Guest Post: The Works of an Amazing Garden Photographer

Swallowtail Butterfly with Nikon D5100

I have the opportunity and pleasure of sharing the garden photography of Richard Dressner, friend and talented photographer. Rich has had a lifetime passion for being behind the lens of a camera and has become a serious photographer for the past two years.  Inspired by the blooms and visitors to his wife's gardens, he is now embarking deeper into the world of macro photography and the use of various lighting techniques.

"Here's looking at you, kid" with Nikon D5100

 Recently, Rich prefers his Nikon D600 for all photography over his Nikon D5100.  When asked what other lenses he uses for his close ups and long distance shots Rich replies, "I don't have a real maco lens but I use a Nikon prime 50mm f/1.8 lens when I need to get close.  It can focus down to twelve inches from the subject and is sharp enough to allow for deep cropping...  

Cleome Nikon D5100

For more distant subjects I use my Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII. It’s a very expensive lens but sharp and bright with outstanding vibration reduction". For general landscape, I use a Nikon 24-85mm. The Nikon D5100 is still a good little camera for travel, etc." 

Lillium 2 Nikon D600

Here are some photographs of the gardens. When asked which type of photography is his favorite Rich replies, "I don't have a favorite, but I do enjoy garden and wildlife shots."

Lillium 2 Nikon D600

With winter approaching, he plans to experiment with mysterious lighting and dabble in studio shots.

Monarch Butterfly Nikon D5100

Enjoy the rest of these amazing photos.  I cannot seem to get enough of them!

Monarch Butterfly Nikon D5100

"Murder in the Garden" Praying mantis and Bumblebee with Nikon D5100

Praying mantis Nikon D600

Praying mantis Nikon D5100

Sedum & Buckeye butterfly with NIkon D5100

Swallowtail Butterfly Nikon D5100

Water lily with Nikon D600

 According to Rich, "Photography is an interest that welcomes everyone. It can be deeply technical, but modern cameras are automated enough to allow people of all skill levels to achieve beautiful results, and flexible enough to grow with the photographer as new skills are acquired and the safety net of automation is no longer needed. If you shoot what you are passionate about, it’s a thrilling and rewarding pursuit."

As Always...Happy Gardening! 

 

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

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day September 2012

      Welcome to my garden in September as late blooms emerge and foliage transforms into a beautiful array of color.  Welcome to Garden Blogger's Bloom Day September 2012...a time when gardeners from around the world get to appreciate what's blooming next door.  Stroll along with me as we visit my zone 7 Long Island garden.



Dwarf Butterfly Bush Lo & Behold 'Blue Chip'



 Dwarf Butterfly Bush Lo & Behold 'Blue Chip'  and Red Knock Out Roses are still in their glory with blooms throughout the entire summer and well into fall until the first frost.  In the backdrop are Arborvitae 'Emerald Green', Barberry 'Rosy Glow', Gold Mop Cypress and Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar.



Dwarf Butterfly Bush (left) & Knock Out Roses (right)



Below is Sedum 'Brilliant' which starts its show now in September and blooms throughout Fall.  Even after it is done blooming the spend seed heads will look great in the garden and attract birds.  I have taken on a whole new liking to Sedum this season with additions of many new varieties to the garden.  The colors still change as the blooms mature.

Sedum 'Brilliant'-early blooms

Sedum 'Brilliant'-mature blooms

I have enjoyed my Nandina Domestica (Heavenly Bamboo) for many years now and look forward to its wonderful purple-red berries in late summer and Fall.   Here it is below.  The berries also attract birds to the garden.

Nandina domestica (Heavenly Bamboo)

As we stroll along we pass by a new friend who watches over the garden... 

Garden Cat

and fits in just purr-fectly!

Liriope (Lillyturf)

The Liriope is putting on a show with its bright purple flower spikes... 

Verbena 'Homestead Purple'

and brand new to the garden this September is perennial Verbena 'Homestead Purple'.  This perennial flowers from summer until frost with vibrant purple blooms and keeps its semi-evergreen foliage.  I have been wanting this one for some time now and have found a spot for it right along the front walkway to enjoy.

Hydrangea 'Tardivia'

My 'Tardivia' Hydrangea tree with its fragrant blooms has grown to be quite a specimen on the northeast side of the property. Its blooms are a welcome sight in late summer.



Hinoki Cypress 'Crippsi' & 'Patriot' Hosta

I recently added this Hinoki Cypress 'Crippsi' (center).  I am really enjoying it and hoping that it does well in its new home!  The foliage is so delicate and I love the golden color especially next to the 'Patriot' hosta.  

Crape Myrtle'Tuscarora' Bloom

The color on the Crape Myrtles is much deeper this year probably due to the span of hot weather and then moisture that really made them pop. Pictured here is Lagerstroemia 'Tuscarora' in full bloom.

