Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up February 2015: Frosty Garden Views

February Garden

It is mid-February and several storms have passed. After Blizzard Juno on January 27^th delivering 20 inches of snow, and with temperatures in the 20's, the gardens have been covered in a blanket of crystal white.  Today there is another blizzard warning in effect for here on Long Island and it is time for another Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and Foliage Follow-Up!  While not much is blooming this time of year, the garden is magical with nature’s artwork. Since the snow is too deep to walk out into the property I am using my Canon telephoto lens to share some frosty views. I think you will get an idea of how cold it is here in my northeastern garden!

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Before we start the tour I would like to make a very special announcement.  On February 17, it will be the fifth anniversary of A Guide to Northeastern Gardening.  I am also very excited to announce the recent publishing of my very first book. There are links to access it in the sidebar and below, and further information will be forthcoming! 

Skylands Oriental Spruce 

Ice Crystals on Blue Spruce

Coral Bark Maple Acer 'Sango Kaku' Winter Bark

Ice Crystals on Blue Spruce and Skylands Spruce

Globe Montgomery Blue Spruce

Skylands Oriental Spruce

Barberry and Gold Lace Juniper

Weeping Norway Spruce

Thundercloud Plum Winter

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar

Barberry 'Rosy Glow' and Golden Oriental Spruce 'Skylands' 

Weeping Pussy Willow Catkins Forming

Garden Gal Waiting for Spring!

Here We Go Again...

The blooms at this time of year take the form of ice crystals so I am counting on our warm climate bloggers to show off some early spring or summer blooms.  There is hope for spring with some buds starting to form despite the snow and cold temperatures. Please be sure to visit Carol at May Dreams Gardens who makes it possible for us to have 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 Creative Country Mom's Tuesday Garden Party, Today's Flowers, Floral Fridays, Mosaic Monday at Lavender Cottage, I Heart Macro, Macro Monday 2, and Nature Notes at Rambling Woods.  

I hope you enjoyed your winter garden visit. If you leave a note I will know you stopped by and will be sure to visit you as well.  Also please visit the Blurb Book Store or Apple I-Tunes to preview my new book!  Also...just in...Amazon Kindle. More information to follow.

And As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2015. All rights reserved

Drought Tolerant Landscape Plants for the Northeast

Drought Tolerant Plants for the Northeast

In some cases landscape design calls for plantings which are more "drought tolerant". Plants defined as 'drought tolerant" require watering until established and then can survive on minimal water from natural rainwater and occasional irrigation in hotter climates. The goal is to create a space which is both aesthetically pleasing and low maintenance at the same time.  In this article I am going to focus on "drought tolerant" selections that I have found to be most productive here on Long Island (Zone 7) and that are hardy in a range of zones from 3-9. 

Coreopsis 'Zagreb'

The first in a line of drought tolerant perennials is Coreopsis 'Zagreb'.  This daisy-like flower grows on fine stalks and displays yellow blooms from June until late September. Coreopsis grows to approximately 15 inches in height and prefers a well-drained, slightly acidic soil and full sun.

Sedum 'Aurea' and Daylily

  Next is Sedum 'Aurea'.  Sedum is very drought tolerant and serves nicely in rock gardens as seen here.  It is accompanied by Daylily 'Stella D' Oro', which is drought tolerant once established.  Sedum 'Aurea' only grows to approximately 4 inches in height while 'Stella D Oro' grows to 12-18 inches in height.  Both prefer a well-drained soil and full sun.

Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
  Gaillardia or Blanket Flower is known for its drought tolerance and display of vibrant yellow-red blooms lasting from June until August. Gaillardia grows to a height of 12-15 inches and prefers a slightly acidic, well -drained dry soil in full sun.  Here on Long Island I have found Gaillardia to be reliable once established but not as long lived as the other perennials mentioned (average lifespan three to four years).

Perennial Geranium

Perennial Geranium tolerates a variety of conditions (full sun to partial shade) and displays violet blue flowers from June until frost and grows to a height of approximately 15-18 inches. Once established it seems to thrive on neglect.

Rudbeckia 'Goldstrum'

Rudbeckia is another drought tolerant perennial that seems to thrive on neglect.  Plant it in an area where there is plenty of space.  Rudbeckia is perfect for informal mass plantings such as along and woodland border and prefer full sun to partial shade and a well-drained slightly acidic soil.  Rudbeckia will re-seed themselves and spread quickly. Bloom time is from late summer into fall.

Nepeta 'Mussinii'

 Nepeta is available in a number of heights ranging from 18-36 inches and is very hardy to zones 3-8. It displays lavender-blue flowers from June to fall. For smaller spaces, 'Walkers Low' is a newer variety only growing 12-18 inches tall. Nepeta thrives in a range of conditions, prefers full sun to partial shade and is drought tolerant. 

