Welcome to Landscape Design By Lee: A Guide To Northeastern Gardening
Showing posts with label St.Johns Wort. Show all posts
Showing posts with label St.Johns Wort. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

This Month in the Garden: St. John's Wort

Feature Flowering Shrub: St. John's Wort
Welcome to This Month in the Garden. This month we feature St. John's Wort. Hardy in USDA zones 5-8, St. John's Wort a semi-evergreen flowering shrub that comes in a variety of cultivars ranging in size from 2-3 feet tall by wide up to 6 feet tall with a spread of 3-6 feet in width. In its native form, Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) is renowned for its medicinal properties and contains various active compounds, including hypericin, hyperforin and flavonoids, which are believed to possess unique antidepressant and anti-inflammatory qualities. As a topical, it is used to treat wounds, burns, muscle ache and bruising. St. John's Wort has been used throughout European medicine as far back as the ancient Greeks to treat a variety of conditions, including insomnia, depression, anxiety reduction, and nerve related pain. 
Hypericum x inodorum 'Magical Universe' (St. John's Wort) Summer
While the seeds and berries are considered toxic, the flowers, leaves and stems of the plant are typically harvested during the height of the bloom season. At that time they are dried thoroughly to remove moisture, extracted and infused in a solvent, such as alcohol or olive oil, then further filtered to obtain a clear liquid extract, which is then prepared as an herbal tea, tincture, capsule or tablet form. The final product is stored in dark glass bottles to protect the herb from light and preserve its medicinal properties.
Hypericum x inodorum 'Magical Universe' (St. John's Wort) Late-Summer
Today's feature variety, 'Magical Universe' is a hybrid, dwarf cultivar with deep green foliage and small, bright yellow blooms starting in June, followed by fruit that deepens to deep red in fall. Staying at a more compact size of 2-3 feet tall by wide, St. John's Wort 'Magical Universe' prefers a location with full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil with moderate watering. A location with bright morning sun and late afternoon shade is ideal. While this form of St. John's Wort is not considered medicinal, its lovely bright yellow blooms and red ornamental berries bring interest to the landscape throughout the seasons. As its foliage turns to a deeper burgundy in fall and the red berries dry, the plant adds a decorative touch even into winter. St. John's Wort is known to be drought tolerant once established, able to withstand a variety of soil types and is deer resistant. Other varieties of St. John's Wort include, but are not limited to, Hypericum 'Hidcote', 'Magical Midnight Glow' and 'Blue Velvet'.
Hypericum x inodorum 'Magical Universe' (St. John's Wort) Autumn

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden for the month of August. 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, be sure to check out my author page and books, as I share a lifetime passion of gardening! 


Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2023. All rights reserved. 
Posted by at 2 comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

Saturday, July 15, 2023

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up July: Welcome: "It's Into the Garden I Go!"

