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 Fotos, Friday Bliss at Floral Passions, Macro Monday 2, Mosaic Monday at Letting Go of the Bay Leaf, Nature Notes at Rambling Woods, Image-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!

 Plan your Garden for Next Spring: Purchase 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

and my newest addition,

Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

"As Always...Happy Gardening!" 

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

This Month in the Garden: Autumn Interest

Welcome!

Welcome to This Month in the Garden! Autumn has arrived and the landscape is transiting into an array of color with each passing day. Starting with subtle hints, the garden becomes more of a work of art with color everywhere as the days grow shorter. In the words of Albert Camus, "Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." I couldn't agree more as the garden always keeps me anticipating the next wonder. Here are a few selections to incorporate into the landscape for interest during the fall season.

Coral Bark Maple 'Sangu Kaku' Autumn Color

The first, Coral Bark Maple, provides striking color in autumn, which is difficult to beat. As the temperatures cool, light green foliage turns to yellow then orange before the leaves drop. Afterwards, the newer growth of branches glows a bright coral-red in winter. Coral Bark Maple grows to a height and width of 20 feet tall by 15 feet wide and prefers full sun to partial shade.

Dwarf Maiden Grass 'Yaku Jima' 

Next is Miscanthus 'Yaku Jima', a dwarf variety of Maiden Grass that maintains a more compact, upright habit, which is perfect for smaller spaces. Displaying attractive fall plumes, this variety grows to a height and width of 3-4 foot tall by wide and is hardy in USDA zones 5-9. A similar variety is Miscanthus 'Adagio'. Note: The clumping nature and more compact size of these varieties make them less likely to be invasive.  It is best to leave grasses in winter to protect the roots from cold and to cut back in early spring just before new growth appears.

Montauk Daisy October

Next, and hardy in USDA zones 5-9, the white blooms and yellow centers of Montauk Daisy welcome fall. Montauk Daisy grows to a mature height and width of 2-3 feet and prefers full sun and a well-drained soil. Maintenance Tip: To promote fullness and to keep the plant more compact, it is recommended to prune back foliage tips in June.

Callicarpa (American Beautyberry) Autumn

Known for its beautiful purple berries that cover the plant in fall, Callicarpa, also known as Beauty Bush or American Beautyberry, provides a food source for birds and deer. American Beautyberry is hardy in USDA zones 7-11 and grows 3-5 feet tall by wide. Grow in full sun to partial shade.

Nellie Stevens Holly Berries Autumn

For attractive deep green glossy leaves and bright red berries in autumn, Nellie Stevens Holly (Ilex Nellie Stevens) is a large growing broad-leaved evergreen, which reaches 15-20 feet tall by 8-15 feet wide. Note: While the berries are attractive to the eye, they are edible for birds, but not humans or pets. Nellie Stevens Holly is hardy in USDA zones 6-9 and prefers a location with full sun to partial shade and a well-drained soil.

Japanese Kousa Dogwood Fruit Autumn

Japanese Kousa Dogwood is a beautiful small specimen tree for smaller spaces, displaying lovely white blooms in springtime-early summer, followed by bright red edible fruit in the fall, which can be made into jelly. Hardy in USDA zones 5-8, Kousa Dogwood reaches a height and width of 15-25 feet and prefers a location with full sun to partial shade. Maintenance Tip: Prune after bloom to maintain a more compact shape.

Echinacea (Coneflower) Seed Heads

A familiar sight in fall are the seed heads of perennials. Echinacea displays colorful blooms late summer into fall and provides an important food source for birds once it goes to seed. The seed heads also add interest to the fall landscape.

 Sedum 'Brilliant'

This more dwarf version of Sedum does not flop over like the taller varieties. The flowers also provide late season attraction for pollinators. Sedum is known to grow in zones 3-11 and prefers full sun, but will also grow in some shade. A nice combination for autumn is that of Dwarf Maiden Grass and Sedum 'Brilliant'.

Variegated Liriope (Lilyturf)

Known for its brilliant purple blooms in fall is Liriope. Hardy in USDA zones 4-10. Liriope grows best in partial shade or full sun with afternoon shade and reaches a height and width of 10-18 inches. Maintenance Tip: For best results, allow the foliage to remain during winter and prune back in early spring.

Lamb's Ear (Stachys)

For all season interest, Lamb's Ear displays soft grayish-white foliage that serves nicely along a perennial border. Hardy in USDA zone 4-8, Stachys (Lamb's Ear) grows to 6-8 inches tall, prefers full sun and a well-drained soil. The foliage can last into winter as the plant can tolerate temperatures below freezing. Spikes of pink blooms rise above the foliage in mid-late summer.

Hydrangea 'Tardivia'

For blooms later in the season, Hydrangea 'Tardivia' (hardy in USDA zone 3-8) produces massive fragrant panicle blooms in late summer which last in to fall. This 8-10 foot tree-sized shrub prefers an area of full sun to partial shade, as in an eastern exposure. 

Hydrangea 'Limelight Prime'

Another variety of late blooming hydrangea is 'Limelight Prime'. Hydrangea 'Limelight Prime' produces stunning greenish-white blooms that turn to pure white and then to a pinkish hue as they age in fall. This variety stays smaller than 'Limelight', growing to a maximum of 4-6 feet high by wide and is hardy in USDA zone 3-8.

St. John's Wort Berries 

Displaying interesting fruit after yellow blooms is St. John's Wort. Hardy in USDA zones 4-9, St. John's Wort grows 2-3 feet tall by wide, prefers full sun to partial shade and is known for its medicinal qualities. This plant provides several seasons of interest.

