Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up February: A Snowy Winter Wonderland

Welcome to my Garden!

Welcome to my February Long Island garden! With record snowfall on the 25th-26th with over a foot of snow, another couple inches afterwards and temperatures below freezing and in the single digits for the following two weeks, the garden is settled in for winter. Now for the first time in weeks, the temperatures are finally rising above the freezing point and the snow is beginning to thaw. Join me for a tour of my zone 7b garden!

Welcoming Committee

First is the infamous welcoming committee! This time of year the beverage of choice is a cup of hot cocoa! Now, let's venture through the garden!   

Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple

Starting along the back patio area is Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple in winter mode. I am enjoying how its branches have a soft reddish glow against the evergreen variegated foliage of Osmanthus (False Holly).

Garden Gal!

In the same bed, Garden Gal, a statue I have had for as long as I can remember, carries her basket as she is nestled in the snow...

Patio Border

while the foliage of Nandina 'Obsession' seems to glow brightly against the deep green foliage of Weeping Norway Spruce and golden-green foliage of Dwarf Cryptomeria.

Patio Border South

Along the back patio border, the blue color of dwarf Blue Globe Spruce is even more pronounced against the snow.

"Secret Garden"

In the back "secret garden", as we venture around the bend and follow a short pathway, Weeping Norway Spruce can be seen. Four years ago, a major branch had broken off from the weight of the snow, so my arborist decided to "juice it up", as he would say. With some feeding the past few years, it has rebounded and grown another six feet taller! Other interest in the landscape this time of year are the berries of Nellie Steven's Holly.

Nellie Steven's Holly Berries

Pool Border

As the snow starts to melt, the outline of the pool border can just now be seen...

Pool Border

along with the snow covered branches of Weeping Norway Spruce.

Pool Border Northwest

Leucothoe 'Axillaris' displays its colorful foliage in the back bed along the western portion of the property, and is accompanied by Sky Pencil Holly. 

Feathered Friends!

The birds have been keeping me busy! Even with this new feeder, which holds two and half times the amount of food as the previous one, I am still refilling it every two to three days, as it is non-stop with visitors.

A Close Up View!

I will do anything to keep them fed, even if it means trenching out through a foot of snow in single digit temperatures. They watch from the nearby trees as I replenish their food, then tweet to express their gratitude!

Walkway Border

Follow along as we venture to the front. Here the Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar bordering the front walk can be seen, with the glowing red bark of Coral Bark Maple (Acer Sangu Kaku) in the distance. Skyland's Golden Spruce can be seen to the right and Weeping White Pine to the left, while at the driveway's end, the lamppost peaks out from under the drifting snow.

Driveway Border

Hellebore Buds from Last Month!

Here are the Hellebore (Lenten Rose) buds as they appeared last month...not to be seen now, but insulated by a blanket of snow...

The Latest in Footwear!

and here is the necessary foot gear for venturing out into the February garden. 

The Indoor Garden!

While the snow covers the landscape, the indoor garden is thriving and brings me joy, and the Thanksgiving Cactus is still blooming since the beginning of November! I recently read that the Old Farmer's Almanac is predicting a warmer and drier spring than usual for here in the northeast. Only time will tell!

Still Blooming!

Thanks for Visiting!

I hope you enjoyed your visit to my February 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.

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! If you have read any of my books and have found them to be useful, reviews are very much appreciated!

Also, check out my newsletter Northeastern Gardening News for monthly updates all to do with gardening! It's free to subscribe or you can pledge a donation to show support for my work, or upgrade to receive extra perks monthly 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 2010-2026. All rights reserved. 

This Month in the Garden: Feature Ornamental Tree-Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple

This Month in the Garden

Welcome to This Month in the Garden! This month we feature Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple, scientifically known as Acer palmatum ‘Rhode Island Red'. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9, this eye-catching ornamental tree adds a touch of elegance to gardens and landscapes of all types. This unique cultivar is cherished for its dwarf form and striking features throughout the seasons, making it a favorite among garden enthusiasts.

Rhode Island Red Dwarf Japanese Maple

Appearance:

The Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple is renowned for its vivid, red tones as new foliage appears in springtime on a dense multi-branched tree with a rounded crown. As the foliage matures, it progresses to a deeper burgundy-red, before transforming into a brilliant array of red and orange hues in fall. One of the most enchanting aspects of this Japanese Maple is its ability to undergo eye-catching transformations with each passing season. Even in wintertime, the structure of the tree, with its dark red stems, creates an appealing silhouette against the winter sky.

Size and Shape:

This cultivar typically grows into a small to medium-sized tree, reaching a mature height of approximately 6 feet tall by wide. Its compact and rounded form makes it an excellent choice for both large and small gardens. 

Growing Requirements:

Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple should be planted in a location with full sun to partial shade and a rich, well-drained soil. A location which protects it from late afternoon scorching sun is ideal. Like other members of the Acer palmatum family, Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple prefers consistent moisture but should not be waterlogged. It benefits from a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

Landscape Uses:

The Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple is a versatile addition to various landscaping settings. Whether planted as a standalone specimen or incorporated into a mixed border, this tree provides year-round interest to the garden. It is also well-suited for container gardening, allowing individuals with limited space to enjoy its beauty on patios or balconies. Reminder:  When planting in containers, choose plants which can withstand temperatures two zones colder than your location.

