Announcement: New Blog Subscription for A Guide to Northeastern Gardening

Welcome to A Guide to Northeastern Gardening

To my regular readers, first of all, thank you for following A Guide to Northeastern Gardening. I will continue to post, but you may no longer receive new post updates due to the notification I received from Blogger, that google will no longer be supporting the Follow By E-Mail widget (Feedburner) as of sometime in July.  I have set up a new e-mail subscription service which is located at the top of my page (upper right hand side) so that you can continue to follow posts through an app called follow. it.  I am not sure exactly what date Goggle will be discontinuing this service, and do apologize for any inconvenience. This new service has excellent reviews, takes privacy seriously, and offers options for customizing your subscription deliveries for your convenience. 

How the new app Works:

At the top right side of A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, you will see a new Follow widget. When clicked on, a page will come up that will appear like the picture below. It will come up as follow Landscape Design By Lee: A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, which is me (www.landscapedesignbylee.blogspot.com)! If you have already been a regular follower, you should receive a confirmation e-mail from follow.it to confirm your subscription. Click on confirm to continue receiving posts as usual.

If by chance you do not receive an invite, simply enter your email, click “subscribe,” and then look for the confirmation email in your inbox. Check your spam folder if you don’t get it after a few minutes. Confirm that you’d like to subscribe by clicking the confirmation link in that email. Look for posts on the 1st and 15th of each month and if for some reason you do not receive notifications, please check your spam folder and un-spam follow.it in your contacts so you can continue to receive recent posts. If you don’t already subscribe to A Guide to Northeastern Gardening and would like to do so, just follow the steps above. It's easy and free! For my regulars, the posts will come to you as usual, just under a new service.

Thank you for Visiting A Guide to Northeastern Gardening

Thank you for subscribing! I love seeing you here and it gives me such joy that you are enjoying reading my blog. I will continue to provide interesting and informative posts to the best of my ability, hope to see you around, and will be around to visit you as well!

As Always...Happy Gardening! 😊

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening,© Copyright 2010-2021. All rights reserved.

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up February 2014: Snow…What’s up?

I haven’t heard this sound in a long time.  In the stillness of the landscape there is a crackling sound of branches as ice falls from them.  Several storms have passed and at the present time we just endured our sixth snowfall of the season. It is time for another Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and Foliage Follow-Up, and while not much is blooming this time of year, the garden is full of hope…well maybe.  I know all of the cold climate folks are getting a bit stir crazy and have seen way too many snow photos…but prepare yourself...there are more in the near future. I am also celebrating A Guide to Northeastern Gardening's Fourth Anniversary on the 17th. so I included some macros taken with the new lens. Come take a look at the garden in winter.  

   Hydrangea 'Endless Summer' Flower Seed Head

'Nellie Stevens' Holly Berries

Crape Myrtle 'Sioux' Seed Head

Western Arborvitae and Spreading Yew

Picea orientalis 'Skylands'

Acer Palmatum Sango Kaku 

(Coral Bark Maple)

Ice Bubbles in Birdbath

Gardens & Rock Waterfall in Winter Mode

Picea pungens 'Montgomery' Foliage

'Skylands' Spruce, Barberry and Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar

Garden Under Blanket of Snow

I know this is not the traditional post and I am counting on our warm climate bloggers to chime in and show off some blooms. After all...isn't that what Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day is all about?   Carol at May Dreams Gardens had a good idea with this meme.  We can  experience blooms every month no matter what the time of year.  Also thanks to Pam at Digging for hosting Foliage Follow-Up. While there aren't any blooms in the garden right now I can focus on foliage and buds which are a hopeful sign.   Maybe next month will be more promising!  Happy Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up!

And As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@ A Guide to Northeastern Gardening.  All rights reserved 2014.

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up January 2014: A Closer Look

January Garden Bitter Freeze

At this time of year when there is a stillness in the air and temperatures colder than I care to encounter, it is time to gaze into the garden for a closer focus on the details that may normally be overlooked.   The winter is a time to concentrate on the inner beauty of the landscape...the part of the garden that is sometimes hidden from view.  

Snow Covered Barberry

With my increasing growing interest in garden writing and photography, I strive to capture a view that is a little different from the ordinary.  Over time I have found a new appreciation for the simplest aspects of nature, such as the snow covered barberry in the photo above...

Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus Atlantica)

or the branches of a Blue Atlas Cedar against the backdrop of a blue sky...

Acer palmatum Sangu Kaku (Coral Bark Maple) and Golden Oriental Spruce 'Skyland'

or the exposed coral red branches of a Japanese Maple against the yellow-green needles of a Golden Oriental Spruce.  I am trying to look at nature in a different light as some may say.

Acer palmatum Sangu Kaku (Coral Bark Maple) Branches up Close

It was good timing to have camera in hand in order to capture the branches of the Coral Bark Maple. The frigid temperatures have dramatically brought out the colors and they are more vivid than I have remembered for some time.

Backyard Side Garden (Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar, Gold Mop Cypress, Royal Burgundy Barberry, Euonymus 'Gold Spot', Arborvitae, Dwarf Butterfly Bush, Knock Out Roses and Heuchera 'Caramel')

Here is one wide shot view to show a little perspective in the garden.  This is the backyard perimeter garden in winter mode.  I wait in anticipation for the emergence of burgundy and medium green foliage, fragrant purple blooms, pink roses and caramel colored perennials once spring arrives. 

Hydrangea 'Tardivia' Winter

In an effort to get a little more creative with the lens I aimed upward into the sky when trying to capture this 'Tardivia' Hydrangea faded bloom.  While still working on the perfect focal distance, I was fortunate enough to have just the right amount of back lighting to provide some contrast. 

Weeping Japanese Trunk Maple Winter

Weeping Japanese Maple is a tree I really have grown to appreciate all year round.  It has reached a mature age of somewhere between twenty and thirty years and each winter the trunk becomes just a little more twisted and contorted in character.

Magnolia 'Royal Star'

Here the new buds of the Magnolia are growing larger and larger each month.  Spring is on the way slowly but surely.

Moss Covered Rock and Sweet Flag

Why am I taking a photograph of moss?  There was something about snow next to this moss covered rock with the yellow-green of the sedge that caught my eye.  Nature really does have a lot to offer and I try not to let it go unnoticed.

Nandina domestica (False or Heavenly Bamboo)

Here is my Nandina domestica.  I have had it for years and have grown to love its vibrant red berries in winter.  Sadly this is the last photograph I was able to take of it before it was moved today to work on the oil tank.  It will likely not make it through the winter so I will have to get a new one in the spring for both myself and the birds. That means I will have to work in the garden...it's a tough job but someone has to do it!

Nandina domestica (False or Heavenly Bamboo)

A piece of branch fell into the snow and gave me the idea for this photograph. I really do like this plant.

Rosemary in Herb Garden

Normally my Rosemary in the herb garden does not make it through the winter but I have actually had this particular one for three years now! It was planted during a year with a mild winter so it was able to harden off and develop into a miniature shrub.  This has been an exceptionally brutal winter so I am hoping it continues to thrive.

Garden Friends

Structure is so important is a garden and besides many evergreens in the garden I also like a little whimsy.  This garden statue is one of my favorites!

Juniperus 'Pro Nana' and Heuchera 'Caramel'

It is difficult finding blooms in the garden at this time of year so I rely on foliage and these Heuchera 'Caramel' never cease to amaze me with their striking foliage that lasts throughout most of the winter.   

 

That ends our walk around the January garden for now. The first month of 2014 came in like a lion with winter storm Hercules on January 2nd bringing a foot of snow and 16°F temperatures, followed by a warming trend with torrential rains and daily temperatures back into the 40's for now.  The garden is still changing in each month and I enjoy looking to find its inner beauty. 

 

Drop a note to let me know you've been here and I will be sure to visit you as well. Also please visit our hostesses Carol at May Dreams Gardens for January Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and Pam at Digging for Foliage Follow Up. 

 

(This monthly garden diary can also be viewed on the new My Gardens page.)

 

 

As Always...Happy Gardening!

 

 

Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. 

  
 

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up December 2013: The Garden Goes to Sleep

Mugo Pine and Sedum 'Brilliant' Dried Flower Heads

 The temperatures have been falling into the 30's over the past few days with snow flurries and winter has found my northeastern Long Island garden.  It is December and time for another Garden Blogger's Bloom Day on the 15th and Foliage Follow-Up on the 16th to take a look around the garden, get some photos, and visit some other gardens around the world.  Having not been here for last month's memes, quite a bit has changed in the landscape.  Come stroll with me as I get some photos before the next snow arrives!