'Summer Snowflake' Viburnum Blooms in Autumn

Just when you think its blooms are done for the season, 'Summer Snowflake' Viburnum will shoot out a last round of interest. Hardy in USDA zones 5-8, 'Summer Snowflake' Viburnum reaches 5-6 feet high by wide, and prefers full sun to partial shade. The blooms resemble snowflakes, hence the name.

Monarch Butterfly Enjoying Fall Blooms

Autumn is also a time for Chrysanthemum and Dwarf Butterfly Bush blooms...

North Fork Sunflower Maze Autumn-Long Island

and of course sunflowers, as they bloom against the deep blue sky.

Thank You for Visiting!

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden for the month of October. 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!:

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

and my newest addition,

Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up November 2019: The Beauty of Autumn

November 2019 Garden

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."~Albert Camus

Welcome!

I love the above quote, try to live by its words, and do my best to appreciate the beauty of the garden in every season. It's time for another Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and Foliage Follow-Up. While few blooms are hanging on and most becoming scarce, foliage takes center stage at this time of year. Come along and take in all the colors of fall with some lingering blooms. Welcome to my November Long Island garden!

Perennial Border West Side

The month of November started off with normal enough temperatures in the mid-50's, but took a turn in the past week as the daytime temperatures dropped into the 40's with a downward plummet to 22 degrees Fahrenheit just a few nights ago. The garden has transitioned into an array of autumn colors, starting off in the perennial border, with hues of golds and oranges complementing the soft white foliage of Lamb's Ear and contrasting against the bronzed foliage of Astilbe.

Back Patio Walkway

While some Hosta are completely done for the season, others are turning to shades of yellow and brown, and coneflowers are displaying the last of their seed heads. The evergreens along the walkway will keep the garden going during the winter.

Autumn Pollinator

In a planter by the back patio, this bumble bee is cherishing the nectar of a remaining bloom. Autumn does have its moments! 

Another Patio Garden View

Here is another view of the patio garden from the opposite direction headed north...

Perennial Border East Side

and a glance at the perennial border from another perspective. In this view you can see evergreen 'Blue Star' Juniper in the foreground.

Garden Whimsy

This statue of a young girl and her kitten will be visible right from the patio window throughout the colder months as I dream of spring. Sometimes I'll just sit and gaze upon her and allow my mind to wander.

Fall Leaves

As we move along, here is a single leaf sitting in a birdbath. Sometimes something as simple as a faded autumn leaf can become a part of nature's artwork. 

Coral Bark Maple Autumn Foliage

Here is Coral Bark Maple (Acer palmatum Sango-Kaku) in the driveway border garden. It is spectacular at this time of year with its vivid foliage. Once the tree defoliates and freezing temperatures set in, the bark of the tree will turn a bright coral-red; hence, the name. Coral Bark Japanese Maple is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and grows to approximately 15-25 feet in height, staying pretty compact.

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar Southeastern Driveway Garden

Come closer for another view with Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar in the foreground. This capture actually made it as the "Photo of the Day" for Fine Gardening Magazine!

Southwestern Driveway Garden

In the southwestern driveway garden is Weeping Norway Spruce with the changing foliage of Spirea 'Magic Carpet'. Structure becomes more prominent at this time of year.

Hellebores Getting Ready!

In the back garden bed, Hellebores have pushed out some new foliage during the warmer days, preparing for their bloom time in winter. I will look forward to their blooms, which should be sometime in February or March. Having discovered Hellebores back a few years ago, they give so much to look forward to in the midst of the colder months.

Sedum Thundercloud Autumn

Around by the pool garden are Sedum 'Thundercloud'. New this summer, their interesting spiky foliage is just as amazing as the blooms. The blooms are now dried but the greenery is still hanging on!

Rose Hips Knock Out Rose

Knock Out 'Radrazz' has produced some interesting looking rose hips...

Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz'

and aren't ready to give up blooming just yet! They just keep on going!

Rosemary

To my astonishment, Rosemary in the herb garden pushed out these lovely blooms just recently. As you can see they are still looking good even after the frost...

'Stella D Oro' Daylily bud in November!

and there are buds on the Stella D Oro Daylily in mid-November. I'm not sure if anything will come of it, but it sure is a nice surprise!

Zygo Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata)

As the temperatures decline outside, Zygo Cactus, otherwise known as Thanksgiving cactus or false Christmas cactus is blooming in the indoor garden. Through the south facing window, you can get another glance of the driveway garden.

Mill Pond

Autumn wouldn't be the same without a trip to Mill Pond to observe the autumn foliage. These views are from the end of October, but I had to share when the color was at its peak. See...there are advantages to a virtual garden tour!

Mill Pond

Here is another look at the pond from the eastern side. I can never get enough of this view.

Back to the Garden-Stroll Down Front Walkway

Now we're back to the garden to take in just another glimpse at the Coral Bark Maple in all its glory. With much colder temperatures on their way, and the first wintry mix and freezing nighttime temperatures just a few days ago, I am enjoying the changing seasons and all that the garden has to offer. Thank you for coming along and happy autumn!

Thank you for Visiting!

Thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoyed your tour of my November 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 has hosted Foliage Follow-Up for all these years, a meme I will still continue to honor. I am also linking with some other wonderful hosts and hostesses at Floral Friday Fotos, Macro Monday 2, Mosaic Monday at Letting Go of the Bay Leaf, Nature Notes at Rambling Woods, Dishing It & Digging It on Sunday with Angie the Freckled Rose, Image-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 Homestead Blog Hop  and Weekly Photo Link-Up at My Corner of the World on Wednesdays.

For winter planning and perhaps some thoughtful gifts for the gardener in your life-Visit my Author Page & Check Out 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

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening,© Copyright 2010-2019. All rights reserved.