Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up: The Not So Hidden Inner Beauty of Winter

Welcome to my December Garden!

Welcome to my Long Island zone 7b December garden! As the temperatures plummet into the 30's and 40's by day and I venture outdoors, I search for the inner beauty of nature, especially now as the garden goes dormant. If you open your mind and allow your eyes to look deeply, it is possible to find beauty everywhere. There is mention of our first snow in the forecast, so I have been preparing. Join me as we venture out into the wintertime garden. 

Welcoming Committee!

As we start our tour, we first encounter the official welcoming committee and the Trombly’s Red Sentinel Japanese Maple that resides behind them. Now that the leaves have fallen, you can clearly see its inner structure of winding branches with a slight tint of burgundy.

Nellie Stevens Holly Berries

In the back garden the berries of Nellie Steven’s Holly are at their brightest red for the holiday season and are a delightful feast for the birds.

Back "Secret Garden"

Way in the back is the “secret garden”. Tucked away and only accessed through a path from the main lawn, a mature Weeping Norway Spruce can be seen along with Variegated Boxwood, Cherry Laurel and the remains of the caramel colored foliage of Coral Bells.

Leucothoe 'Axillaris'

To the south of the secret garden, evergreen Leucothoe ‘Axillaris’ has a burgundy tint to its foliage this time of year with flower buds setting for next year, adding interest to the back shade garden.

Patio Border

Along the patio border is a smaller Weeping Norway Spruce, which is accompanied by the bronzing wintertime color of Dwarf Cryptomeria and a dwarf form of Nandina called ‘Obsession’. This newer cultivar of Nandina stays evergreen in zone 7b, has been grown to not produce berries (which are believed to be harmful to birds) and it is non-invasive as compared to its original counterpart. It also gets this fiery pinkish-orange color in wintertime, which is a plus!

Northern Border

Here along the northern border, the foliage of Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar seems to be even more prominent in winter. Heuchera ‘Caramel’ lives beneath it along a moss rock border.

Stachys (Lamb' Ear) Wintertime

If you are looking for a touch of white in the garden, Lamb’s Ear fits the bill. Its fuzzy white foliage can be seen throughout the entire year and it gets stalks of pink blooms mid-way through the summer season.

Rose Hip Wintertime

As the Knock Out Roses go dormant for the winter months, the remaining rose hips bring some fun and interest to the landscape…

Weeping White Pine Seed Cone

while the seed cones of white pine add some interest too!

Winter Beauty

As I had mentioned earlier, if you look deeply enough you will see beauty everywhere. I find something as simple as the dried flowers of Hydrangea to catch the eye!

Front Raised  Bed

As we venture around to the front of the property you will notice another Weeping Norway Spruce along with the variegated foliage of Osmanthus 'Goshiki', deep green needles of Dwarf Norway Spruce and dwarf Cryptomeria way to the left. In the backdrop is a very mature Blue Atlas Cedar and two Weeping Japanese Maples.

Raised Bed Front Lawn-A New Look!

Here is the newest renovation of the raised bed. When a huge Beech Tree on the corner recently had met its demise and had to come down, I decided to add something new...a moss rock decorative wall. I am enjoying how it came out as it adds some interest and has given the bed a finished look. In the springtime, the existing perennials along the rock will fill in the gaps.

Driveway Border

It is December, so the branches of the Coral Bark Maple ‘Sangu Kaku’ are starting to develop their slightly coral-pink tinge. As the temperatures lower and as the possibility of snow arrives, the color of the branches will get only get deeper. The Maple is accompanied  by Golden ‘Skylands’ Oriental Spruce, which was planted back in 2008, and now towers to approximately 25 feet tall.

Container Planting

I have gotten into more container planting over the years and have created these all-season planters with mixtures of cold hardy evergreens. This one has a combination of Dwarf Alberta Spruce, Whipcord Arborvitae and Boxwood.

Awaiting Winter Blooms!

Just when most of the blooms have gone dormant for wintertime, there is always Hellebore (Lenten Rose) with its evergreen foliage and colorful bracts. This one is called ‘Shooting Star’ and will start blooming in January.

Our First Winter Snow

And what a difference a day makes! Just like that...on the morning of the 14th as we awoke, the weather predictions had became true. The snow had arrived and the once green landscape has turned into a snowy winter wonderland with six inches plus of snowfall. It is official...it is the largest December snowfall we have had in years.

Winter Wonderland

For now, I am staying inside warm and cozy and admiring the view from the window. The words, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” are going through my mind as the sound of snow plows can be heard in the street. Since this is the last post for 2025, I want to thank you, my readers, for being here each month. It means the world to me and whatever you celebrate, I wish you and yours all the best for a wonderful and happy holiday season!

