Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up November: Autumn Views and Blooms!

Welcome!

Fall is a wonderful time of year as the landscape transitions into an array of changing color. It has been one of the warmest and driest Novembers I can remember here in the northeast with temperatures ranging in the 50's to low 60's and no significant rainfall for over a month. Finally, a very welcomed and needed rain came during the early hours of the morning on the 11th. The trees are dropping leaves rapidly like falling rain due to the lasting drought, but the colors are vibrant as ever and with the milder temperatures, there are still some blooms to be seen. Along with the first rain in over a month, there are colder temperatures in the forecast, so I am enjoying the views while I can! Join me for a tour of my Long Island garden! 

Front Lawn

The first stop is along the front lawn as the two Weeping Japanese Maples put on a colorful show. Japanese Maple 'Viridis', which is normally light green, now displays hues of orange, yellow and red all on the same tree. Next to it is a red variety of Weeping Japanese Maple, along with Blue Atlas Cedar and Gold Lace Juniper in the distance.

Back Pool Garden

As we move to the back pool border, Sky Pencil Holly is displaying its dark bluish-black berries against Leucothoe with Golden Sweet Flag in the foreground, which stays evergreen all year along with the other plantings. Nellie Stevens Holly in the backdrop displays its bright red berries this time of year.

Leucothoe 'Axillaris'

This variety of broad-leaved evergreen is Leucothoe 'Axillaris'. A highlight is its changing foliage this time of year with deep pinkish-red and golden highlights as the temperatures change.

A Visitor!

There is plenty of wildlife around these days and this visitor even stopped for a photo shoot!

Patio Vegetable/Herb Planter

Near the patio, the vegetable/herb planter is done for the season, but the parsley is still showing some greenery. The spearmint (in a separate planter) has not gone dormant either.  Gardening Tip: If you are growing mint, it spreads rapidly by underground rhizomes and will take over an area in no time. Always plant it in a confined area or in a planter!

Patio Border

Along the same patio area, Salvia 'Blue by You' continues to bloom, joined by Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple, and evergreens Osmanthus 'Goshiki' and Dwarf  Japanese Red Pine 'Low Glow'.

Back Perimeter Garden

In the back border, Kousa Dogwood 'Greensleeves' displays its changing foliage and red fruit.

Patio and Pool Gardens

Along with the blooms of Salvia, there are other blooms to be seen, as 'Stella D Oro' Daylily and Echinacea Pow Wow 'Wild Berry' continue to bloom along the back patio and pool.

'Stella D Oro' Daylily

Here are the bright yellow flowers of Daylily as it continues to push out autumn blooms...

Echinacea Pow Wow 'Wild Berry'

along with the blooms and seed heads of Echinacea.

Abelia 'Kaleidoscope'

Bordering the back walkway, Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' is still showing its tubular white blooms from later summer...

Dwarf Rudbeckia 'Little Goldstar'

and Dwarf Black Eyed Susan continues to push out some final blooms in the northwestern garden.

Weeping Japanese Maple 'Viridis'

As we venture back to the front portion of the property, here is another view of the foliage of Weeping Japanese Maple. Soon the interesting structure of the tree and trunk will be even more visible.

Front Island Bed

As Hosta and Sedum go dormant in the front island bed, evergreens Weeping Norway Spruce, Dwarf Cryptomeria and Osmanthus 'Goshiki' continue to supply interest for the fall and winter months as Coral Bark Maple (below) presents its autumn blaze of color.

Front Entrance Garden

Accompanying Coral Bark Maple 'Sango Kaku' are 'Skylands' Golden Oriental Spruce, Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar, Mugo Pine, Weeping White Pine, Japanese Garden and Blue Star Juniper and Variegated Liriope. Maintenance Tip: It is best to not cut back Liriope in the fall, but to leave it intact for winter interest and to protect the crown. Cut back in springtime after any threat of frost to allow for new growth.

Skyland's Oriental Spruce and Coral Bark Maple

Autumn certainly is a wonderful time of year with color, color everywhere. Here is another view of Skyland's Oriental Spruce and Coral Bark Maple.

St. John's Wort Autumn

As we get closer to the end of the tour, St. John's Wort displays its dried seed heads with a bit of artistic flair...

Pool Surround

and the changing foliage of Spirea and Weeping Japanese Maple complement one another.

All-Season Planter

This all-season planter with evergreens will provide some interest throughout the winter months... 

Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz'

and Knock Out Rose will continue its glorious blooms until the first hard freeze.

Indoors: Thanksgiving Cactus

As the outdoor garden goes into dormancy for the winter months, focus shifts even more towards tending to the indoor garden, which includes Thanksgiving Cactus and African Violet as they continue to bloom. 

Thanksgiving Cactus and African Violet

Thank you for visiting and whatever the season, enjoy all the beauty that nature has to offer. Be sure to stop by on the 1st. and 15th. of each month as I continue to share gardening tips, information and horticultural adventures! In the meantime, check out my newsletter and also my books, which can make great gifts for the gardener in your life!  Until we meet again...best wishes to you and yours for a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! 