Sedum 'Brilliant' (Pink)

Sedum forms clumps of orange-pink flowers on large heads in late summer into fall and require little watering.  The variety shown here is Sedum 'Brilliant', a more compact variety that grows to approximately 12-18 inches tall. Sedum is complemented nicely by ornamental grasses.

Barberry 'Rosy Glow' 

Barberry is a deciduous drought tolerant shrub with deep burgundy foliage that lasts from spring into fall.  There are many varieties of Barberry ranging from 'Royal Burgundy' which grows to 2-3 feet in height to 'Rosy Glow' (shown above) that reaches to 5-6 feet.   Barberry requires full direct sun and a slightly acidic, well drained soil. It is nicely complemented by some of the perennials listed here such as Coreopsis and Nepeta.  *Update (2015):  Barberry has been labeled as invasive in some states.  Alternatives for dwarf barberry are Dwarf Weigelia 'Spilled Wine', 'Wine and Roses', 'Midnight Wine', 'Dark Horse' or Fine Wine.  Alternatives for regular sized Barberry are Eastern Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) 'Summer Wine' or 'Diablo' or Smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria). 

Fountain Grass

Ornamental grasses add movement and grace to any landscape. Ranging in a number of varieties and sizes, fountain grasses are hardy to a range of zones from 5-9 and prefer full sun and a dry, well-drained soil. Grasses are often used in xeriscaping, requiring little irrigation.

Juniperus 'Blue Star'

    Juniperus 'Blue Star' is a beautiful blue-green evergreen that thrives in a slightly-acidic, well drained soil.  Once established it requires little to no watering and it serves nicely in either a formal or informal garden.   This small juniper grows to a mature height and width of 2-3 feet.

 Pinus 'Mugo'

 Mugo Pine is another evergreen that stays relatively compact (mature height and width of approximately 3 feet) and thrives in a slightly acidic, well drained, dry soil.  It is drought tolerant once established and serves nicely in a rock garden planting. 

 Other "drought tolerant" plantings not mentioned above include Spirea 'Vanhoutte' (Bridal Wreath), Buddleia (Butterfly Bush),Vibernum 'Carlesii', Lilac, Lavender, Liatris, Stachys (Lamb's Ear), Yarrow, Salvia, and Russian Sage. With the movement towards sustainable landscaping these drought tolerant varieties are colorful and low maintenance additions to either the residential or commercial garden.

As Always...Happy Gardening!

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


Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2013. All rights reserved

Feature Plant: Barberry 'Royal Burgundy'

         Barberry 'Royal Burgundy' in bloom

A wonderful shrub for color in the landscape is Berberis thunbergil 'Royal Burgundy' (Royal Burgundy Barberry).  Out of all the barberries it is definitely one of the the most vibrant and maintenance free for your garden. Exhibiting deep burgundy velvety foliage, 'Royal Burgundy' holds its color all throughout the spring, summer and into fall until it turns blackish-red and defoliates for the winter.   Barberry 'Royal Burgundy' is deciduous, hardy in zones 4-8 and stays compact at a height of two to three feet at maturity. It prefers to be grown in full sun in a well-drained soil and requires little to no pruning.  It is  drought tolerant once established and is also deer resistant. 

Barberry produces tiny yellow flower clusters in spring and red fruit in fall. This photo above shows a rare treat that I encountered while walking through my gardens.  Usually the spring barberry flowers remain very insignificant but this one proved otherwise to my surprise! 

Barberry can be planted with companion plants such as juniper, gold mop cypress, spirea, knock out rose, fountain grass, daylily, coreopsis, salvia or sedum for a vibrant display of color.  I would definitely recommend this colorful and versatile plant for your landscape.

*Update (2015):  Barberry has been labeled as invasive in some states.  Alternatives for dwarf barberry are Dwarf Weigelia 'Spilled Wine', 'Wine and Roses', 'Midnight Wine', 'Dark Horse' or Fine Wine.  Alternatives for regular sized Barberry are Eastern Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) 'Summer Wine' or 'Diablo' or Smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria). 

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@ A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2012

Fall Garden Photos: The Fall Garden In All Its Glory-A Moment in Time

Crape Myrtle 'Sioux'

I just gazed out into my garden on this autumn day and had to share the spectacular array of color that was before me.  This is certainly one of the most beautiful fall displays we have had in a long time here in the Northeast. It is about to rain so the lighting is just right.  I had to run out with my camera in a timely fashion before the weather took a turn for the worse. It was one of those rare Canon moments that I could not resist and would probably not be able to capture again.   The Crape Myrtle 'Sioux' is magnificent standing in all its fall glory displaying hues of orange to red and the grasses are displaying their showy plumes and golden color.  The flower caps on the Sedum 'Brilliant' are now a fiery orange-red and the heuchera are showing off a brilliant  burgundy glow.  A blend of oranges, reds and gold playfully dance in the wind as displayed by Spirea 'Gold Flame'.   Then onto the Coral Bark Maple that glows like golden rays of sunshine and this specimen will soon show off its spectacular fiery red bark in winter.   The Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar and Golden Oriental Spruce now against the oranges and gold of fall are absolutely vibrant.  This is just a brief moment captured in time that will change again tomorrow and the next day and the next until this show is over and winter sets in.  Then the gentle flakes of snow will settle on the garden and bring forth even more to gaze at in awe.  A garden really is forever changing and can be enjoyed throughout every season of the year. There is always something new to encounter and this fall display is a real crowd pleaser. Enjoy the photos! 


