Monday, March 15, 2021

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up March: Long Island Late Winter Garden

Welcome to my March Long Island Garden!
Welcome to my zone 7a northeastern garden. What a difference a month makes! While the month of February was one snow storm after another, the month of March came in like a lamb on the 1st. The announcement of the "windy month" here in the northeast was made on the 2nd and 3rd as winds gusted up to 50 mph, reminding us that March is an unpredictable month weather wise. The remainder of the week brought days that brought back thoughts of winter, followed by temperatures in the upper 50's to low 60's, signaling that spring is on the way! Today for Bloom Day, the cold winds have returned once again, but spring is just five days away, and the blooms are here to stay!
Hellebore (Lenten Rose) 'Shooting Star'
In the late winter garden, Hellebores continue to bloom from January and are doing well after being covered in snow. This evergreen perennial is quite resilient and holds up well in our cold winters.
Hellebore (Lenten Rose) 'Shooting Star'
Hellebore 'Shooting Star' is one of my favorite varieties of Lenten Rose and is also one of the longest blooming, from winter right into spring.
Hyacinth Foliage
There is spring in the air! In the perennial border, Hyacinth are pushing their foliage up through the ground a little more each passing day.
Golden Skylands Oriental Spruce
As spring blooming bulbs start to show their foliage, the vibrant pinkish-red stems of the Coral Bark Maple in the Front bed continues to "glow" against the golden foliage of Oriental Spruce.
Skylands Spruce Seed Cones Late Winter
Here are the older seed cones of the Skylands Spruce up close. Newer cones form in spring and take on a purplish hue. 
Weeping Pussy Willow Catkins
Pussy Willow catkins are a definite sign of spring. Every March, I look forward to the brown buds which open to expose fluffy white centers that last for weeks, before bursting open to expose their yellow pollen covered anthers later in the month and into April.
Evergreens in the Back Pool Garden (Oriental Spruce, Rhododendron and Azalea)

Gerards' Crimson Azalea
In the back pool garden, Azalea Girard's Crimson is showing off its deep burgundy foliage, which is most evident in late winter going into spring. Soon, buds which are now appearing, will lead to bountiful blooms.
Garden Whimsy
There are more Azalea behind this statue in the eastern side of the pool garden. Watch for their vibrant purple blooms in the upcoming months!
Nellie Stevens Holly Berries Late Winter
Ilex 'Nellie Stevens' holds down the fort during the winter months with its brilliant red berries, which continue into spring. The berries are also an important source of food for the birds.
Back Shade Garden
There is always something evergreen in the back shade garden. The foliage of Leucothoe 'Axillaris' is showing some burgundy highlights this time of year.
Leucothoe 'Axillaris- Late Winter
Besides the interesting foliage, Leucothoe will flower in later months.
Front Walkway Garden
Come along to the front eastern side of the property. Here is a view of the front gardens with Weeping White Pine as a prominent feature in this view. Golden Skylands Spruce and Coal Bark Maple can be seen in the backdrop along the driveway border. Beneath the Weeping White Pine are Golden Variegated Sedge.
Front Weeping Japanese Maple Late Winter
In the front is Weeping Japanese Maple 'Viridis'. If you look closely, you can see evidence of the sap  rising into the stems, giving a slight glow of green. With the warmer temperatures, it shouldn't be long until it leaves out.
Front Raised Island Bed Southeastern Side
In the front island bed, Osmanthus 'Goshiki' is showing some newer growth. Behind the variegated foliage of Osmanthus is Weeping Norway Spruce and the Weeping Japanese Maple we just saw up close.
Sedum 'Brilliant' rosettes
Sedum 'Brilliant' is showing signs of life, and Magnolia 'Royal Star' is showing its buds, which get bigger by the day!
Magnolia 'Royal Star' Buds

 Helleborus orientalis 'Merlin'
This variety of Lenten Rose, 'Merlin', is in the back border.  It starts blooming in February, after 'Shooting Star', has deeper pink blooms and lasts throughout April.
Winter Garden Bear

Helleborus orientalis 'Champion'
Hellebore 'Champion' has buds now in March, which will start opening very soon. Having the various varieties of Lenten Rose allows the gardening season to begin in January.
Thanks for Visiting!
Thank you for visiting my March garden. As always, I enjoy hearing from you and seeing what's growing in your neck of the woods! Special thanks go out to our hostess 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. Also, special thanks to Pam Penick at Digging who has hosted Foliage Follow-Up for all these years, a meme I will still continue to honor. I am also linking with some other wonderful hosts and hostesses at Floral Friday FotosMacro Monday 2, Mosaic Monday at Letting Go of the Bay Leaf, Nature Notes at Rambling WoodsImage-in-ing weekly photo share every Tuesday with NC Sue and Gardens Galore Link Up Party every other Monday with Everyday Living. I am also happy to join the Weekly Photo Link-Up at My Corner of the World on Wednesdays and Garden Affair at Jaipur Garden



36 comments:

  1. Lee - Beautiful as always. I am excited waiting more my first hellebores to bloom. Happily I have some early golden crocus.

