Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up December 2018: Winter Landscape Interest

December 2018 Garden

Welcome to my December Long Island garden! Only six days away from the official start of winter in the northern hemisphere, the garden has quietly gone to sleep. Colorful evergreens and structure are the main focus during this time of year. Come along with me to see the ever-changing landscape. Better bundle up...it's cold outside!

Welcome!

With daytime temperatures in the mid to upper 30's over the past week and a few snow flurries, winter seems to be arriving sooner than later here in the northeast. Now that all the leaves have fallen, evergreens are holding down the fort with their color and interest. Some semi-evergreen perennials, such as Heuchera (Coral Bells) are still displaying their caramel and purple coloring. The evergreens seen here include Western and Emerald Green Arborvitae (backdrop), Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar (left), Gold Mop Cypress (left under Cedar), and Gold Spot Euonymus (middle).

Northern Border

I always enjoy pine cones, but they become more prevalent at this time of year, as you can see on this Weeping White Pine by the back pool area.

Decorative Pine Cones 

Garden Gal is still holding her basket of Black Mondo Grass. She got an honorable mention in my newest book, Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener, which I am pleased to announce just released a week and a half ago!

Garden Gal

I love the color on this Dwarf Cryptomeria (making its first appearance) in the wintertime. It turns from a lime green to this bright golden-yellow.

Dwarf Cryptomeria Autumn/Winter

In the driveway garden is Skyland's Golden Oriental Spruce. As you probably know, it was planted as a memorial tree for my mom back in 2008 and has great sentimental value. It is also one of my favorite evergreens on the property for its seasonal interest.

Skyland's Golden Oriental Spruce

Here are the interesting seed cones close up, which appear purple in early spring as they are forming.

Skyland's Golden Oriental Spruce Seed Cones

The Northern Cardinals are so beautiful and appear exceptionally vibrant during this time of year.

Cardinal Visitor

The leaves have fallen off everything except this particular Weeping Japanese Maple in the front yard. It just doesn't want to give up fall. 

Weeping Japanese Maple Autumn/Winter

I enjoy focusing on its structure when I can see it. The changing seasons do have their benefit in showing the garden in a different perspective.

Weeping Japanese Maple Autumn/Winter Structure

There is something alluring about dried hydrangea flowers. I even like to enjoy them in a vase during winter, as it's a way of bringing a little of the outdoors inside.

Mophead Hydrangea Dried Flowers

As we move along, here is the front walkway and planting leading to the front door. The Golden Variegated Sweet Flag on the right under the Weeping Birch is one of the most reliable perennials on the property. It has been there for about twenty years, stays evergreen and needs no maintenance. It's a win-win plant when put in the proper location. This is eastern exposure with morning light and shade under the tree later on in the day.

Front Walkway

In front of the Sweet Flag is Juniperus 'Blue Star' and to the far left on the island bed is Hinoki Cypress 'Fernspray', which reaches about fifteen feet.

Newest Garden Addition

Here's the newest statuary addition to the garden with Dwarf Maiden Grass 'Yaku Jima' plumes behind her.

Holiday Bear!

As the holiday season has arrived, I wish all my readers the best for wonderful times spent with family and friends, with good health, peace and happiness in the new year.

December 2018 Garden

I hope you enjoyed your stroll through my December 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.

Check out my newest book Dream, Garden, Grow! - a story about a dream, a garden and growing as a lifetime gardener (more info to follow).

  ~As Always...Happy Gardening ~

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

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow Up September 2018: Autumn is in the Air!

September 2018 Garden

Welcome to my September garden! I can hardly believe that summer is ending with fall just around the corner. After a hot and humid start to September with several days in the upper 80's to lower 90's, a cold front has set in bringing showers and cooler temperatures. The garden is starting to look autumn-like as late summer blooms set in, along with a few lingering raindrops on roses. There may be more prolonged rain in the future as hurricane season has arrived. Before we start the tour, my thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by hurricane Josephine. I hope you are safe and out of harms way. 

Patio Planters

As we start the tour this month, here is the patio garden with one of the new Dwarf Butterfly Bushes thriving in a large planter. The fig tree to the right is getting full of ripening delicious fruit.

It's Fig Season!

September is fig season and it is a good year for them! I planted this fig tree for my husband a number of years back and  the fruit keeps getting better and better. 

Monarch Butterfly on Butterfly Bush

It seems to be a much better year for Monarchs! This one frequents the Butterfly Bush on the patio.

Dwarf Buddleia 'Pugster Blue'

Dwarf Butterfly Bush 'Pugster Blue' is a dwarf form of Buddleia, growing to just 2-3 feet in height and width, yet having the same large fragrant blooms of a full-sized butterfly bush.

Garden Love!

Another trip out east and end of summer sale at the nursery made it hard to pass up this new decor to add to the garden. Late summer blooming Dwarf Rudbeckia 'Little Goldstar' surrounds the new addition with Hosta 'Patriot' behind it.