Thanks for Visiting!

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. See you next month!

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

Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2024. All rights reserved. 

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up October: Long Island Garden Autumnal Views

Welcome!

Welcome to my zone 7b Long Island garden! Fall has officially arrived and there are signs everywhere as the landscape starts to transition into an array of color. The month of October has brought cooler temperatures in the upper 50's to low 60's by day, while dipping into the 40's some evenings with mostly clear skies. After a month of drought we finally received a few hours of steady light rain on the 7th, which helped to refurbish the landscape. Join me for a tour for some changing foliage, ongoing blooms and whatever else nature has to offer!

Abelia 'Kaleidoscope'

As we start our stroll, one of my new favorite shrubs for fall is Abelia 'Kaleidoscope'. Planted just last spring, it's white star-like blooms start in late summer and last for months into fall. The blooms are just an added bonus to its colorful evergreen foliage. Joining Abelia are Blue Star Juniper and Echinacea Pow Wow 'Wild Berry', with a Blue Globe Spruce in the backdrop.

Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' October Blooms

Here is a view of the foliage and blooms up close!

Echinacea Pow Wow 'Wild Berry'

It has been a good season for Echinacea as well with its repeat blooms. The gold finches have been enjoying the seeds and now there are a few new buds and blooms lasting well into fall.

Salvia 'Blue by You' Still Blooming!

Salvia 'Blue by You' is a new favorite species of sage that is recently new to the market and to my garden. Its blooms start earlier than those of other varieties and just keep on blooming through fall with just two minimal dead headings. 

Echinacea (Coneflower) Seed Heads

As cooler temperatures arrive and the seasons transition, even the left over seed heads of Echinacea are a delight to see in the garden. In my opinion, I think they add a nice touch to the autumn landscape, and that is why I leave them for quite some time. 

Nepeta 'Blue Wonder'

In the back pool border, Nepeta 'Blue Wonder', a more dwarf version of catmint is still blooming...

Front Island Bed

as Sedum 'Brilliant displays its dried blooms along with the huge leaves of Hosta.

Perennial Border

As many of you know, I am a huge fan of combining foliage throughout the landscape. Along the perennial border, the soft white foliage of Lamb's Ear complements the golden foliage of Spirea 'Candy Corn', making for a colorful fall display. 

Front Walkway

Continuing to bloom in the front walkway border is Variegated Liriope (Lilyturf) with its deep purple spiked blooms. Helpful Tip: Do not cut back Liriope in fall. Rather, leave it for interest during the winter months and cut back in early spring. This will protect its delicate crown from severe cold. 

Rudbeckia 'Little Goldstar' 

It is getting a lot cooler outside, but dwarf Black Eyed Susan keeps pushing out some new blooms...

Montauk Daisy

and of course, Montauk Daisy is blooming, which is a sure sign of autumn!

Back Garden Border

As we stroll along the back garden border, the Kousa Dogwood is producing its red fruits, which are edible. The soft pulp of the fruit is sweet with a flavor similar to a ripe persimmon and can be used to make into jellies and jams. 

Kousa Dogwood Fruit

Here is a close up view of the colorful fruit.

Hydrangea 'Firelight Tidbit' Autumn

Last month, I introduced the new 'Firelight Tidbit' Hydrangea that were planted where my mother's iris garden used to exist. I am loving the pinkish hues of the long lasting flowers as they transition into fall, and am looking forward to years of beautiful blooms.

Dwarf Buddleia 'Pugster Blue'

In the back garden bed, dwarf Butterfly Bush 'Pugster Blue' is still producing colorful blooms...

Double Knock Out Roses Still Blooming!
and the Knock Out Roses are blooming too!

Front Island Bed

As we near the end of the tour, there are more signs of autumn with the changing colors of Weeping Japanese Maple on the front lawn contrasting against the deeper evergreen foliage of Weeping Norway Spruce and evergreen variegated foliage of Osmanthus 'Goshiki'. Heuchera (Coral Bells) 'Caramel' with their burgundy undersides give a pop of color in the foreground and Blue Atlas Cedar can be seen in the distance.

Sedum 'Brilliant' Seed Head

Here the dried flower heads of Sedum 'Brilliant' can be seen along with the deep greenish-burgundy foliage of Ajuga...

Dipladenia Still Blooming in October!

while Dipladenia continues to bloom in a planter along the patio.

Garden Visitor: Common Darner Dragonfly (Anax junius) 

The autumn garden does bring many surprises. While working in the garden, I encountered this Common Darner Dragonfly with its green body and golden highlights that sparkle in the sun. She stayed long enough for me to photograph her, and now I can share the moment with you.

Thanks for Visiting!

I hope you enjoyed your visit to my October 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. See you next month and do check out my newsletter and books in the meantime! As always...Happy Gardening!

Sharing a Lifetime of Gardening with My Books! (Garden Design, Planning, Maintenance Tips and more!) - Makes a great gift too!

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

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2024. All rights reserved. 

 

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.