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. 

This Month in the Garden: Broad-Leaved Evergreens for All-Season Beauty and Interest

Broad-leaved evergreens

Broad-leaved evergreens are a beautiful addition to the landscape for all season interest and are an excellent addition to just about any space. There are numerous varieties to choose from, ranging in color, size and shape, with several dwarf varieties available. Mainly known for their attractive foliage, many also produce springtime blooms for additional interest. Here are ten of my all-time favorite broad-leaved evergreens with descriptions, planting requirements and hardiness.

Aucuba japonica 'Variegata'

'Gold Dust' Japanese Aucuba displays striking gold variegated foliage and is perfect for shadier areas in the garden. Hardy in USDA zones 6-10, Aucuba grows to a height and width of 4-6 feet and prefers to be grown in partial to full shade. The beautiful bright green foliage is so heavily speckled with gold that it displays an overall yellow-green appearance. Female plants may produce berries if a male pollinator such as Aucuba 'Mr. Goldstrike' is planted nearby.

Ilex crenata Hoogendorn (Holly)

There are many varieties of holly available in a range of shapes and sizes to choose from.  An excellent choice for use in foundation plantings, shrub borders, as a low hedge or in mass plantings, Ilex ‘Hoogendorn’ is a dense low growing and compact evergreen with excellent dark green shiny flat leaves. Hardy in USDA zones 6-9, this species of holly has impressive cold resistance and is very reminiscent of boxwood. Ilex ‘Hoogendorn’ is a moderate grower, displaying a mounding habit, while reaching a mature size of just 2 feet high by 3 feet wide.

Leucothoe 'Axillaris' (Coast Leucothoe)

Leucothoe is an attractive low-growing, evergreen shrub displaying a spreading, vase-like shape with arching branches. Hardy in USDA zones 5-8, this shrub features thick, shiny, dark green leaves with clusters of slightly fragrant, heather-like, white flowers which appear in mid-spring. In winter, leaves turn a purplish-bronze hue, adding even more interest to the landscape. Leucothoe matures to a height of 2-4 feet tall and width of 3-5 feet wide, and prefers to be grown in partial to full shade.

Buxus 'Green Gem' (Boxwood)

Boxwood is an easy to grow evergreen, available in many shapes and sizes, and suitable for a range of conditions from full sun to partial shade. Hardy in USDA zones 4-9, this variety, 'Green Gem’, is a more compact slow-grower, reaching a height of just 2 feet tall by wide. This mounding evergreen displays an almost perfectly round-naturally oval form and dense foliage makes it perfect for low hedges or for use in a foundation planting. Oval glossy dark green leaves hold their color well in winter.

Euonymus 'Silver King'

There are many varieties of Euonymus and ‘Silver King’ is one of the most versatile. Hardy in USDA zones 6-9, ‘Silver King’ displays silvery white margins on glossy green leaves in an upright narrow habit that adds unique color and texture to the landscape. Euonymus prefers to be grown in full sun to partial shade with moderate watering. Shrub size averages 5-9 feet tall by 2-3-foot wide and can be maintained at a desired height. This shrub serves nicely being grouped to form a low screen and tolerates poor soils and heat.

Skimmia japonica (Female plant bears berries)

Skimmia japonica is an excellent small evergreen shrub for shady areas, especially where deer damage can be an issue. Foliage is dark green with bright red berries that form on female plants in fall and often last throughout winter. Foliage turns to a bronze hue in autumn, adding color to the landscape. Skimmia is hardy within USDA zones 6-9, prefers partial to full shade, a moist acidic soil rich in organic matter and moderate watering. The plant stays compact at 3-4 feet high by wide and has a low, mounding habit. A male pollinator is required nearby for the female plants to bear fruit.

Azalea 'Gumpo'

Azalea 'Gumpo' is a dwarf compact evergreen hardy in USDA zones 7-9 that displays showy salmon-pink blooms in late spring. This low growing hybrid reaches a compact height and width of just 2 feet tall by 3 feet wide, making it an excellent candidate for use in foundation plantings, woodland settings and in planters. 'Gumpo' prefers to be grown in filtered sun, such as an area with morning sun and afternoon shade, and requires moderate watering. This versatile plant can have a range of uses in the landscape.

Rhododendron catawbiense 'English Roseum'

Rhododendron is a popular dense-growing evergreen shrub which is highly valued by many. Rhododendron 'English Roseum' displays oblong leathery dark green foliage which is accompanied by large trusses of trumpet-shaped lilac-pink showy flowers in mid-late spring. This variety of rhododendron is hardy in USDA zones 4-8, prefers full sun to partial shade and moderate watering. ‘English Roseum’ is a moderate grower, reaching a height and width of 6-8 feet in the landscape. 

Skip Laurel

Skip Laurel is a popular evergreen shrub with a narrow habit, making it an excellent choice for backdrops and screenings where space is limited. Skip Laurel is hardy in USDA zones 6-8, can be grown in a variety of conditions ranging from full sun to full shade and prefers moderate watering. White spire-like flowers accompany the dark foliage in mid-spring, adding excellent interest, especially in shady locations. Skip Laurel grows to a height of 8-10 feet tall by 4-8 feet wide and should be provided with adequate drainage.

Pieris Cavatine (Dwarf Andromeda)

Japanese Andromeda ‘Cavatine’ is a cold hardy, dwarf version of Andromeda. This small, low mounding evergreen is hardy in USDA zones 4-8 and provides year-round interest in the landscape. In early spring, the shrub is almost completely covered with bell-shaped, creamy white blooms that resemble Lilly of the Valley, followed by attractive dark green foliage throughout the rest of the season. ‘Cavatine’ is slow growing, reaching a height of just 18-24 inches tall by 24-30 inches wide and prefers partial to full shade.

