Friday, December 15, 2023

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up December: Into the Garden We Go!

Welcome!

Welcome to my December Long Island garden and I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season! As the months go by quickly, we saw our first silvery white flakes of snow falling from the sky on November 28th. It lasted about fifteen minutes, but was the first snow for the season (technically) and brought a smile to my face. Since then, the temperatures have been in the 40's and low 50's during the day and we have had several nights hitting the freezing mark. The Winter Solstice will be upon us in just less than a week, and the garden still has much to show. Join me for a stroll!
Back Raised Island Bed
Of course you have probably heard the latest news. Long Island is now hardiness zone 7b, up from 7a, as many areas in the U.S. have shifted approximately five degrees warmer. Not that it makes much of a difference as to which plants to buy, it does reflect the changes in seasons we have been experiencing over the past several years. I don't mind it a bit, as it seems that I have more time to play in the garden before it gets super cold. First stop are the hydrangeas in the raised island bed. Even though their blooms are well passed, I still enjoy the dried flower heads until they blow off during the winter.
Dwarf Maiden Grass Fall-Wintertime
Here in the pool border is Dwarf Maiden Grass 'Yaku Jima'. The dried plumes do give some interest to the fall-winter garden. Here is a tip: If you are going to cut back your grasses, do not cut them all the back as it can put the crown of the plant in jeopardy when the deep freezing temperatures come. Either leave them be, cut only part way or tie back with a bungee cord. As far as Lilyturf and Sedges, do not cut them back now as it can harm the plant! Wait until spring to tidy them up.
Dwarf Cryptomeria and Nandina 'Obsession'
An interesting plant that I added to the garden a few years back is this Nandina 'Obsession' It is a dwarf, variety that does not spread by seed or produce berries, and the pinkish-red color of its foliage is magnificent! Here it is along with Dwarf Cryptomeria
Weeping White Pine Seed Cones
Have you seen an abundance of pine cones this season? I have. Some say that it is the plant's way of preparing for a harsh winter...time will tell.
Montauk Daisy Fall Color
The fall and winter seasons do have their beauty. We just have to pass by these Montauk Daisy's, which are obviously done for the season, but I do enjoy the color of their leaves this time of year...
Montauk Daisy Seed Heads
and the seed heads are also good for the birds.
Azalea 'Girard's Fuschia' Fall Foliage
Here is Azalea Girard's Fuschia. It's foliage turns to this glorious purple hue in the fall and wintertime.
Red Pine and Ajuga 'Black Scallop'
Ajuga 'Black Scallop' lasts throughout most of the winter as well with its deep purplish-black foliage.
Red Pine and Juniper 'Gold Strike'
Along the patio border is Red Pine 'Low Glow' and Juniper 'Gold Strike', and along with them is Garden Gal who has been repositioned in the revamped garden with her basket of trailing Creeping Jenny.
Osmanthus 'Goshiki' and Garden Gal!
I'm not sure if the Creeping Jenny is going to make it through the winter in this planter. It is an experiment in progress. If not, perhaps I will go back to the Black Mondo Grass, which did well for some time, or perhaps some annuals! 
Stachys (Lamb's Ear)
A perennial for all season interest is Stachys, or Lamb's Ear. I love its fluffy white foliage which persists throughout the majority of the winter!
Nellie Stevens Holly Berries
In the shade border, the bright red berries of Nellie Steven's Holly add some interest too!
Japanese Skimmia Fall-Winter
Also in the back shade border is Japanese Skimmia. Helpful Tip: Skimmia are dioecious, meaning there are both male and female plants, so both a male and female shrub must be present for the female to produce flowers and ornamental berries in fall. 
Wildlife Visitors
The birds are certainly enjoying the new feeder set up, as you can see it needs refilling again, and we have a photo moment! While the sparrows will often tolerate me getting close, the cardinals are more shy and rarely allow me to get close enough to photograph them. This one actually stayed long enough for a photo shoot! 
Leucothoe 'Axillaris' Fall-Winter
In the same garden is Leucothoe 'Axillaris'. The edges of its foliage displays a nice tinge of burgundy this time of year...
Tea time!

