Showing posts with label Nellie Stevens Holly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nellie Stevens Holly. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up February: Winter Snow & Upcoming Blooms!

February Garden
Welcome to my February Long Island, zone 7 garden! It has certainly been an interesting month, with the Blizzard of 2022 starting on the evening of the 28th and continuing all the way through evening of the next day with 22.4 inches of bountiful white! The temperatures finally started to rise, and the ground could finally be seen again after two weeks, but then on the 13th...Mother Nature gave us another go around with a layering of more snow! Since this is a virtual tour, you will get to see what the landscape looked like just two weeks ago, just three days ago and now. Come along and I hope you enjoy the views!
Front Entrance Garden After Blizzard of 2022
For two days, there was no getting out of the house. The snow had drifted three to four feet in some spots and had blocked the entry to the garage and back door. Here is a view of the front garden a few days after the crew had dug us out. The entire planting along the walkway had been buried, with just the taller trees in view. 
Welcoming Commitee!
The welcoming committee along the back patio garden had completely vanished in the snow, so it was nice to see their smiling faces once again!

Winter's Beauty-Ripples of Drifting Snow
The drifting snow caused by the high winds was pretty though, as the sun's shadow cast upon the covering of white.
Pool Surround
Along the pool surround, Green Giant Arborvitae can be viewed in the backdrop with an assortment of other evergreens along the edge. Thankfully, the temperatures were so frigid that the snow was light and fluffy, allowing it to easily blow off the branches of the trees.
Back Island Bed
There is something to be said about a winter's snow being magical. Here, looking from the back patio is the left side of the island bed with Crape Myrtle and Gold Lace Juniper, with Weeping Norway Spruce and Blue Globe Spruce in the foreground. The layer of snow changes the perspective of the garden, making the two beds look connected.
Sculpture in Snow
In the back garden, is this statue of a young girl and her kitten...
Driveway Entry
and the driveway entry garden still layered in white.
A Welcomed Visitor
At last, just three days before Bloom Day, only remnants of snow had remained along the landscape and the wintering birds started out once again to make their appearance. 
Front Walkway Garden
As the snow slowly melted, the garden had appeared again from under the cloak of white. There was a huge difference from just two weeks ago.
Southwestern Garden
There were still some gentle reminders of the blizzard of 2022, but the grass was visible once again and there even blooms to be seen along the way!
Holly Berries
In the back shade area, the berries of  Nellie Stevens Holly, are all bright and cheerful. They make a nice addition to the winter landscape. 
After the Storm & Getting Back to Normal
Along the northern perimeter is Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar and grass! I never thought it could be so exciting to see the green lawn again!
Hellebores Northern Garden
Even in the midst of winter, there can be blooms! Here is Hellebore 'Shooting Star', one of the first of the Hellebores to bloom. It is a little delayed this year, but should be in full bloom soon.
Helleborous 'Shooting Star'
Here are the beautiful pinkish buds up close and getting ready to open.
Mondo Grass and Osmanthus
Foliage is important, especially in the wintertime garden. Here is a view from the back patio with a foliage combination of Black Mondo Grass and Osmanthus 'Goskiki' in the backdrop. The Mondo Grass is a little beat up right now from the snow, but does well in the planter under the shade of the nearby Weeping Pussy Willow tree.
Skyland's Spruce and Coral Bark Maple
Here along the driveway border is Skyland's Golden Oriental Spruce with Coral Bark Maple in the backdrop. I enjoy how the bark of the maple glows a vibrant coral-red this time of year.
Skyland's Spruce Seed Cones
Here we can see Skyland's Spruce seed cones. They look so pronounced against the golden foliage of the tree and the blue sky.
Skimmia japonica Flower Buds
Last, but not least is Skimmia japonica. This is such an interesting shade plant with flower buds now forming, that will lead to blooms in early spring...
Thanksgiving Cactus
and indoors...Thanksgiving cactus started blooming in November and is still going!!!
Here we go again!
But wait!!! Just when the snow had disappeared, Mother Nature wanted to let us know that she is far from through...
February Patio Surround Garden
so it's just a good time to appreciate nature and gaze upon the snow...
Winter Snow on Weeping Japanese Maple
and dream of spring until we meet again. Happy Bloom Day!😊
Winter's Greetings

Thank you for Visiting!
I hope you enjoyed your visit to my February 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 FotosMacro Monday 2, Mosaic Monday at Letting Go of the Bay Leaf, Nature Notes at Rambling WoodsImage-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:

We have been continuing our regular zoom meetings with GardenComm. It's a wonderful way to get together with colleagues and share gardening adventures! Now we meet two times a month, once for the northeast regional meeting and again for a "Better Together", where gardeners from all over can connect at once.