Front Entrance Path

As we walk along the walkway to the front of the house the garden is showing signs of Fall.  The Birch trees are losing leaves but already pushing out new buds for next year.  The evergreens will supply color throughout the winter months.

Dwarf Fountain Grass 'Hameln'

One thing I always admire in September are the delicate wispy plumes of the dwarf fountain grass as they sway in the wind.  It is a sign of summer past as the seasons are changing in here in the northeast.  

Heuchera 'Caramel' (Coral Bells)

The Heuchera 'Caramel' (Coral Bells) new last summer are thriving and deepen in color as they bring in the cooler weather. They have really proven themselves in this gardener's garden with rich changing color all season long.

Perennial Border (Backyard)

The evergreen and perennial garden I have had for years is really filling out nicely.  The old reliable Lamb's Ear really adds a touch of white to add some contrast and dimension to the border.  I also added Salvia 'Maynight' for some additional late summer color. 

'Stella D Oro' Daylily Still in Bloom

 Here Daylily 'Stella D Oro' displays brand new foliage and more blooms. For the past couple of years I have been cutting them completely back in August and it has really prolonged the bloom season of these plants.   It has also become a regular routine on the to-do list.

Dwarf Grasses & Sedum

Here are more grasses with Sedum 'Brilliant', Heuchera 'Palace Purple' (Coral Bells) and Juniperus 'Blue Star'. I just can't get enough of the grasses in Fall and they are great all summer long as well.

 

The Lantana tree (annual in the northeast) my husband surprised me with this summer is really doing nicely in its new planter and will stay outside a little longer until the temperatures start to drop.  This welcome member has been such a joy to see on the patio everyday and hopefully it will successfully over-winter in the garage.  Any over-wintering tips are greatly appreciated!

Backyard Island Bed with Crape Myrtle 'Sioux'

On the other side of the property is an island bed that I created just for this Crape Myrtle tree (Lagerstroemia indica 'Sioux') about seven or eight years ago when I bought it at a local nursery at five feet tall.  The bed has expanded and grown to incorporate a Hinoki Cypress, Gold Lace Juniper, Sedum, Salvia, Coral Bells, Ajuga and Mugo Pine.

September Garden

Thank you for visiting my September garden.   Please visit our hostess Carol at May Dreams Gardens to see what is blooming in gardens around the world and to share your passion of gardening along with us.

 

 

"A late summer garden has a tranquility found no other time of the year."
- William Longgood

 

 

As Always...Happy Garden Blogger's Bloom Day and Happy Gardening!

 

 

 Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2012. All rights reserved

 

 

 

Long Island Peace Labyrinth and Memorial Garden

Sayville Peace Labyrinth & Memorial Garden

One of my favorite places to visit in my hometown of Sayville, Long Island, New York is a beautifully designed and laid out Peace Labyrinth and Memorial Garden which was constructed in 2003 as a memorial for the victims of September 11, 2001.  The labyrinth and community gardens are located on the Common Ground in Gillette Park on Candee Avenue in the town of Sayville on the south shore of Long Island.  

Sayville Peace Labyrinth Constructed 2003

The labyrinth was designed,laid out and financed by Marianne Fulfaro as a dedication to her parents, Carlo and Carmela Annunziato.  It is designed after a seven circuit Middle Ages Mini-Chartres design and it constructed of paving stones with red gravel as the pathways leading to the center. Along the garden pathways are etched memorial paver stones, benches and mosaics. Visitors can walk the labyrinth, meditate, pray or just enjoy the peaceful gardens.

Sayville Peace Labyrinth & Memorial Garden

The gardens leading to the labyrinth were created through voluntary efforts, donations from community members, grants and support from the Town of Islip.   They are maintained through the loving hands of Master Gardener Nancy Angermaier and community volunteers.  The grounds of the Common Ground are especially lovely near the end of the summer when sprays of Rudbeckia (Black Eyed Susan), Echinacea (Coneflower), Sedum, Crape Myrtle, Butterfly Bush and Fountain Grasses grace the landscape.

Rudbeckia (Black Eyed Susan) and Ornamental Grasses

For additional interest a number of colorful evergreen and deciduous shrubs such as Montgomery Globe Spruce and Barberry also grace these gardens.  Along the benches one can also admire Stachys (Lamb's Ear) and Coreopsis. A Butterfly Bush (seen in the backdrop) draws Monarchs and Swallowtails to the garden.

Swallowtail Butterfly on Butterfly Bush

A moment of peace and beauty...

The Pamela Raymond Performance Pavilion



This pavilion was designed and constructed as a common ground for community members to gather and appreciate the arts.  Residents of all ages gather here and enjoy the feeling of community and unity.