Dwarf Fountain Grass, Sedum and Juniperus 'Blue Star'



Crape Myrtle in Background with Hinoki Cypress Aurea to left



Golden Oriental Spruce 'Skylands' (Right), Nepeta (Front), and Barberry (Left) with Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar in Background

Coral Bark Maple



Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar (Back Left), Golden Oriental Spruce 'Skylands' (Right), Barberry & Nepeta



Coral Bark Maple (Back Left), Golden Oriental Spruce 'Skylands' (Right), Barberry(Front Center)

Crape Myrtle 'Sioux' and Weeping Norway Spruce

© www.landscapedesignbylee.com.

Thinking Spring-Color in the Garden Part II: Deciduous & Flowering Shrubs

PeeGee Hydrangea Tree

In the last segment I discussed evergreen color in the garden. In this section I will be adding the use of deciduous shrubs with color as well as flowering shrubs for long term color. These shrubs along with perennials are to be used along with the evergreens discussed previously. When choosing colorful shrubs remember to use only a few color choices and repeat them throughout the garden in groupings of odd numbers for a more naturalistic look.

Rosy Glow Barberry

An old time favorite in the garden is the ‘Royal Burgundy’ barberry. Its deep burgundy color stands out against any of the green, golden or blue varieties of evergreen discussed in the previous section and grows only to two feet in height. Another variety of barberry, ‘Rosy Glow’ grows much taller to about three to four feet or more over time but is beautiful in the right setting and can be maintained with regular Fall or late winter-early spring (March) pruning. It gets its name ‘Rosy Glow’ from the light pink glow of new growth which it gets in the spring through early summer. Each of these barberries contrast nicely with blue spruce, gold mop cypress and blue atlas cedar. Alternates to barberry for burgundy foliage are Weigela 'Spilled Wine' and Ninebark 'Diablo'.

Spirea 'Limemound'

Spirea in the family Rosaceae is a wonderful addition in the garden and is available in a multitude of sizes and colors. Some of my personal favorites are Spirea ‘Little Princess’, a small compact pink flowering form that tolerates shade and the sun loving Spirea ‘Limemound’ which has an unusual lime color to its foliage as the name indicates. Some other nice selections are ‘Gold Mound’, ‘Gold Flame’ and Spirea ‘Anthony Waterer’. The later ‘Spirea ‘Anthony Waterer’ grows taller than the other varieties to about three to four feet and serves well as a backdrop to lower plantings, adding a touch of deep pink throughout the summer. Spireas can get as wide as they are tall so give them plenty of space and enjoy. They can be easily maintained by regular Fall or early Spring (March) pruning to keep their shape and fullness.

Hydrangea 'Endless Summer'

Now onto the hydrangeas and vibernum. The ‘Endless Summer’ collection of hydrangea are the best new additions ever cultivated, a worry free long blooming form of hydrangea which blooms on both old and new wood so you no longer need to worry about when to prune ...fear no more! Hydrangea ‘All Summer Beauty’ also blooms on the new wood of the season and is a nice addition to the landscape. Hydrangea ‘Pee Gee’ and Hydrangea ‘Tardivia’ are two varieties which are available in tree form, each exhibiting bountiful fragrant white blooms and either can be used as a stand alone piece adding a wonderful focal point to the garden.

Viburnum 'Carlcephalum'

If it is a more natural look in the garden you are looking for then the genus viburnum may be what you prefer. Viburnum are known for their graceful arching branches and white blooms, some which resemble the flower of a dogwood. Viburnum plicatum 'Summer Snowflake' as the name indicates has very delicate white flowers which resemble snowflakes which cover the entire plant when in bloom. It is one of the more compact lower spreading forms of viburnum which serves beautifully in the woodland garden and grows to about three to five feet in height. Fragrant varieties of viburnum include Viburnum ‘Burkwoodi’, Viburnum ‘Juddii’ and Viburnum’ Carlesii’ all of which have the fragrance of the sweetest perfume and are all an excellent addition to a natural planting.

Also check out these other interesting shrubs which can add color and interest to your garden: Nandina domestica (False Bamboo), Japanese Skimmia, Weigela, Leucothoe, Knock Out Rose, Rhododendron and Azalea.  Each flowering shrub can add its own personal elegance and beauty to the outdoor landscape. 

In the next part of this series I will discuss the incorporation of long lasting colorful perennials into the garden and make suggestions as to which perennials are best for the continuous enjoyment of your landscape.

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Author:Lee@ A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2010. All Rights Reserved