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! 

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