and in the newly revamped patio garden, here is the welcoming committee sharing some tea time.
Indoor Blooms: Moth Orchid and Thanksgiving Cactus
"While the weather outside is frightful (well almost) and inside it's so delightful", here is what is blooming indoors.
Seasonal Planter
Last, but not least is this new seasonal planter I just created for the front porch. It is a combination of  Dwarf Alberta Spruce, Cypress 'Moonlit', Cypress' Goldcrest' and Osmanthus 'Goskiki' in a whisky barrel planter of Acacia wood, with a little touch of Wintergreen for the holidays. 
Thanks for Visiting!
I hope you enjoyed your visit to my December garden. I so appreciate you being here, look forward to your comments and look forward to seeing what you have growing in your garden. 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 had hosted Foliage Follow-Up, a meme I will continue to honor. I am also linking with some other wonderful hosts and hostesses at Floral Friday FotosFriday Bliss at Floral Passions, Macro 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. Wishing all a joyous, peaceful and healthy holiday season!

Friday, December 1, 2023

This Month in the Garden: To Rake or Not to Rake: The Great Debate on Fall Leaf Removal

This Month in the Garden

As the autumn landscape becomes covered with an array of vibrant color, the temptation to tidy up your property and remove fallen leaves becomes almost instinctive. Leaving fall leaves in your garden can offer several benefits to both your landscape and the environment, but while the practice of leaving fall leaves has its advantages, it’s essential to strike a balance. Let’s explore the facts to help you make an informed decision. 

Natural Mulch:

Allowing fallen leaves to remain on the ground acts as a natural mulch, providing insulation for the soil. This layer helps to regulate soil temperature, preventing extreme fluctuations that can be harmful to the roots of plants and trees. As the leaves decompose, they release valuable organic matter and essential nutrients back into the soil, which will in turn help to promote plant growth. On the other side of the discussion, too many compacted leaves can block sunlight and trap excess moisture against your lawn, leading to possible snow mold growth and possible lawn damage come spring. Maintaining a leaf cover of no more than twenty to thirty percent of lawn area is recommended to allow enough light and air to reach the turf while providing the benefits of mulching. According to the USDA, the best solution is to finely chop newly fallen leaves with a mulching mower or a leaf shredder, then return them to garden beds to ensure the health of your plantings. It is important to perform this activity before leaves are on the ground for any length of time to avoid any harm to wildlife. Another option is if you have an out of the way area in your garden, such as behind a barrier of trees, leaves can be relocated to that space to allow nature to take its course.

Moisture Conservation:  

It is a known fact that besides providing insulation, a layer of leaves can act as a protective barrier, helping to retain moisture of the soil. This can be especially beneficial during the winter months in wooded or mulched areas, under shrubs and around dormant perennials when the ground is prone to both freezing and drying out from winter winds. Keep in mind that while the leaves help to retain moisture, it is best to not have leaves built up around fall or winter blooming perennials, as it could cause lack of sunlight to the plants and encourage disease. Also, removing the browned or mushy foliage of dormant perennials such as Hosta and Peony in fall will help to prevent fungal issues. Note: Such perennials containing seed heads, for example Echinacea and Rudbeckia, can be beneficial for birds to feed on and can be left for winter before cutting back.


Wildlife Habitat:

Fallen leaves create a haven for a variety of small creatures such as insects, spiders, and other invertebrates that seek refuge in the leaf litter.  Butterflies and moths often lay their eggs on the leaves of specific plants, and leaving the leaves untouched can support the life cycle of these pollinators. A layer of fallen leaves in garden beds also fosters biodiversity. By preserving this natural layer, you create a microhabitat for different organisms, such as fungi and helpful bacteria, which can contribute to the overall health of the soil and, consequently, the health of your entire garden. If you have a compost pile, shredding the leaves can help to speed up the decomposition process, allowing for better aeration and faster breakdown, while providing a habitat and food source for wildlife. 

Saving Time & Effort: 

Removing leaves can be both time consuming and physically demanding. Leaving the leaves and allowing nature to take its course eliminates the need for this labor-intensive chore. This frees up your time to enjoy the beauty of the season, assess the garden and plan away for next spring!

In conclusion, while many prefer the "clean" look of traditional mulches, embracing the idea of leaving fall leaves in your garden offers a wide range of benefits, including moisture conservation, temperature moderation, and addition of nutrients for improved soil health, all while supporting wildlife. Striking a balance by incorporating responsible leaf management practices allows the best of both worlds-a thriving landscape and a sustainable, biodiverse ecosystem.