The Indoor Garden!

While the weather outside is frightful (sorry, could not resist!) the blooms inside are delightful! Here is my favorite color of Thanksgiving Cactus blooming away. I also have red, light pink and salmon colored varieties and love them all! Some of them start blooming in October and just keep on going! Here is a little hint: Removing faded blooms right away and pinching back extra long branches will keep the plant fuller and the blooms coming!

Indoor Garden

The back room is what I call my jungle and I enjoy it all year long, but even more so in the wintertime. Here is ‘Golden Crocodile’ Philodendron and ‘Ring of Fire’ Philodendron. They are quite happy with their new grow light.

Indoor Garden

I got on a ‘Thai Constellation’ Monstera kick for the simple reason that it is a rare plant to find, so I was on a mission to find it. Well, I did and these two plants started off in four inch pots. They have grown into mature plants in little time and are very happy a couple of feet from the southern exposure window. 

Hope you Enjoyed the Visit!

I hope you enjoyed your visit to my December garden. I so appreciate you being here, look forward to your comments and enjoy 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 Fotos, Nature Notes at Rambling Woods, Image-in-ing weekly photo share every Tuesday, Weekly Photo Link-Up at My Corner of the World on Wednesdays and Garden Affair at Jaipur Garden. 

Other Places to Find Me 🌼

You can visit my Author Page 👈to learn about and purchase my books, each one focusing on different aspects of gardening, including landscape ideas, design principles, gardening by month for all-season interest, gardening tips and maintenance, shade gardening, gardening inspiration and more. And also be sure to check out my newest publication, The Houseplant Guide, to guide you on your houseplant journey! If you have read any of my books and have found them to be useful, reviews are very much appreciated!

Also, check out my newsletter Northeastern Gardening News for monthly updates all to do with gardening! It's free to subscribe or you can pledge a donation to show support for my work and receive monthly updates right into your inbox!

Find me on Instagram at Northeastern Gardening and Facebook at A Guide to Northeastern Gardening Blog & Author Page.

Until we Meet Again...Wishing you a happy holiday season and Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2025. All rights reserved. 

La Montana Rainforest, province of Guanacaste Costa Rica: The Experience of a Lifetime!

La Montana Rainforest, province of Guanacaste Costa Rica

On a recent trip to Costa Rica, my husband and I had the experience of a lifetime exploring the flora and wildlife of the beautiful La Montana Rainforest located in the province of Guanacaste. The region is known for its biodiversity, history of conservation and unique ecological role. 

La Montana Rainforest

The history of Costa Rica’s rainforests, especially in areas like Monteverde and La Montana, stretches back to the mid-20th century. In the early 1950s, settlers from the United States moving to the Monteverde area to raise dairy cows quickly recognized the ecological significance of the surrounding rainforest and set aside large areas of land for preservation. La Montana is closely associated with the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and other major sites for ecological preservation and wildlife, inhabiting over 755 species of trees, 2,500 tropical plants and hundreds of mammals and birds including two or three-toed sloths, howler monkeys, vultures and tree frogs, all which call this region home. 

Orchid

Costa Rica is known for its beautiful orchids. The National Plant is the Guaria Morada, a vibrant purple orchid which usually blooms from January to March. It is a symbol of the country's abundance, elegance, and beauty, and is deeply connected to its folklore and traditions.

Heliconia (Lobster Claw)

Heliconia, also referred to as 'Lobster Claw' is known for its vibrant red claw-like bracts with yellow tips, which protect the small true flowers. The bracts can display different colors in combinations of red, yellow, orange, pink and green depending on the plant. Heliconia is a symbol of pride, passion and success and they are an important food source for hummingbirds and used as shelter by some bats. The name Heliconia comes from Mount Helicon, the mythological home of Muses in Greek mythology. 

Ginger Plant

Costa Rica is the home to several species of Ginger, including the edible Zingiber officinale and ornamental varieties such as Torch Ginger, Red Ginger, and Butterfly/White Ginger. It is often cultivated for both its culinary use and aesthetic appeal. The Red Button Ginger (Costus woodsonii) is a species of flowering plant in the family Costaceae, native to Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia.

Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)

Dieffenbachia is a tropical plant native to Costa Rica and known for its ecological role as a habitat for the strawberry poison frog, which deposits its eggs in the axils of the plant's leaves. Specific species such as Dieffenbachia grayumiana and Dieffenbachia beachiana are found in specific regions of Costa Rica and Panama. Dieffenbachia is commonly referred to as Dumb Cane because its sap contains calcium oxalate crystals, which if ingested can cause temporary swelling of the mouth and throat, resulting in a difficultly to speak. 