Maintenance:

Low-maintenance by nature, the Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple benefits from periodic pruning to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Pruning is best performed once the leaves mature in summer to minimize sap loss. Mulching around the base helps conserve moisture and insulate the roots, especially during extreme temperatures.

Rhode Island Red Dwarf Japanese Maple

In conclusion, the Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple stands as a testament to the beauty and diversity found in ornamental trees. Its stunning foliage, manageable size, and adaptability make it a cherished addition to the landscape. Whether you are a seasoned or novice gardener, this cultivar can be looked upon as a living work of art in your outdoor space.

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden for the month of November. Be sure to stop by on the 1st. and 15th. of each month as I continue to share gardening tips, information and horticultural adventures! 

Also, Check out 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

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

Welcome!

Welcome to Garden Blogger's Bloom Day (and Foliage Follow-Up) for October! Autumn like temperatures have arrived suddenly as daytime temperatures turned from 80 degrees one day for the last hooray, now moderating into the steady 60's  The skies are mostly clear with a slight chill in the air, which makes one feel alive, and the surrounding landscape is transitioning into what soon will be an array of changing colors. Join me in my Long Island garden for some autumnal blooms and views!

Seasonal Planter

The first view is of a planter that I had to own once I had passed it at the local farm stand. It just called to me...if you know what I mean! The combination of ornamental grasses and Rudbeckia should hopefully last for some time!

Montauk Daisy

Along the back walkway are Montauk Daisies, which bloom every October. I had always admired them from across the street and decided to add some to my own garden a number of years back. It was one of my neighbor's favorite plants and they remind me of him whenever I look at them. He was like a family member to me as I had known him my entire life.

Hydrangea 'Limelight Prime'

This Hydrangea 'Limelight Prime' joined the garden three years ago and has been a wonderful addition for summer and fall interest. Its' greenish-white blooms turn to a deep pink as the temperatures cool.

Kousa Japanese Dogwood

Along the northern side of the property is the bright red fruit of Japanese Kousa Dogwood which highlights the tree in autumn. Although the fruit has a bitter taste, the birds love to eat it and it can be sweetened into a tasty jelly.

Kousa Dogwood Fruit

Here is the interesting pattern on the fruit close up!

Allium 'Millenium' Seed Head

New to the garden this year is Allium 'Millenium'. Besides its purple blooms in later summer, I am loving its flowers dried!

Dried Peony Seed Head

In the perennial border, this seed head of Peony 'Bartzella' just exploded wide open, making for an excellent autumn display! I love to admire nature's artwork, especially during this time of year.

Perennial Border Autumn-Lamb's Ear and Astilbe

In the perennial border is the soft fuzzy white foliage of Lamb's Ear with the dried flower stalks of Astilbe Pumila...

Dwarf Maiden Grass 'Yaku Jima' Autumn

while along the pool border, Dwarf Maiden Grass 'Yaku Jima' is displaying its plumes against the greenery of Weeping White Pine.

Sedum 'Brilliant' Autumn

Here are the dried flower heads of Sedum 'Brilliant' once the pink blooms fade following a late summer bloom.

Patio Border

I am happy to share the latest new addition to the patio border! It was time for the Weeping Pussy Willow to go after many years of enjoyment, but trees do have their life span. It gave me the opportunity to revamp the space, which we all know is one of my favorite things to do. After much thought, I decided on a Rhode Island Red Dwarf Japanese Maple, which I had my sights on after including one in a design at one of my client's properties. This specimen tree has slightly larger burgundy leaves and maintains a more rounded compact shape, reaching a mature height and width of just 6 feet tall by wide over many years, making it very low maintenance.

New Addition-Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple

I am in the process of including additional dwarf evergreens, transitioning this space into a dwarf conifer-specimen garden.

Double Red Knock Out Rose

Now onto some blooms. Double Red Knock Out Rose is a stable in the perimeter garden as it continues to bloom throughout summer into the first frost of autumn... 

Dwarf Rudbeckia 'Little Goldstar'

and Rudbeckia 'Little Goldstar' still hangs on as it refuses to stop blooming, for now anyway!

Dwarf Butterfly Bush 'Pugster Blue'

Dwarf Butterfly Bush 'Pugster Blue' never ceases to amaze me as it too does not want to give up blooming. Just when I think it is done for the season, it sports another pop of color to admire!

'Stella D Oro' Daylily

'Stella D Oro' Daylily is another candidate that never disappoints. I deadhead and rejuvenate it in late summer and it comes back strong into fall while producing more blooms...

Abelia 'Kaleidoscope'

and along the back walkway, Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' has been blooming since last month with its delicate trumpet-like flowers. 

Weeping White Pine Seed Cone

Other fall interest in the garden are the seed cones of various evergreens. The Weeping White Pine is producing an abundance of them this year. I am wondering if this is the tree's way of preparing for a rough winter.

Mugo Pine Seed Cone

The pine cones on Mugo Pine are interesting as well and there seems to be quite a few of them.

Spirea 'Limemound' and Weeping Norway Spruce

Some foliage combinations for fall include the yellow-green foliage of Spirea 'Limemound' against the deeper green foliage of Weeping Norway Spruce... 

Front Walkway with Weeping Eastern Redbud

and the large heart-shaped leaves of Weeping Eastern Redbud 'Lavender twist' against the foliage of Weeping White Pine, Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar and Coral Bark Maple (far left), which should soon be putting on a colorful show!

Thanks for Stopping By!

I hope you enjoyed your visit to my October 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.