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden for the month of December. Be sure to stop by on the 1st. and 15th. of each month as I continue to share gardening tips, information and horticultural adventures! 


Also, Check out my Books!:


"As Always...Happy Gardening!" 

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2023. All rights reserved. 

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up November: The Changing Views of Autumn

Welcome!
We are in the midst of autumn here on Long Island and the landscape is a changing array of color. I must say that besides Spring, this is one of my favorite times of the year. There is a chill in the air, but not too cold to wander out into the garden to observe what nature has to offer, and there is a sense of energy and a willingness to explore. We all know a garden is constantly changing with something new to experience awaiting around each corner. Join me for a stroll in my November zone 7 garden!
Front Lawn
The first view is of the front lawn where two types of Japanese Maple exist. The first is Japanese Maple 'Viridis', which reaches a height and width of about 6-10 feet. I have had this one for about thirty years or so and it has reached its mature height.
Front Lawn
The second variety is Weeping Japanese Maple, Acer palmatum 'Tamukeyama', which reaches a mature height and width of 6-8 feet tall by 12 feet wide. This one is about 25 years of age. To the far left of the Maples is Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica). This one came to the garden at just five feet tall back about 27 years ago.
Back Patio Garden
There have been some major changes in the garden over the past several months. It seems that once an idea gets into this gardener's head and the first tree that has lived out its lifespan is replaced, that it starts an ongoing domino effect. Once the Weeping Pussy Willow was removed from the patio garden and replaced with a Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple (last month's post), all that had to happen was for my dear husband to mention that perhaps the enormous grafted Blue Globe Spruce further down the patio should to be replaced. The crew returned two days later and planted this Acer palmatum 'Twombly's Red Sentinel'. I had admired it at the nursery and it is a newer hybrid of Japanese Maple which tends to stay more on the narrow side. It was perfect solution for the space.
Perennial Border
There are still some things the same. Behind the maple in the perennial border is a combination of Lamb's Ear and the dried seed heads of Astilbe in fall mode. The orangey color of the Astilbe against the pure white color of the Lamb's Ear always  seems to "pop" in the garden this time of year.
Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' Autumn
Along the walkway, the newly added Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' displays its colorful foliage and is still flowering throughout autumn...
Nellie Steven's Holly Berries Autumn
while along the pool border, a mature Nellie Stevens Holly is showing off its orange berries.
Welcome Visitors!
With the removal of the Magnolia tree this past spring, the bird feeder has a new home and there has been a lot of activity at it. I think they are enjoying the new setup!
Echibeckia Seeds
There are the interesting seed heads which can be found around the garden in autumn. This one comes from the perennial Echibeckia, a combination of  Echinacea and Rudbeckia, and very much resembles a pine cone.
Sedum 'Pure Joy' Autumn
Here is Sedum 'Pure Joy', a dwarf form of Sedum, which can turn a brilliant deep pink in the fall, adding interest to the garden...
Hydrangea Faded Blooms
while the faded blooms of Hydrangea add a touch of color as well.
Daylily Still Going!
There are also the blooms that just do not want to quit! This 'Stella D Oro' Daylily has been pushing out new buds and blooms since I cut it back at the end of summer...
Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz'
and Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz' keeps on blooming throughout autumn depending on the temperatures. 'Radrazz' is the original cultivar of Knock Out Rose and always aims to please. 
Dwarf Cryptomeria and Nandina 'Obsession'
For some foliage, here is the lime green hue of Dwarf Cryptomeria against the reddish-orange hues of  Nandina 'Obsession'... 
Sedum 'Brilliant'
and the foliage and seed heads of  Sedum 'Brilliant' for some added interest.
Fall Decor
Along the back entry is a collection of dwarf evergreens accompanied by this tree ring covered pumpkin, which I purchased years ago at the local nursery. It is starting to show some ware, so I hope it continues to survive the elements. It was such a unique find.
Spirea 'Candy Corn'
Last, but not least, is this Spirea 'Candy Corn', a newer miniature form of Spirea which only grows to 1.5-2.5 feet tall by wide and sports this "candy corn" colored foliage throughout the season and pink blooms in summer. It is going to live in a planter for now, so that I can enjoy it by the back patio.
Driveway Border
As we come to the end of our stroll, here is a view of the driveway border with Coral Bark Maple (on the right) and Skyland's Oriental Spruce (on the left) with Hinkoi Cypress 'Compacta' in the center. I await the glowing red bark of the Coral Bark Maple once the leaves fall, a bark which appears even more colorful against a backdrop of snow...