Two-Toed Sloth

This was a once in a lifetime experience as we started to walk through the rainforest and the tour guide pointed out the trees Sloths prefer to feed on. As we looked up, there was the mother Sloth with her baby, a sight to behold. Two-toed Sloths are slow moving, nocturnal mammals that spend most of their time hanging upside down in the trees of Central and South America. They are herbivores with a very slow metabolism, requiring them to have 15-20 hours of sleep per day. Their favorite food is Cecropia leaves and various fruits like mangos. Their long claws are used for hanging and they are excellent swimmers, but their ground movement is limited. They are typically spotted snoozing in trees during the day and more active at night. 

Two-Toed Sloth

Sloths were declared a national symbol of Costa Rica's wildlife in 2021 and conservation measures are in place to protect their species from deforestation. Other Sloth species such as the Pygmy Three-Toed Sloth, which lives on a single island off the coast of Panama are critically endangered.

Red-Eyed Green Tree Frog

The Red-Eyed Green Tea Frog is the iconic symbol of Costa Rica with green skin and bright red eyes. It is not poisonous and lives among the trees in the rainforest. Although not poisonous, their skin does secrete mild toxins as a defense mechanism when feeling threatened. 

Searching for Strawberry Poison Tree Frog

The red strawberry poison dart frog's call is generally a series of high-pitched insect-like churrs or pings. The frog was not readily viewable, so our determined and excited tour guide decided to lure it out of hiding with sounds on his phone, and it worked! This was such a rare opportunity!

Strawberry Poison Tree Frog (Oophaga pumilio)

This extremely poisonous species of tree frog, and member of the Dart Frog family, has toxins in its skin and lives in the lowland rainforests of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama. They hide mainly among leaf litter but frequently climb up on trees and vines. It is active during the day and known for its loud calls. Females carry tadpoles on their backs to water-filled plants to complete metamorphosis. These frogs require terrestrial habitats with abundant water-filled plants for successful reproduction. In order to hold the frog for visitors to view, the tour guide must out a protective layer of mud on the palm of his hand to not allow any contact with the frogs skin.

Ficus Tree

This Ficus Tree, known as Matapolo in Costa Rica, thrives in its rainforests. It is known that a larger tree can wrap its roots around other trees and take over them over for their nutrients, leaving a hollow trunk behind. This is all part of nature and survival of the fittest.

Our Tour Guide!

Have you ever heard of the phrase, "Tree Hugging Dirt Worshiper"? Our tour guide with his love and enthusiasm for nature made the saying come true! The girth of this tree was amazing! The local residents refer to it as the Guanacaste Tree! 

Fungi

On the tour we learned that this particular fungi is a sign that the rainforest ecosystem is healthy and functioning properly. The fungi is a result of the poop left by healthy Sloths, and apparently the more fungi the better.

Termite Nest

This giant nest is the home of the forest termite, a vital insect who's role is to clean up the forest floor by breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. These large, complex nests are made of soil, saliva and feces and can be over 20 feet tall. While termites play a vital role in decomposition, the nests are built to have a sophisticated ventilation system to maintain a stable temperature and humidity.

Thank You to Our Tour Guides!

Today, La Montana and the broader Monteverde region are top global destinations for ecotourism with marked trails, hanging bridges, and night hikes offering glimpses of rare wildlife and endemic plants. Only select areas are open to visitors, ensuring protection for the most sensitive zones. La Montana Rainforest stands as a testament to the power of grassroots conservation, international collaboration, and the preservation of Costa Rica's biological diversity.

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden and the virtual tour of this magnificent rainforest, its flora and inhabitants.

Looking for the Perfect Holiday Gift for the Gardener in your Life? Buy them one or Two of My Books!

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

Landscape Design Combinations  

Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener

Gardening by Month: A Monthly Guide to Planning the Northeastern & Mid-Atlantic Garden

Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

The Houseplant Guide: How to Easily Select & Maintain Indoor Plants

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2025. All rights reserved.   

Garden Bloggers' Blooms Day & Foliage Follow-Up November: The Garden Transitions!

Welcome!

Welcome to my zone 7b Long Island garden! The month of November started off with mild temperatures, then an artic blast brought the very first snow showers of the season on the 11th as the morning temperatures dipped into the low 30's with an afternoon high of 42 degrees. The evening brought strong wind gusts, giving a feeling like winter had arrived. Now there are more normal seasonal temperatures in the 50's, bringing a sigh of relief that the much colder temperatures hopefully are on hold for a while. There are still blooms to be seen and lots of foliage, so join me for a stroll of the garden.