For information on winter care of broad-leaved evergreens, visit 

Winterizing Evergreens or General Tree & Shrub Care.

Visit My Author Page/Purchase My Books

Be sure to stop by on the 1st. of each month for This Month in the Garden, as I share gardening tips, information and horticultural adventures! Linking with:  Floral Fridays, Macro Monday 2, Friday Photo Journal, Image-in-ing Weekly Photo Link-Up and Dishing It & Digging It, 

~As Always...Happy Gardening ~

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

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up October 2018: Hello Autumn!

October Garden

Welcome to my garden and I hope you enjoy your visit! It's time for Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and walk in the autumn landscape to see what is blooming. Up until a four days ago, temperatures were still hovering in the low to mid-70's. Overnight on the 11th, the rumbling of thunder could be heard with what was probably the last thunderstorm of the season. The cold front accompanied by torrential rains brought in the true feeling that the fall season had arrived. Now the days are cool and crisp with temperatures in the upper 50's and lower 60's, and the foliage is starting to turn color. The garden preps for its time to rest. Come along on a tour through my Long Island garden.

Welcome!

October is a transitional month in the garden. While springtime represents renewal, autumn brings a sense of calmness. While my garden is predominately evergreens, the flowering shrubs and perennials are showing signs of autumnal change. With the constant moisture this autumn, there should be quite a show of foliage in the upcoming weeks.

Perennial Border Fountain Grass

One of my favorite signs of autumn are the fluffy plumes on ornamental grasses and the changing color of Sedum foliage as it transitions to a lime green. 

Sedum 'Brilliant' in Autumn

After some rejuvenating back in August, Daylily 'Stella D' Oro' is still going strong and blooming well into fall. 

'Stella D' Oro' Daylily Still Blooming!

Here is a post I had written a while back on the process.

Dwarf Butterfly Bush

The Dwarf Butterfly Bush on the patio is doing very well, has doubled in size, and is still blooming in its planter. I will be bringing it into the garage at the end of the month/start of November to overwinter. Only time will tell to see if my experiment works. My hopes are to return the planter to the patio next spring with a viable plant.

Monarch!

I adore the Monarchs that frequently visit!

(Stachys) Lamb's Ear Autumn

Come take a look at the perennial border. This is one part of the garden that changes constantly. Right now, the Stachys (Lamb's Ear) is prominent with its soft white foliage. Dried Astilbe seed heads are in the backdrop.

Skyland's Oriental Spruce

Here is Skyland's Oriental Spruce in front of Coral Bark Maple. The foliage of the maple is just starting to change.

Spirea 'Magic Carpet' Autumn

'Magic Carpet' Spirea doesn't want to quit blooming in the driveway border. The days have been warm enough to push out new growth.

Young Girl and Kitty Friends

This has been the year of new statues in the garden. I fell in love with this one of a young girl and her best friend. It is located in a prominent place where I can view it from several windows when looking out at the garden. Some of the other statuary that you will come across can be found tucked away among the garden and lurking around corners.

Variegated Liriope October Blooms

In the eastern garden, Liriope 'Variegata' (lillyturf) is in full bloom for October.

Front Walkway

It can be viewed here bordering the front walkway, along with Japanese Garden Juniper, Heuchera 'Caramel' and Golden Sweetflag.

Signs of Autumn

Here are some signs of autumn, as the remaining foliage of Oriental Lillium 'Stargazer' turns to hues of yellow and orange. It will be asleep for winter soon.

Perennial Border

Back around to the perennial border, you can see the last of the blue blooms of Platycodon (Balloon Flower) next to Juniperus 'Blue Star' and Ornamental Fountain Grass 'Hameln'. A grafted Blue Globe Spruce towers above the rest of the garden.

Tree Hydrangea 'Tardivia' October

In the north garden, the white panicle-shaped blooms of hydrangea 'Tardivia' take on a greenish hue for fall.

Hydrangea 'Tardivia' Bloom Up Close

Some of the flowers have pink highlights too!

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar

Along the southwestern side of the property is Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar accompanied by more variegated liriope, which is displaying spikes of purple blooms this time of year.

Weeping Japanese Maple

Soon the Weeping Japanese Maple will be loosing its leaves, only to expose its interesting trunk structure. Every season has something to offer in the garden.

Shade Garden-Leucothoe

In the back shade garden, Leucothoe 'Auxillaris', Hakonechloa macra (Japanese Forest Grass) and Hosta 'Minuteman' make an excellent combination for low light...

Shade Garden-Caramel Coral Bells and Friends!

and to your right is another shade planting of Heuchera 'Caramel' with friends!

Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz'

Last, but not least are the Double Knock Out Roses that continue to bloom right outside my window and my next door neighbor's Montauk Daisies. 

Montauk Daisies

Every year I take a picture of them, since they remind me of my mom. 

October Garden-Thanks for visiting!

I hope you enjoyed your stroll through my October garden. Please feel free to stay a while and catch up on some of my other posts. 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, 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 on the 17th with Everyday Living.

In the news: I am honored to have been selected for the 2018 Golden Trowel Award, joined by sixty-nine other blogs. Congratulations to all!

More News:  I am at it again writing and 106 pages in for a possible third book. Are there any gardening topics that particularly fascinate you or that you would like to learn more about. I'd love to hear!

  ~As Always...Happy Gardening ~

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening,© Copyright 2018. All rights reserved.