Driveway Border
and here is another view with Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar standing in the foreground along the walkway.
Back Around to the Front Lawn
There is a well known quote from author Albert Camus which suits the season well..."Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."  I could not agree more.
Thank you for Visiting!
I hope you enjoyed your visit to my November garden. I so appreciate you being here, look forward to your comments and look forward to seeing what you have blooming 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 had hosted Foliage Follow-Up, a meme I will continue to honor. I am also linking with some other wonderful hosts and hostesses at Floral Friday FotosFriday Bliss at Floral Passions, Macro 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. Wishing all with gardens that thrive!

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

This Month in the Garden: Feature Ornamental Tree-Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple

This Month in the Garden
Welcome to This Month in the Garden! This month we feature Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple, scientifically known as Acer palmatum ‘Rhode Island Red'. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9, this eye-catching ornamental tree adds a touch of elegance to gardens and landscapes of all types. This unique cultivar is cherished for its dwarf form and striking features throughout the seasons, making it a favorite among garden enthusiasts.

Rhode Island Red Dwarf Japanese Maple
Appearance:
The Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple is renowned for its vivid, red tones as new foliage appears in springtime on a dense multi-branched tree with a rounded crown. As the foliage matures, it progresses to a deeper burgundy-red, before transforming into a brilliant array of red and orange hues in fall. One of the most enchanting aspects of this Japanese Maple is its ability to undergo eye-catching transformations with each passing season. Even in wintertime, the structure of the tree, with its dark red stems, creates an appealing silhouette against the winter sky.

Size and Shape:
This cultivar typically grows into a small to medium-sized tree, reaching a mature height of approximately 6 feet tall by wide. Its compact and rounded form makes it an excellent choice for both large and small gardens. 

Growing Requirements:
Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple should be planted in a location with full sun to partial shade and a rich, well-drained soil. A location which protects it from late afternoon scorching sun is ideal. Like other members of the Acer palmatum family, Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple prefers consistent moisture but should not be waterlogged. It benefits from a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

Landscape Uses:
The Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple is a versatile addition to various landscaping settings. Whether planted as a standalone specimen or incorporated into a mixed border, this tree provides year-round interest to the garden. It is also well-suited for container gardening, allowing individuals with limited space to enjoy its beauty on patios or balconies. Reminder:  When planting in containers, choose plants which can withstand temperatures two zones colder than your location.

Maintenance:
Low-maintenance by nature, the Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple benefits from periodic pruning to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Pruning is best performed once the leaves mature in summer to minimize sap loss. Mulching around the base helps conserve moisture and insulate the roots, especially during extreme temperatures.

Rhode Island Red Dwarf Japanese Maple

In conclusion, the Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple stands as a testament to the beauty and diversity found in ornamental trees. Its stunning foliage, manageable size, and adaptability make it a cherished addition to the landscape. Whether you are a seasoned or novice gardener, this cultivar can be looked upon as a living work of art in your outdoor space.

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden for the month of November. Be sure to stop by on the 1st. and 15th. of each month as I continue to share gardening tips, information and horticultural adventures! 

Also, Check out my Books!:

Sunday, October 15, 2023

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up October: Autumnal Blooms & Views