Weeping Japanese Maple 'Red Select' and Spirea 'Limemound'

The first stop is poolside as the changing foliage of Japanese Maple 'Red Select' and Spirea 'Limemound' contract nicely against one another. Soon only the framework of these plantings will remain as they conserve energy for next spring.

Leucothoe 'Axillaris'

The evergreen foliage of Leucothoe 'Axillaris' puts on a show as it transitions in color from spring to summer, fall and eventually to winter. As the temperatures cool, pinkish-red highlights on the leaves become more prominent against a green background.

Nellie Stevens Holly Berries

The berries of Nellie Stevens Holly are at their peak as they ripen to a bright fiery red. The berries are toxic to humans and pets, but serve as a vital food source for several species of birds, including mockingbirds, robins and cedar waxwings.

Dwarf Butterfly Bush November

Here is the fall foliage of Dwarf Butterfly Bush. I enjoy how the newer leaves turn to a bright white as the temperatures cool.

Butterfly Bush and Golden Hinoki Cypress

Here is the same Butterfly Bush with a backdrop of Golden Hinoki Cypress, which contrast nicely this time of year.

Abelia 'Kaleidoscope'

The foliage of Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' along the patio border is becoming more vibrant with highlights of orange and pink, and is still showing some of its white trumpet-shaped blooms.

Abelia 'Kaleidoscope'

Here is another view. Depending on where you look, the foliage of the Abelia can range from orange and pink to a much deeper pinkish-red. I so enjoy watching the changing colors with each season!

Knock Out Rose

Although we have had a couple of nights with temperatures dropping below freezing, Double Knock Out Rose continues to bloom, and even has remaining buds, and Salvia 'Blue By You' is blooming in mid-November! 

Salvia 'Blue by You'

Salvia 'Blue By You' is the longest blooming perennial Salvia that I have ever encountered, blooming from early spring through fall, and with only with one deadheading.

Echinacea Seed Heads

In the patio border, the seed heads of Echinacea have been pretty picked clean by the birds, but still do add a fall touch to the garden. Here they can be seen in front of the remaining foliage of Spirea 'Candy Corn'.

Hydrangea 'Firelight Tidbit'

The dried blooms and yellowing foliage of Hydrangea 'Firelight Tidbit' adds some interest to the fall garden too!

Driveway Border

Moving along to the front driveway border, Coral Bark Maple is displaying its fall foliage along with evergreens Skyland's Spruce and Weeping Norway Spruce. Spirea 'Magic Carpet' next to the lamp post joins in with its colorful foliage as it transitions.  

Weeping White Pine Pine Cone

There has been an over abundance of pine cones this fall. Some possible explanations is that this could be due to the previous drought we had, and is a defense mechanism to produce more seeds. Also, some species of pine trees go through a two year cycle, producing more seeds every other year. 

Front Lawn

And last, but not least, Weeping Japanese Maple 'Viridis' is in fall mode as its foliage has turned to a fiery red and the tree goes dormant for winter. At this time of year its twisted trunk is much more visible.

Indoor Garden

Now that fall is underway and winter approaching, I take even more refuge in my indoor garden. It brings me great joy and is also good for the soul, especially in wintertime. Even kitty enjoys sitting among the plants and  knows which ones are safe for her!

Indoor Garden

I hope you enjoyed your visit to my November garden. I so appreciate you being here, look forward to your comments and enjoy 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 Fotos, Nature Notes at Rambling Woods, Image-in-ing weekly photo share every Tuesday, Weekly Photo Link-Up at My Corner of the World on Wednesdays and Garden Affair at Jaipur Garden. 

Other Places to Find Me 🌼

You can visit my Author Page 👈to learn about and purchase my books, each one focusing on different aspects of gardening, including landscape ideas, design principles, gardening by month for all-season interest, gardening tips and maintenance, shade gardening, gardening inspiration and more. And also be sure to check out my newest publication, The Houseplant Guide, to guide you on your houseplant journey! If you have read any of my books and have found them to be useful, reviews are very much appreciated! Books make great gifts too!

Also, check out my newsletter Northeastern Gardening News for monthly updates all to do with gardening! It's free to subscribe or you can pledge a donation to show support for my work and receive monthly updates right into your inbox!

Find me on Instagram at Northeastern Gardening and Facebook at A Guide to Northeastern Gardening Blog & Author Page.

Until we Meet Again...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2025. All rights reserved.