Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up June: Welcome to my Long Island Garden!

Welcome!

Welcome to my zone 7b Long Island garden and I hope you enjoy your visit! The month of June has been the rainiest I can remember and the temperatures have been mostly in the upper 60's and low 70's, with the exception of a couple of days in the high 70's and just this week one day at 88 degrees, which felt like a heat wave! The foggy morning and evening skies and on and off showers have certainly delivered an abundance of moisture to the garden, hence all the plants have been thriving with lots of blooms. I find myself spending a lot of time in my own garden between working with clients, as being surrounded by plants brings on a feeling of peace and happiness. 

Itoh Peony 'Bartzella' in early June

As we start our stroll, let's take a moment to reflect back on just a week ago, with Itoh Peony 'Bartzella' along the patio border in full bloom. Their large yellow blooms are a sight to behold and last for only a short time, so I made sure to capture the moment. They are accompanied by Salvia 'May Night', which is still in full bloom.

Itoh Peony 'Bartzella'

Here is Peony 'Bartzella' up close. 'Bartzella' is a cross between a tree and herbaceous Peony, so its stems are sturdy and do not flop over with the weight of the flowers. I wish it would bloom longer than it does, but at least the foliage is attractive too!

Allium 'Globemaster'

Allium 'Globemaster' is in bloom poolside accompanied by Weeping Japanese Maple in the backdrop, and Spirea and Daylilies aside it.  This view is also from just a week ago before the blooms started to fade. 

Rhododendron 'Elegans'

The Rhododendrons had a wonderful season which I just had to share. This is a view from the end of May into the first week in June.

Patio Garden

Presently along the patio border is dwarf Spirea 'Candy Corn' now blooming, displaying its delicate rosy-pink clusters of flowers along with the spiked blooms of Lamb's Ear (Stachys). Balloon Flower (Platycodon 'Komachi') is starting to form buds and Echinacea 'Pow Wow' is starting to form its first flowers.

Patio Garden: Spirea Double Play 'Candy Corn' and Lamb's Ear (Stachys)

I am enjoying the 'Candy Corn' Spirea as it is a smaller, more compact variety of Spirea, only reaching a height of about two feet, and its branches and foliage are a fiery reddish-pink in early spring.

Perimeter Garden-Kousa Dogwood

Along the northern perimeter, Kousa Dogwood 'Greensleeves' is putting on quite a show for the month of June and will bloom for some time. I love the greenish-white flowers on this particular variety.

Perimeter Garden- Double Knock Out Roses!

It seems to be a good season for Double Knock Out Rose as well, despite all the rain. Also in view is Weeping Norway Spruce, and the foliage of Nandina 'Obsession' and Sedum 'Pure Joy'.

Patio Border

Salvia 'Blue By You', a taller and longer blooming variety of  Sage is accompanied by the variegated foliage of Osmanthus along the patio border. To the right is Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar and Heuchera 'Caramel' (Coral Bells). With a little deadheading, the blooms of 'Blue By You' will last into late summer.

Pool Border

Here is a present view of the pool border with Allium 'Globemaster', accompanied by Daylily 'Stella D Oro' and Spirea 'Limemound', which are now in bloom. Up on the waterfall, the Spruce, Variegated Boxwood and Juniper added three years ago are finally getting established and sending out a lot of new growth.

Spirea & Nepeta

With all the newer dwarf varieties of Nepeta (Catmint) on the market, I am enjoying Nepeta 'Little Trudy' in a planter by the back stoop along with Spirea 'Candy Corn' in a planter behind it. 'Little Trudy' stays at a more compact size of  just eight to ten inches high by twelve to sixteen inches wide.

Driveway Border West-Weeping Norway Spruce

As we move towards the driveway border, here is Spirea 'Magic Carpet' with Salvia 'Caradonna', Weeping Norway Spruce, Dwarf Norway Spruce and Japanese Garden Juniper.  Have I mentioned that I am a fan of Weeping Norway Spruce and dwarf conifers? You may have guessed that by now!

Driveway Border-Spirea 'Magic Carpet' and Salvia 'Caradonna'

Here is a closer view of the Spirea and Salvia 'Caradonna', along with Japanese Iris.

Japanese Iris Blooming!