Astilbe Dried Flowers 

 The beauty of a garden is its never ending state of change reflected with each passing season. With winter approaching and few blooms in sight there is now more concentration on foliage.  All that remains of the Astilbe are their dried flowers which are still lovely  against the backdrop of Lamb's Ear and back lawn, a view which I have come to appreciate.

Barberry 'Royal Burgundy' December

I have two types of Barberry on my property, 'Royal Burgundy' and 'Rosy Glow'.  They are both displaying the last of their bright burgundy foliage and are starting to form small red berries in preparation for winter.

Birdbath

Here in a small garden under a window is one of the several birdbaths I have on the property.   There are numerous evergreens and dense shrubs where birds seek shelter and I always try to have a supply of fresh water for them.  Also they are fun to watch gathering and splashing around! The only thing is that the water has frozen over the past few days and I have no electric source for one of those birdbath heaters, so I have to add a little water daily to keep it drinkable.

Bird's Nest Garden Art!

 Look a bird's nest!  While strolling in the garden to take these photographs I spotted this beautifully constructed and well hidden bird's nest in my Wisteria tree.   Now that the leaves are all gone the nest is finally visible to see and I believe it was built by the Mockingbirds that were so abundant this summer.

Blue Star Juniper and Dwarf Fountain Grass

 Around to the side yard the dwarf ornamental grasses are finished for the season but form contrast against the evergreen Juniperus 'Blue Star'.  

Blue Globe Montgomery Spruce, Gold Mop Cypress and Barberry

Here are more of the evergreens on the property.  I enjoy combining the blues and golds of Montgomery Globe Blue Spruce and Gold Mop Cypress with the burgundy of the Barberry in the backdrop.  A Weeping Pussy Willow cascades over the rest of the garden.  The differences in texture and color of the contrasting foliage help to keep interest in the landscape over winter. 

Dwarf Butterfly Bush Lo & Behold 'Blue Chip' December

Speaking of foliage, the dried blooms of my Dwarf Butterfly Bush do provide some nice interest for the wintertime...

Endless Summer Hydrangea Faded Blooms

as well as the Endless Summer Hydrangea with their dried mop heads.  I focus on having as much structure in the garden as possible especially at this time of year.

Iris Seed Heads

The Iris are in winter mode displaying their interesting seed heads.  Since I have been photographing I have learned to appreciate them even when they are not blooming.

Lamb's Ear and Astilbe Seed Heads

This Lamb's Ear was an addition to the perennial garden years ago as a border and I am always amazed how it supplies interest to every season of the year with its fuzzy white foliage.

Royal Star Magnolia New Buds in December

Come take a look at the 'Royal Star' Magnolia already forming its flower buds for next year.  It is a pleasant sight to see a hint of spring even though winter isn't even officially here yet with more significant snow on the way.

Dwarf Maiden Grass Yaku Jima in December

Here are the the Yaku Jima grasses and their plumes adding some movement to the garden.

Nandina domestica Berries

Poking over the side fence, the color of the berries on this Nandina are a vibrant red that lasts all throughout the winter months.  They provide a dual purpose of adding both color to the landscape as well as supplying a food source for the birds.

Sedum 'Brilliant' Dried Flower Heads

And last but not least...here is a close up of the Sedum with my new camera lens.

Here It Comes!!!

As the garden goes to sleep for winter there will always be something new to be found with each changing season and a true gardener always has something to look forward to. Thank you for visiting my gardens and you are always welcome!   I am glad I was able to get these photographs before the snow and hope you enjoyed the tour.   Drop a note to let me know you've been here and I will be sure to visit you as well. Also please visit our hostesses Carol at May Dreams Gardens to see what is blooming for December Garden Blogger's Bloom Day and Pam at Digging for Foliage Follow Up.


As Always...Happy Gardening and Happy Winter in one week!  

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

Bloom Day October 2013: Colors of an Autumn Garden

 It's autumn in my northeastern Long Island garden and the landscape is bursting with color.  This has been a beautiful October with temperatures a little warmer than normal in the mid to upper 60's with many blooms still in sight.  As the cooler breeze starts to move in there is evidence of fall with changing colors of the garden turning to hues of burgundy, orange and gold.  It is time for another walk in the garden.

