergreens.

Bunny Visitor

With spring comes garden visitors. This visitor is probably one of the baby bunnies that was born on the property last year all grown up. He has been very well behaved (like his predecessors) only eating grass and clover and respecting the garden.

Morning Dove

The Morning Doves are regular residents on the property and have been for years. They are so gentle and sweet. 

Magnolia 'Royal Star'

The tease of warmer temperatures the past couple of days has allowed Magnolia 'Royal Star' buds to finally open. They have had a delayed start, so it is wonderful to see these fabulous blooms!

Hello Robin!

It just wouldn't officially be spring without the Robins. They arrived about a week and a half ago and are a very welcomed sight!

April 2018 Welcome Spring!

I hope you enjoyed the tour of my April 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 Friday Fotos, 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. 

Plan your garden with my two books, each loaded with gardening tips and design advice for either the novice or experienced gardener. The plants discussed are hardy in zones 3-9, which covers the Northeast, Middle Atlantic and more! Click on the links below for more information and order your copy to start planning now! 😊

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

Landscape Design Combinations

~As Always...Happy Gardening!~

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2018. All rights reserved.