This Japanese Iris is a clump that made its way outside the fence, branching off from the original iris patch that my mother planted back in the 1960's. It is a nice memory to still have a piece of it remaining after all these years.

Front Lawn

As we approach the front lawn, Heuchera 'Caramel' (Coral Bells) on the main island bed have certainly been enjoying all the rain, and Osmanthus 'Goshiki' is also pushing out some new growth, which has a pinkish hue to it. Weeping Norway Spruce, two Weeping Japanese Maples and Blue Atlas Cedar are in the backdrop.

Driveway Border East

I had replaced the coreopsis along the driveway border with these three Dwarf Norway Spruce, which have taken well to their home. They are accompanied by Golden 'Skylands' Oriental Spruce, Coral Bark Maple, Golden Hinoki Cypress 'Verdoni',  Weigela 'Spilled Wine' and Nepeta 'Walkers Low'.

Thank you for visiting!

I hope you enjoyed your visit to my June 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. 

IN THE NEWS! Our home was selected to be on the local garden tour, "A Little Garden Music and Art," for the third time! It was a rainy day, but visitors came from near and far to see our garden and it was an honor to be part of this amazing venue!

Also, sending out a big thank you to FeedSpot for including A Guide to Northeastern Gardening in their top 20 Best New York Gardening Blogs. It is an honor plus be sure to check out the other blogs that made the list!

My sixth book, The Houseplant Guide: How to Easily Select & Maintain Indoor Plants is celebrating five months since publication! If you are into houseplants, this may be the book for you! I cover over 120 plant selections with full color photographs of each one and detailed descriptions on care and maintenance.

Other Places to Find Me:

You can visit my Author Page to learn about and Purchase My Books, each one focusing on different aspects of gardening, including landscape ideas, design principles, gardening by month for all-season interest, gardening tips and maintenance, shade gardening, gardening inspiration and more. And also be sure to check out my newest publication, The Houseplant Guide, to guide you on your houseplant journey!

Check out my newsletter Northeastern Gardening News for monthly updates all to do with gardening! It's free to subscribe and receive monthly updates right into your inbox!

Find me on Instagram at Northeastern Gardening and Facebook at A Guide to Northeastern Gardening Blog & Author Page.

Until we Meet Again...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2025. 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. 

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up December 2021: Winter Views & Blooms

Welcome!

Happy holidays and welcome to another walk in the garden. My northeastern garden is located on the south shore of Long Island in zone 7, although you wouldn't know it with the unusually warm temperatures we have been having for the month of December. With daytime temperatures in the 50's on many days, venturing out into the garden without a winter coat is still a pleasure, so I am taking advantage of the situation while it lasts. It is evident that before long, the true winter temperatures will be here, but for now, come along for a stroll in the garden, and you won't even need to bundle up!

Front Lawn

The first stop is along the front island bed that was reinvented just two years ago to include more low maintenance plantings with all season interest. Here is Osmanthus 'Goshiki', a new favorite, along with Weeping Norway Spruce and  Mugo Pine with Weeping Japanese Maple in the backdrop. 

Pieris 'Cavatine' (Dwarf Japanese Andromeda)

On the opposite side of the island bed is Pieris 'Cavatine' or Dwarf Japanese Andromeda, which stays at a compact size of just 2-3 feet tall by wide. I love the little seed pods which can be seen this time of year.

Driveway Entry

As the temperatures cool, the bark of Coral Bark Maple (back left) will continue to become a more vibrant pinkish-red as it stands alongside Golden Oriental Spruce 'Skylands' and Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar. A winters snow really does the trick in bringing out the most color!

Skyland's Spruce Seed Cone

Here is a close-up view of the seed cones on 'Skylands' Spruce this time of year. They change from a purplish hue to a more golden brown color as the season moves on and add nice interest to the tree.

Northern Lawn

Along the northern lawn is Blue Atlas Cedar with Juniperus 'Gold Lace'. The Blue Atlas Cedar now towers to approximately 40 feet tall.

Front Island Berm

On the front island bed, Anna's Magic Ball Arborvitae (foreground) adds some golden color alongside Dwarf Japanese Andromeda. I enjoy viewing these two shrubs right through winter.

A Little Whimsy!