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    1. Your yellow crocus are a welcoming sight! We are running a bit behind this spring with crocus, hyacinth and daffodils, but its fun waiting for them to bloom!

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  2. There is always so much to see in your garden. I always enjoy visiting.

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    1. Thank you Dorothy. I am enjoying all your beautiful blooms and am so glad your garden has faired well despite the cold and snow. Your Redbud is outstanding!

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  3. Sedum's new growth is always so pretty, and yours are like little roses.

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    1. I’ve always admired the foliage fo Sedum. Your spring blooms are so pretty and I love your assortment of Daffodils with hyacinth, plum and Quince.

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  4. Lucky you who got the real spring. Beautiful garden!

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    1. Thank you. I loved your beautiful bird photos and snowy views. It was like that here just last month. Spring will come for you soon!

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  5. You have so much joy on your land! :-)

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    1. Thank you Susie! I am so glad you enjoyed your visit. Happy almost spring!

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  6. That's a lovely hellebore! We have quite a few varieties of them but none like yours.
    Thank you for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2021/03/oh-tommy.html

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    1. Hi Sue. Thank you. I am always on the lookout for new and interesting varieties! Thanks for hosting!

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  7. I love all your hellebores, Lee. They're plants that struggle more in my climate, although I do have some and (perhaps foolishly) just planted 3 more. I'm envious of the pussy willows too.

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    1. Thank you Kris. I am blown away every time I visit your garden! Your blooms and photography are beautiful and the collages are such a tribute to the various colors of blooms that you have, Happy Bloom Day!

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  8. Lee - your garden looks so neat and clean, in March! Wow. Mine is mostly still covered with snow, but the few sections that have completely melted have last year's plant material and fallen branches and more ... Lots of clean-up to do! You inspire me with every one of your garden posts. Thanks so much for linking to Mosaic Monday!

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    1. Thank you Angie. I am out there every chance I can get. It was fun following you on your journey. It’s amazing how the simple pleasures in life mean so much to us. Thank you for hosting!

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  9. It is always exciting to see these spring bloomers. Your foliage is always an inspiration too.

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    1. Hi Lisa. It’s nice to hear from you and thank you for your kind words. Stay well!

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  10. A beautiful vernal garden, Lee. I always like to see your hellebore, they're pretty ones. It's a pity they can't winter here, I'd love to have many of hellebore.
    Your winter bear is nice as he welcomes spring, isn't he?
    Hugs!

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    1. Thank you Nadezda. Your snowy views are pretty but I am sure you are anxious for spring. We had a very snowy February, but March is bringing spurts of better weather. Spring does arrive in four days! Be well!

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  11. Beautiful hellebores. I especially love your pine and that stone walkway is magnificent!

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    1. Thank you Phillip! Your spring blooms are a delight and the Camellia is gorgeous! Happy almost spring!

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  12. Hai delle magnifiche piante ma lo sai che ho un debole per le tue conifere :D Da invidia!!

    Ti auguro una buona serata e una buona primavera :)

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    1. Thank you Gabriel! I love all your late winter blooms. Many of the varieties you have are my favorites for all season interest! Have a great day!

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  13. The Hellbores are so beautiful! We have so much snow that it will be awhile before I see flowers and wildflowers her, but I always look forward to them.

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    1. Hi Pat. I saw your snow...oh my goodness! Spring temperatures will come for you soon. Until then, stay warm and cozy!

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  14. I think the Shooting Star are the best hellebores I have seen in a while!
    -Ray

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    1. I agree! It’s nice to see you blogging again and your blooms are lovely. I like your assortment of Hellebores and the white Forthysia. I have not seen that variety around here.

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  15. Beautiful garden , I am always amazed about your stunning Garden Figurines. It would be my pleasure if you join my link up party related to gardening here http://jaipurgardening.blogspot.com/2021/03/garden-affair-spring-flower-snapdragon.html

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    1. Thank you Arun! All your blooms are lovely and such an assortment! I love the daintiness of the Mesembryanthemum.

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  16. Beautiful photos of a beautiful garden, The hellebores are amazing!

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    1. Thank you! I have developed a love of Hellebores over the past several years. I enjoyed seeing your photos of coltsfoot. I have not seen it growing here in a long time.

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  17. Your March garden is lovely, Lee. Hellebores, pussy willow, and red berries -- a feast for the eyes. I think 'Shooting Star' has to be my next hellebore purchase. P. x

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    1. Thank you Pam. 'Shooting Star' is my favorite as far as blooms, and it lasts from January into April! I enjoyed your post very much. I have given much focus to using perennials that provide long interest with minimal maintenance.

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  18. Wow..You have soo much to enjoy...I have to get out and look for some catkins but it might be a little too soon here....

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Thank you for visiting. I love reading your comments and knowing you have been here, and will try to reciprocate on your blog. If you have any questions I will try my very best to answer them. As always...HAPPY GARDENING!