Plant-O-Rama went virtual this year and it was wonderful, with guest speakers, chat rooms and a virtual trade show. It was a very enjoyable experience and I got to make some new friends!

More news!!!🎕 I am in the process of working on a new book for the northeast and Mid-Atlantic garden! Organized in a similar fashion as my last book, Gardening By Month, this one will be a reference of plants for a specific type of garden. I have been writing a couple of hours each day, will need to take some high resolution photos in springtime, then hopefully will have it ready to publish in 2023! There's a long way to go, so details will follow.

Purchase Here
Looking for some winter reading?: Visit My Author Page


"As Always...Be Well and Happy Gardening”! 

 Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening,© Copyright 2010-2022. All rights reserved.

Friday, January 15, 2021

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up January: Let the Gardening Season Begin!

Welcome to my January Garden!
Welcome to 2021 and the beginning of a new gardening year! As we left off from the previous Bloom Day, snow had graced the landscape on the 16th of December, creating a winter wonderland that lasted well into the final week of the month, until it melted away on the evening of the 24th. The winter temperatures have now settled into the upper 30's to low 40's, but I continue to venture out for some brisk walks in the garden. Put on something warm and come along on a tour of my January, Long Island garden to see what it has to offer!
Hellebore 'Shooting Star'
January starts of the gardening season with Hellebore 'Shooting Star', one of the earlier blooming varieties of Helleborous x hybridus. Large pink buds open into pinkish white blooms with green highlights as the  flowers mature. 
Hellebore 'Shooting Star'
Here is a closer look at one of the buds opening. The blooms will last for months.
Crape Myrtle Winter Bark
Crape Myrtle has its own interest in January. Here is a look at its multi-colored exfoliating bark.
Nellie Stevens Holly Winter Berries!
These bright red berries can be seen from across the property on Nellie Steven's Holly. I am a true believer in finding something of interest for every month of the year. (Shameless plug: That is what my newest book, Gardening by Month is all about!)
Winter Structure-Weeping Japanese Maple
Here is Weeping Japanese Maple, which I love just as much in winter as I do in summer due to its beautiful structure!
Weeping Norway Spruce
In the driveway border, Weeping Norway Spruce gracefully displays is evergreen foliage...
Dwarf Golden Hinoki Cypress 'Nana' and Blue 'Montgomery' Globe Spruce
while dwarf Golden Hinoki Cypress and Blue Globe Montgomery Spruce add color to the landscape with their vibrant hues of gold and blue.
Skip Laurel and Evergreen Golden Sedge
Tucked away under Skip Laurel are these dwarf Golden Sedge, which were added last summer. I am getting more and more focused on winter interest as the years go by.
Dwarf Conifer Container Garden
Container gardening with dwarf evergreens is fun in every season, and I still get to enjoy these outdoor in wintertime. Left to right are Hinoki Cypress 'Nana, Juniperus 'Compressa' and Variegated Boxwood.
Secret Shade Garden
Let's venture out to the back shade garden. It is rather peaceful this time of year.
Rosemary in January!
In the herb garden, this Rosemary is a nice element to have, as my husband frequency uses sprigs for cooking.
Welcoming Party!
While various plantings bring interest to the winter garden, wildlife visitors are always welcomed. This little guy visits everyday and enjoys the seed that the birds throw down from the feeder. Today he came right up to the patio to visit!
Garden Visitor!
As we await spring, the indoor garden continues to bring joy on those super cold days. 
Indoor Blooms-Orchid
I can admire blooms of orchid and Thanksgiving Cactus, which just keep on giving!
Thanksgiving Cactus Still Blooming!
Here is one of the mature Jade Plants on the plant room window sill, accompanied by more Thanksgiving Cactus, newly propagated Jade and Aloe.
Indoor Garden Room
Friends tell me that I have no more room for plants....but I reply, "There's always room for something new!"
January Garden-Thank you for Visiting!
Thank you for visiting my January garden. As always, I enjoy hearing from you 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 FotosMacro Monday 2, Mosaic Monday at Letting Go of the Bay Leaf, Nature Notes at Rambling WoodsImage-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
There's a New Book in Town: Book Launching-Published January 3rd! 😊
Have you ever wondered if you could have interest in the garden twelve months a year? The answer is a definitive yes! I am proud to share the launching of my fourth book, Gardening by Month: A Monthly Guide to Planning the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic Garden . It takes you on a journey through each month of the year, while providing that perfect mix of gardening interest along the way, whether it be berries, bark, blooms or foliage. Colorful photographs are accompanied by care tips for each selection with suggested monthly maintenance tips. Gardening by Month is now up and live on Amazon! More details to follow!📚 

Sunday, November 15, 2020

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up: The Colors and Blooms of Autumn