Let's venture to the backyard. Here is one of my favorite statues which reminds me of childhood each time I look at it. Sometimes you just need a little garden whimsy to get you through the day!

Weeping White Pine Seed Cone

Along the back pool garden, the seed cones of this Weeping White Pine add a nice touch during every season...

St. John's Wort

while St. John's Wort displays its dried fruit this time of year.

Osmanthus and Golden Sedge

Did I mention that Osmanthus 'Goshiki' was a new love? Here are more which I planted just this past summer in the back bed, accompanied by Japanese Golden Sedge. With the warmer December temperatures we have been having, it is even sprouting new growth, which varies in color.

Girard's Azalea Winter Foliage

Late autumn and wintertime brings some nice foliage changes along with it. Here the foliage of Azalea turns to beautiful hues of deep burgundy and golden-orange.

More Azalea Winter Foliage

Here is another view.

Ajuga 'Black Scallop'

Wintertime doesn't mean you can't have color. Here is Ajuga 'Black Scallop' with its shiny deep burgundy-black foliage. It will produce bluish-purple blooms in spring.

Pink Double Knock Out Rose December

Every autumn and winter I am mesmerized by this Double Knock Out Rose, which yes...still has blooms to brighten the day. Even after some morning frosts, it does not want to quit!

Weeping Pussy Willow December

Even in December, there are hopes of what is to come, as this Weeping Pussy Willow is already showing its catkins. It is one of the first trees to give interest in early spring.

Back Pool Garden

Back around the pool garden is another view of Golden Oriental Spruce along with azalea in winter mode...

Front Driveway Border

and by the front driveway is the foliage of Magic Carpet Spirea, which is still hanging on.

Hellebore 'Shooting Star' December

You can have blooms in January and here is Helleborous 'Shooting Star', which will do just that. This very plant was the inspiration behind my latest book and I have enjoyed its winter blooms for years. It just makes me smile with every glance, even in the middle of winter.

Indoor Gardening; Thanksgiving Cactus

So...while we are awaiting those Hellebore blooms, here are some indoor blooms to enjoy. This is one of the four Thanksgiving cactus I have blooming on my southwestern window sill. I often get asked about what is the difference between Thanksgiving cactus, Christmas cactus, and Easter cactus, and it is in the shape of the leaves. Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumgera truncata) has very pointed, claw shaped projections on the edges of its leaves, Christmas cactus (Schlumgera bridgesti) has more scalloped or tear drop shaped leaves and Easter cactus has more rounded leaves.

Thanksgiving Cactus

Here is another variety with deep pinkish-red blooms.

Peace Lily and Orange Kalanchoe

A new addition, which I could not resist, is this Kalanchoe and Peace Lily container combination to add some winter blooms to the indoors. As an avid gardener, I consider shopping for plants as part of decorating! 

Seasonal Decor

As the tour comes to an end, I wish for you and your family, a very happy holiday season, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2022, filled with good health, happiness, and many fond memories. See you on the 1st. with a garden recap of 2021, start of a brand new gardening year, and new beginnings!

Thanks for Visiting!

I hope you enjoyed your visit to my December garden and as always, I look forward to your comments and seeing what's growing 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 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, 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. 

A GUIDE TO NORTHEASTERN GARDENING NEWS:

Teaching the garden coaching class at Farmingdale State College on November 23rd. was such a wonderful and rewarding experience and I have been enjoying reading essays from students not only saying how much they enjoyed the presentation, but that they could see themselves going into horticulture! Yes!!!-future horticultural experts to carry on! 

To follow A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, and receive updates twice a month on the 1st and 15th, there is a new follow.it subscription widget at the top right side of this page.

Lastly, If you happen to be looking for a holiday gift for the gardener in your life or for yourself, check out my four books on Amazon. To learn more and purchase, visit My Author Page. I have poured a lifetime of gardening love into each of them, along with experiences, tips, journeys, design inspiration, maintenance advice, guidance and more. They are A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9, Landscape Design Combinations, Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener and my latest Gardening by Month: A Monthly Guide to Planning the Northeastern & Mid-Atlantic Garden. I am hoping you, or a friend, will find them to be inspiring!

Until next time, be well, enjoy the holiday season and “As Always...Happy Gardening”! 😊

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