Sedum 'Mr. Goodbud'

The Sedum 'Mr. Goodbud' I planted last summer is doing well and I am enjoying the bright neon blooms that are lasting through a couple of months. The pollinators are enjoying them too!

Hemerocallis 'Stella D Oro' September

Here is one of the most reliable perennials in my garden, Hemerocallis 'Stella D Oro', blooming again after its August rejuvenation. It blooms from June throughout fall with some simple maintenance.

Spirea and Variegated Iris

The Variegated Iris, which was added to the garden last year has also proven itself. Its variegated foliage can still be enjoyed once the blooms have faded.

Blue Atlas Cedar Forming Cones

Now that summer is winding down and fall is on the way, focus comes back to the evergreens in the garden as they form large attractive seed cones...

Skylands Golden Oriental Spruce

and display their colorful foliage. The Blue Atlas Cedar and Skyland's Oriental Spruce with its golden hue are two of my favorites.

Tree Hydrangea 'Tardivia'

Along the north side of the property, Hydrangea 'Tardivia' is showing off its panicle blooms and its mild fragrance can be enjoyed by passers by.

Tree Hydrangea 'Tardivia' Individual Bloom

Here is one of the panicle blooms up close. Each bloom measures approximately six to seven inches in length.

September Perennial Border

Let's venture back around towards the west facing perennial border, where the garden is starting to look very fall-like. Lamb's Ear with its tall stalks of pink blooms look much brighter against the fading blooms of Astilbe and Balloon Flower (right of Astilbe) can still be seen displaying its blue blooms as it towers above evergreen Blue Star Juniper.

Sedum 'Brilliant'

In the southern border, Sedum 'Brilliant' and Salvia 'May Night' are blooming. When your Salvia finishes its first/second major bloom, a little deadheading will encourage blooms to continue into Fall.

Salvia nemerosa  'May Night'

Come along and follow me to the back of the property. This will be the last chance to glance at the pool, since it will likely be covered by the next Bloom Day.

Pool Garden

As you can see it is starting to sprinkle again as some rains pass through. The pool garden consists mainly of evergreens, which creates wintertime interest while it is cold outside.

Double Knock Out Roses

For interest through the first frost, Double Red Knock Out Rose continues to bloom in the south facing garden. There have been some "raindrops on roses" this past week.

Kousa Dogwood 'Greensleeves'

The Kousa Dogwood is starting to lose its leaves as Hosta starts to yellow in front of Dwarf Black Eyed Susan.  Autumn is definitely in the air.

Baby Bunny Visitor

We've had some baby bunnies this season as one friendly visitor comes to say hello for Bloom Day! I must say they have been very respectful of the garden.

September Succulent Planter

Last, but not least is one of my favorite container plantings consisting of combinations of succulents in a strawberry planter. Succulents are drought tolerant, extremely low maintenance and colorful to look at. They even bloom in mid-late summer!

Sunflower Love!

Do you enjoy sunflowers? I have always had a fascination with sunflowers and every year we would ride past the fields out east here on Long Island. Each time, I had high hopes of stopping to take pictures with the beautiful flowers, but the farms were never open to the public. This year a local farmer opened up his land to visitors. As we spoke with the farmer, he never realized what an attraction the vast fields of sunflowers would create. I must say I was one happy camper because I finally got to achieve my dream!

My Motto!

I am signing off with a little gardening humor. Here is my new tea mug for morning wake-up and gazing out at the garden. Since I am referred to as the "Goddess of all Blooming Things" by some of my colleagues, it could not be more fitting! 

September 2018 Garden

I hope your visit to my September garden brightened your day. Please feel welcome to stay for a while and check out 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.

It's always a good time to plan a garden, so if you're looking for a little guidance and inspiration, you may be interested in checking out my two books! Click on the Amazon links below for a preview and more information.

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9

Landscape Design Combinations

~As Always...Happy Gardening and Be Safe Everyone~

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

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up June 2018: Blooms Galore!

June 2018 Garden

Welcome to my June garden! It's so nice that you stopped by for a visit. The month of June has been glorious with clear skies for the most part, temperatures in the 70's and lots of blooms everywhere. Tomorrow, my gardens will be on the local garden tour as one of six private gardens on display to be visited by the public. I am so very excited and have been prepping away getting ready! Come along on a tour of my spring garden. There will be a posting about tomorrow's event to follow.

Welcome to my Garden!

This is the welcome sign that was given to me as a gift the last time my garden was on the tour, back eight years ago. I treasure it and keep it inside on a wall in our home. It was painted by one of our local artists.

Perennial Border

Let's start at the perennial border, which is in full swing this time of year. There are Itoh Bartzella Peony, Salvia 'May Night' and Lamb's Ear along with hosta, astilbe and lillies. You can view a close up of the white soft foliage of the Stachys (Lamb's Ear) and start of the buds for pink blooms to follow. The Peony and purple Salvia 'May NIght' are also at their height.

Peony Itoh Bartzella

The blooms of Peony 'Bartzella' span five to six inches in diameter. I only wish they would stay around longer, as I cannot get enough of their magnificent beauty.