Blooms on Basil Ocimum basilicum (Mountain Magic)

First is this new variety of basil I picked up for the herb garden.  We have kept it clipped all summer but now it is going to seed with vibrant purple blooms that bring a burst of color to the fall garden and the sweet aroma of the basil is not bad either!

Blue Atlas Cedar Cones

In the front yard the stately Blue Atlas Cedar is producing an abundance of cones...hopefully not a sign of a harsh winter.

Crape Myrtle 'Sioux' Bark

The bark on my Crape Myrtle is a new treat in the garden.  The tree has reached maturity and the exfoliating bark is almost like artwork displaying an array of swirls and variations of multiple colors.  Even when this tree looses its foliage the bark is an interesting feature.

Coral Bark Maple (Acer palmatum 'Sangokaku')

The foliage of the Coral Bark Maple in the front yard is going into its fall color mode.  It will be turning a bright yellow within the next couple of weeks and the bark to a bright red by winter.



Back Island Bed

With morning tea viewing from my kitchen window the Pink Knock Out Roses are still in bloom along with my newest favorite addition.  This dwarf Butterfly Bush is still blooming and has been for months!  Along side it are Heuchera 'Caramel', Gold Mop Cypress. Barberry and Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar.  The colorful folaige of the new Heuchera 'Caramel' fits right into the fall motif!

Buddleia  Lo & Behold Blue Chip (Dwarf Butterfly Bush)

  Here is the Butterfly Bush close up...still lots of fragrant purple blooms.

Golden Oriental Spruce and Coral Bark Maple

At the end of the driveway the dwarf grasses are showing their plumes and changing to a more golden hue while the coreopsis and nepeta are still blooming.  In the background are Golden Oriental Spruce 'Skylands' (left) and Coral Bark Maple 'Sangokaku' (right).



Welcome Station!

 There is a new welcome area for the birds of the garden. I had spotted this granite bird bath out east over the summer only to walk over to it again on a second trip. After a third trip it came home with me and the birds love it. Every morning it is like a spa visit for the local feathered friends.

Green Japanese Maple in Fall

Now into the front yard the Japanese Maples are turning into their fall colors...

Red Japanese Maple Fall Color

and showing their fascinating sculptured trunks.

Dwarf Maiden Grass 'Yaku Jima'

Around to the backyard the Yaku Jima Maiden Grasses are at their full height now of about five feet and displaying their wispy plumes that are swaying in the breeze by the poolside.

Dwarf Maiden Grass and Sedum

One of my favorite things in autumn is when the grasses have their plumes and the Sedum 'Brilliant' is turning to a hue of orange-pink.

Montgomery Globe Spruce

Here is the back evergreen and perennial garden in autumn mode.  The Montogomery Blue Spruce in the center is about fifteen years old now and has grown to maturity.

Weeping Norway Spruce, Heuchera and Grasses

The Weeping Norway Spruce, grasses and heuchera have also filled in over the years.  In the autumn the foliage of Heuchera 'Palace Purple' (coral bells) turns to a rainbow of burgundy and burnt orange.

Fall Garden

Back around to the back this smaller bird bath is also a welcome spot for visitors.

Perennial Border

Moving along the Salvia 'Maynight' is sporting its last blooms for the season adding a little purple to the garden...

Walkway to Secret Garden

and the Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola') are at their prime.  A new addition this summer was this blue stone walkway leading into my secret garden.  It is tucked away and when I go back there nobody can find me...ahhh...peace!

Nandina 'Gulf Stream' Fall Berry

Nandina 'Gulf Stream' along the side fence displays its colorful fall berries that will brighten to a fiery red as winter approaches.

Fall Perennial Border

Here is more of the autumn perennial garden...

Fall Perennial Border

the colors getting brighter day by day.  Included in the garden is Lamb's Ear, Astilbe, Hosta, Salvia, Daylily, Heuchera and Aster with dwarf grasses and evergreens Blue star Juniper and Globe Blue Spruce. 

Hydrangea 'Tardivia'

Last but not least are the fragrant blooms of Hydrangea 'Tardivia' turning from pure white to a gentle pink for the days of autumn.


The garden is a changing palette with each season has something to look forward to.  Thank you for visiting.  Drop a note to let me know you've been here and I will be sure to visit you as well.  Also please visit our hostesses Carol at May Dreams Gardens to see what is blooming for October Garden Blogger's Bloom Day and Pam at Digging for Foliage Follow Up.

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

As Always...Happy Gardening!

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