Welcome to my November Garden!
Welcome to my Long Island autumn garden. As we all go through a worldwide pandemic and the results of a historical presidential election here in the U.S., the month of November has been anything but ordinary. I spent the first week engrossed in the activity of stress eating (lots of sweets!) and spending hours outside in the garden. Another unusual thing about this month has been the inconsistency of the season. While the daytime temperatures had been in the 50's and 60's, and we did have our first frost, several days had risen into the mid to upper 70's with a high of 76 ℉ on the 8th. Taking advantage of the warmer days, I have been getting seasonal chores done in the garden. I'll take every moment I can, since being in the garden is my passion and therapy, Come along and join me to explore some autumnal views!
Welcoming Committee
With all the stress going on, one of my favorite things to do is to visit the local nursery. I find peace and a feeling of well being just walking around and being totally surrounded by plants. On a recent visit, I bought myself this cute little bear for the front stoop. It is amazing how this new addition can provide so much joy! 
Autumn at its Peak
By the beginning to mid-November the foliage here is at its peak. Here are Skyland's Golden Oriental Spruce and Coral Bark Maple 'Sangu Kaku' in the front entrance driveway planting. The colors of the Coral Bark Maple are a fiery orange-red and seem to get more intense by the day.
Autumn Views
Here is another view. In the foreground is Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar. This one is about 20-25 years old.
Weeping Japanese Maple Autumn Foliage
On the front lawn, Weeping Japanese Maple 'Viridis' is in autumn mode. Soon just the twisted nature of the trunk and canopy will be on display for winter.
Eastern Redbud 'Lavender Twist' Autumn Foliage
Come along for a closer look up front. After much contemplating, I re-designed and renovated the front entrance planting this summer, starting with this Weeping Eastern Redbud 'Lavender Twist', which was planted in spring. I wanted the tree for its clusters of magenta buds that cover the tree in spring, but am also enjoying its autumn foliage.
Star Magnolia and Weeping Japanese Maple 'Red Select
Strolling around to the back pool garden, 'Star Magnolia' and Weeping Japanese Maple 'Red Select' are extremely vibrant in color this year.
Magnolia Buds
As you can see, the Magnolia is already setting its buds for next season.
Perennial Border November
The back perennial border is showing its fall colors with dried seed heads of Astilbe, Stachys (Lamb's Ear) and  Juniperus 'Blue Star' for a touch of evergreen color.
Stachys (Lamb's Ear) Autumn
This Lamb's Ear is a perennial that adds interest in every season. I think I prefer the foliage even more so than the spikes of pink blooms that appear in summer.
Heuchera Autumn
Did I mention that it has been an unusual fall? This Heuchera just recently set out another flower stalk with the milder temperatures.
Cherry Laurel Bloom in November
The Cherry Laurel in the back shade garden is doing the same thing with a second bloom. I'm not minding it a bit!
Nellie Stevens Holly Berries
One of my favorite things to look forward to in autumn are the berries of Nellie Steven's Holly. They will turn from yellow-orange to a bright red as time goes on.
Sky Pencil Holly Berries
The Sky Pencil Holly is showing its purplish-black berries now in November. Both evergreens attract bird visitors to the garden as the berries are a treat.
Happy Visitors
The birds enjoy the feeder too and it is a popular meeting place every morning and afternoon.
Weeping White Pine Full Sized Cones
As we head southward, you can see the very mature seed cones on the Weeping White Pine in the pool garden, The dwarf Maiden Grass is also showing its attractive plumes.
Dwarf Maiden Grass 'Yaku Jima'
Gardening Tip: Leaving grass for the winter months adds interest to the garden and protects the roots from severe cold. It is best to prune ornamental grasses back in late winter-early spring.
Viburnum 'Summer Snowflake' Autumn Bloom
Moving along to the back garden, even the 'Summer Snowflake' Viburnum is joining some of the other plants by pushing out another round of blooms...
Thanksgiving Cactus
and inside...Thanksgiving Cactus is putting on quite the show!
Thanksgiving Cactus
Another Helpful Tip: Thanksgiving Cactus have serrated, jagged edges to their leaves while Christmas Cactus leaves are more rounded. While both Thanksgiving and Christmas Cactus have elongated foliage, the foliage of Easter Cactus is more rounded-oval.
Dirty Gloves=Happy Gardener 😊
Well...back to the garden!
Thanks for Visiting!

Thank you for visiting my November garden and I hope you enjoyed your stroll. As always, I enjoy hearing from you and seeing what's going on 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 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 FotosMacro Monday 2, Mosaic Monday at Letting Go of the Bay Leaf, Nature Notes at Rambling WoodsImage-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. 

~Sharing my knowledge and passion of gardening~

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Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening,© Copyright 2010-2020. All rights reserved.