Welcome!
Welcome to Garden Blogger's Bloom Day (and Foliage Follow-Up) for October! Autumn like temperatures have arrived suddenly as daytime temperatures turned from 80 degrees one day for the last hooray, now moderating into the steady 60's  The skies are mostly clear with a slight chill in the air, which makes one feel alive, and the surrounding landscape is transitioning into what soon will be an array of changing colors. Join me in my Long Island garden for some autumnal blooms and views!
Seasonal Planter
The first view is of a planter that I had to own once I had passed it at the local farm stand. It just called to me...if you know what I mean! The combination of ornamental grasses and Rudbeckia should hopefully last for some time!
Montauk Daisy
Along the back walkway are Montauk Daisies, which bloom every October. I had always admired them from across the street and decided to add some to my own garden a number of years back. It was one of my neighbor's favorite plants and they remind me of him whenever I look at them. He was like a family member to me as I had known him my entire life.
Hydrangea 'Limelight Prime'
This Hydrangea 'Limelight Prime' joined the garden three years ago and has been a wonderful addition for summer and fall interest. Its' greenish-white blooms turn to a deep pink as the temperatures cool.
Kousa Japanese Dogwood
Along the northern side of the property is the bright red fruit of Japanese Kousa Dogwood which highlights the tree in autumn. Although the fruit has a bitter taste, the birds love to eat it and it can be sweetened into a tasty jelly.
Kousa Dogwood Fruit
Here is the interesting pattern on the fruit close up!
Allium 'Millenium' Seed Head
New to the garden this year is Allium 'Millenium'. Besides its purple blooms in later summer, I am loving its flowers dried!
Dried Peony Seed Head
In the perennial border, this seed head of Peony 'Bartzella' just exploded wide open, making for an excellent autumn display! I love to admire nature's artwork, especially during this time of year.
Perennial Border Autumn-Lamb's Ear and Astilbe
In the perennial border is the soft fuzzy white foliage of Lamb's Ear with the dried flower stalks of Astilbe Pumila...
Dwarf Maiden Grass 'Yaku Jima' Autumn
while along the pool border, Dwarf Maiden Grass 'Yaku Jima' is displaying its plumes against the greenery of Weeping White Pine.
Sedum 'Brilliant' Autumn
Here are the dried flower heads of Sedum 'Brilliant' once the pink blooms fade following a late summer bloom.
Patio Border
I am happy to share the latest new addition to the patio border! It was time for the Weeping Pussy Willow to go after many years of enjoyment, but trees do have their life span. It gave me the opportunity to revamp the space, which we all know is one of my favorite things to do. After much thought, I decided on a Rhode Island Red Dwarf Japanese Maple, which I had my sights on after including one in a design at one of my client's properties. This specimen tree has slightly larger burgundy leaves and maintains a more rounded compact shape, reaching a mature height and width of just 6 feet tall by wide over many years, making it very low maintenance.
New Addition-Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple
I am in the process of including additional dwarf evergreens, transitioning this space into a dwarf conifer-specimen garden.
Double Red Knock Out Rose
Now onto some blooms. Double Red Knock Out Rose is a stable in the perimeter garden as it continues to bloom throughout summer into the first frost of autumn... 
Dwarf Rudbeckia 'Little Goldstar'
and Rudbeckia 'Little Goldstar' still hangs on as it refuses to stop blooming, for now anyway!
Dwarf Butterfly Bush 'Pugster Blue'
Dwarf Butterfly Bush 'Pugster Blue' never ceases to amaze me as it too does not want to give up blooming. Just when I think it is done for the season, it sports another pop of color to admire!
'Stella D Oro' Daylily
'Stella D Oro' Daylily is another candidate that never disappoints. I deadhead and rejuvenate it in late summer and it comes back strong into fall while producing more blooms...
Abelia 'Kaleidoscope'
and along the back walkway, Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' has been blooming since last month with its delicate trumpet-like flowers. 
Weeping White Pine Seed Cone
Other fall interest in the garden are the seed cones of various evergreens. The Weeping White Pine is producing an abundance of them this year. I am wondering if this is the tree's way of preparing for a rough winter.
Mugo Pine Seed Cone
The pine cones on Mugo Pine are interesting as well and there seems to be quite a few of them.
Spirea 'Limemound' and Weeping Norway Spruce
Some foliage combinations for fall include the yellow-green foliage of Spirea 'Limemound' against the deeper green foliage of Weeping Norway Spruce... 
Front Walkway with Weeping Eastern Redbud
and the large heart-shaped leaves of Weeping Eastern Redbud 'Lavender twist' against the foliage of Weeping White Pine, Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar and Coral Bark Maple (far left), which should soon be putting on a colorful show!
Thanks for Stopping By!

I hope you enjoyed your visit to my October garden. I so appreciate you being here, look forward to your comments and look forward to seeing what you have blooming 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 had hosted Foliage Follow-Up, a meme I will continue to honor. I am also linking with some other wonderful hosts and hostesses at Floral Friday FotosFriday Bliss at Floral Passions, Macro 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. Wishing all with gardens that thrive!