Patio Area and Garden

Walk through the path from the perennial border to the patio area. From here you can get a glimpse of the Double Red Knock Out Roses and Nepeta 'Walkers Low' in the north garden bed.

Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz'

On the other side of the patio is Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz' displaying its blooms. I find 'Radrazz to be one of the best performing roses I have.

Peony 'Karl Rosenfeld' and Salvia 'May Night'

In the western perennial border is Peony 'Karl Rosenfeld' and Salvia 'May Night' in bloom. Gold Mop Cypress can be seen to the right. 

Pink Double Knock Out Rose 

Here is a glimpse of the Pink Double Knock Out Roses as we stroll around to the left of the patio area.

Pool Garden

One of my favorite spring blooming bulbs is Allium 'Globemaster'. I was always in awe every time I saw these blooms advertised with a small child standing next them to emphasize their size. Of course,I had to get some for myself, which I did three years ago. As we head towards the pool garden, you can see them immediately. They are planted among Daylilies.

Pool Garden Side View

Here is the pool area close up with Weeping Japanese Maple in the right cut out.

Allium Globemaster

Did you think we would go on without a close up of the Allium? The original three bulbs have matured to fourteen all together, and I say the more...the merrier!

Back Evergreen and Perennial Garden

Come along as we continue. Here is the southern side of the pool area with a more casual feel. The Nepeta 'Walkers Low' with its bluish-purple blooms thrives here. On the left is Heuchera 'Caramel', which does well with the partial shade cast by the fence. In the corner is my new Kwanzan Cherry tree, which you saw blooming during last month's Bloom Day.

Back Foliage Combo

One of my favorite foliage combinations is that of Sedum 'Brilliant' (front) and Heuchera 'Caramel' (center). Back those up with the blooms of Salvia 'May Night', and you get the perfect trio!

Playtime

Here is the newest addition to the garden. On a ride one Sunday afternoon, my husband and I saw this sweet statue at a garden center and I had to have it! It is such a wonderful reminder of childhood and innocence.

Back South Pool Garden

In the south pool area is a garden helper, tucked away among spirea and coral bells. You can get a glimpse of him just as you come around the corner.

Back North Garden

As we circle back around to the northwestern area of the property, Cornus Kousa 'Greensleeves' (Japanese Dogwood) is in bloom for the month of June. Surrounding the Dogwood are 'Patriot' Hosta.

Japanese Dogwood Cornus Kousa 'Greensleeves'

Here are the blooms of the 'Greensleeves' Dogwood up close. I like how this variety has a slightly greenish tinge to its flowers. It also has a long bloom period of about a month and produces abundant red fruits during the autumn months.

Front Driveway Entrance Garden East Side

Now that you have seen the back of the property, let's venture up to the front. At the foot of the driveway is the Golden Oriental 'Skylands' Spruce, which I planted in memory of my mom back in 2008. The once six foot tree has matured to approximately fifteen feet with a striking contrast of newer bright yellow foliage against the mature green undersides. Pinkish-purple seed cones form later in the summer for additional interest.

Front Driveway Garden West Side

On the other side of the driveway is Weeping Norway Spruce, Heuchera 'Palace Purple', Japanese Garden Juniper, Spirea 'Magic Carpet', Salvia 'Caradonna' and Variegated Iris.

Foliage Combination West Driveway

Here is the combination of the juniper, spirea and salvia close up.

Front Entrance Garden

Along the front of the property is an assortment of Japanese Garden Juniper, Heuchera (Coral Bells) 'Caramel' and Sweet Flag along with Gold Spot Euonymus, Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar, Weeping White Pine and Weeping 'Youngii' Birch. 

Front Walkway Garden

Let's walk along this way. You can view the Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar straight ahead.

Front Lawn Area

On the front lawn are upright Blue Atlas Cedar (left) and Weeping Japanese Maple (right).

Front Northern Garden Island

As we stroll around the island bed, you can get a glimpse of the Blue Atlas Cedar close up with its under-planting of Gold Lace Juniper and Heuchera ('Palace Purple' and 'Caramel') To get some perspective, in the distance is the garden area we just passed towards the front southern side of the property with the golden 'Skylands' Spruce in the distance.

Peony 'Bartzella' Last Glance

Back around to the perennial garden, here is one last view of the Itoh Peony 'Bartzella'.

June 2018 Garden

Thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoyed my June 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 Fotos, Macro Monday 2, and Nature Notes at Rambling Woods. Also check out Garden Bloggers' Foliage Day at Creating my own garden of the Hesperides, Wednesday Around the World, Dishing It & Digging It and Image-in-ing weekly photo share every Tuesday.

In the news: I am honored to now be in the Top 100 Websites for Gardeners in 2018 and will be a participant on the Sayville Garden Tour on June 16th (tomorrow!) More to follow!

Sharing my lifetime passion with my two books: (Available on Amazon!)

 A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9
Landscape Design Combinations

~As Always...Happy Gardening!~

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