Montgomery Globe Blue Spruce (left), Rudbeckia, Sedum and Lamb's Ear

I cannot seem to get enough of this lovely tribute.  It is a place I visit often and return to over and over again with loved ones to experience the warm and comforting feeling of a community that is truly joined by a garden. 

Butterfly Bush and Barberry

I am pleased that am able to share this lovely place with my readers for its true beauty is not only in the gardens but in the hands that were used to create it.  The plaque below says it all.

Sayville Peace Labyrinth & Memorial Garden

If you are ever in the Sayville area be sure to stop by to experience the Peace Labyrinth.  The Labyrinth and gardens are open to the public and there are full moon walks available throughout May to October.    Special memorial services are held on September 11th -weather permitting.

The Common Ground Memorial Service
September 11, 2012
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Hope you enjoyed the visit and As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2012. All rights reserved

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day July 2012

It is July in my northeast Long Island garden and the landscape is full of color and life!  We are located in zone 7 on the south shore of Long Island near the Long Island Sound and there has been an abundance of blooms.  The gardens are very much ahead of schedule due to the unusually mild winter...or rather lack of winter this past year.  Come walk with me to explore my July garden...

Monarch Butterfly

My new miniature butterfly Bush has given me more enjoyment that I could have imagined.  It is constantly the haven for butterflies of all types and the Monarchs have been such a joy to watch and admire.  Everyday the butterflies visit from morning until dusk and they are not at all camera shy! I think this little fellow might actually be posing.

Lantana

This is a close up of the beautiful blooms of Lantana on my new patio tree. This was a surprise present from my husband and I love it.   It will have to come in for the winter in this zone 7 garden and I am hoping I will have it for years to come...so pretty and fragrant too!

Lantana Patio Tree

Lillium 'Stargazer'

The 'Stargazer' Lillies are several weeks earlier this year...

Lillium 'Cassablanca'

and so are the 'Cassablanca'.  The sweet fragrance of the 'Stargazer' and 'Cassablanca' is fabulous and can be sensed all around the yard.

Local Visitor

The neighborhood ducks from the local pond have been paying quite a few visits to the garden this year.  He will just walk along with us.

Perennial Gardem with Salvia 'May Night', Hemerocallis 'Grape Velvet' and Stachys

The perennial garden is now in full bloom with Salvia 'May Night', Hemerocallis 'Grape Velvet' and Stachys byzantina (Lamb's Ear).  It will continue to bloom throughout July and August. 

Hosta 'Fire & Ice' -20"diameter, flowers in July-August

Here is the newest member in my hosta collection, 'Fire &Ice'...

Astilbe 'Visions' (Purple)

and the newest Astilbe addition, Astilbe 'Visions' in purple. Both are welcome additions to the shadier part of the garden.

Hydrangea 'Nikko Blue' - blooms on old wood

The hydrangea are all in bloom with vivid blues.....

Hydrangea Endless Summer 'Twist & Shout'-blooms on new and old wood

and delicate pinks.  The above lace cap hydrangea planted last summer is really producing some nice blooms.

Perennial Garden (Full Sun)

Here is the full sun area of the garden.  In the backdrop is a Weeping White Pine (left) and Yaku Jima Maiden Grass (right).   In the foreground is Astilbe 'Sprite' (left) with its light pink blooms and Sedum ' Dragon Blood' (right). Don't let the name get you-the blooms are a vibrant fushia and last for throughout the summer.   My Astilbe 'Sprite' does just fine in full sun with irrigation.  This one gets just a little bit of afternoon shading from the Weeping Pine above it.  The sedum takes full intense sun and drought and is very hardy.

Evergreen & Perennial Garden

Here is another view of the garden showing the Golden Hinoki Cypress, Montgomery Globe Blue Spruce and Daylily 'Stella D Oro'.  To the right is Sedum 'Brilliant' which will bloom next month.

Nepeta 'Walkers Low' and Knock Out Rose 'Double Red'

It wouldn't be July in the garden without Nepeta and Roses...  I love this combination.

Here is his mate.  I knew she couldn't be far behind.  These two feathered friends feel very comfortable walking around the gardens and are quite adorable to watch.  Two years ago they nested under a tree and we had baby ducklings...so cute!

Garden Gal

 So another month has come and gone and another Garden Blogger's Bloom Day has arrived.  Our Long Island garden is alive with color, fragrance and visitors galore and nestled under a tree...Garden Gal is still smiling!  Thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoyed the tour. For more July gardens from around the world be sure to visit our Garden Blogger's Bloom Day hostess Carol at May Dreams Gardens.  Thank you Carol for making every month of the year a gardener's paradise!

"Dirty hands, iced tea, garden fragrances thick in the air and a blanket of color before me,
who could ask for more?"- Bev Adams, Mountain Gardening

As Always...Happy Garden Blogger's Bloom Day and Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.