Welcome to my July Garden!
There is a wonderful saying which describes me to a tee. "It's into the garden I go to lose my mind and find my soul." July is a perfect time for a stroll in the garden to find peace and tranquility during the heat of the summer. After a very cool June and the first spring like conditions we have experienced in a long time, July is here with an onset of higher more summer like temperatures in the 80's and low 90's. The garden is my refuge and brings me joy. I hope it brings you joy too!
Welcome!
We start our stroll as we enter the backyard along the patio. This is a place where I spend much of my time sitting under the overhang and gazing out into the garden, that is until I see a branch out of place, a weed to be pulled, or some other item that needs tending to, which will get me out there into my happy place. There is something about a garden that allows one to clear the mind, and simply be happy.
Patio Perennial Border
Let's get onto a tour of my Long Island garden. We start with a greeting party of two frogs hanging out with a cup of tea, surrounded by the developing blooms of Hosta. It is the view I have each morning from my patio and find it to be quite entertaining.
Back Northern Perimeter!
Looking out to the north perimeter of the property is a combination of Emerald Green and Green Giant 'Virescens' Arborvitae, along with Gold Lace Juniper, Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar, Double Knock Out Roses and a Kousa 'Greensleeves' Dogwood, which was filled with greenish-white blooms in spring. Soon its bright red fruit will form, which is a treat for the birds.
Knock Out Rose
The Double Knock Out Roses are in full bloom. Here is a closer view!
Pool Garden
If you visited last month, I had just completed the pool waterfall/planting renovation along the back of the property. The Weeping Norway Spruce, Upright Variegated Boxwood, and other plantings are adjusting nicely to their new home, and there is New Wave Petunia adding some color for now, with perhaps some long blooming perennials to be be added in the future. It is still a work in progress.
Allium 'Globemaster' Dried Flowers
Here are the dried seed heads of Allium 'Globemaster' which bloomed during  late spring. Every time visitors come to the garden they are intrigued by the dried remains, so I leave the stalks as a conversation piece until they are at the point which they can be pulled easily out of the ground.
Shade Garden
In the shadier side of the garden, the spotted foliage of Pulmonaria can be seen along with Heuchera 'Caramel' Coral Bells, which are now producing their dainty flowers rising above the plant.
Sunny Pool Border!
On the sunnier side of the pool border is a combination of Sedum 'Angelina', 'Dragon's Blood', 'Coral Carpet' and 'Blue Spruce, with Encore Azalea in the backdrop.
Sedum Groundcover Mix
I enjoy the various blooms of the Sedum and it just keeps on giving!
Pool Border Western Side
Towards the western side of the property is this combination of Sky Pencil Holly with Rhododendron and Coral Bells and a semi hidden statue of children playing in the background, which can seen through the Coral Bells as passers go by.
'Low Glow' Red Pine
Around to the back patio area is a view of the light green foliage of 'Low Glow' Red Pine against the darker green foliage of Peony. This variety of red pine got its name from its beautiful "candles", which almost glow in the sunlight.
Echinacea (Coneflower) 'Cheyenne Spirit'
Along the pool border is a personal favorite of mine,  Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit', a form of Coneflower which displays multiple colors of blooms on the same plant. Here is a close up of some of its golden colored blooms...
Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit'
and two colors right next to each other on the same plant!
Perennial Border
Along the perennial border is the new addition of Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' with its multi-colored foliage and white blooms, which are now appearing.
Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' Bloom
The blooms will continue throughout summer into fall, adding interest to the perennial/patio border.
Perennial Border: Echibeckia
Also in the perennial/patio border is Echibeckia, a combination hybrid between Echinacea and Rudbeckia, which I found at the local farm stand three years ago. It has become a favorite, producing blooms throughout summer, while supplying a bounty of color.
Salvia 'May Night'
Perfect for pollinators, Salvia 'May Night' draws a lot of activity during the summer months and continues to do so every year.  I deadhead it to keep the blooms coming for the bumble bees. 
Hosta 'Golden Tiara' Blooms
The pollinators also enjoy the tubular blooms of Hosta 'Golden Tiara', and I am hoping the hummingbirds find them too, as they have visited in the past!
Perennial Border: Lamb's Ear and Coneflower
For a little bit of pinkish-white blooms above white foliage, here is Lamb's Ear along with Echinacea Pow Wow 'Wild Berry' in the perennial border...
St. John's Wort 'Magical Universe'
while St. John's Wort 'Magical Universe' displays deep green to burgundy foliage, bright yellow blooms and ornamental red berries in the back garden.
Hydrangea 'Tokyo Delight'
Winding down the tour, it just wouldn't be the same without some blooms of Hydrangea. These are both varieties of old fashioned hydrangea that I have had in the garden for as long as I can remember. Above is Hydrangea 'Tokyo Delight', a lace cap variety and below is 'Nikko Blue'. 
Hydrangea 'Nikko Blue'
Even though this old fashioned Mophead Hydrangea blooms on old wood, I think I am partial to the richness of it's deep blue blooms!
Front Walkway
As our stroll comes to an end, along the front walkway is the large heart-shaped foliage of Weeping Eastern Redbud 'Lavender Twist', with Weeping White Pine in the backdrop and a mix of Variegated Liriope and Juniper...
Thank you for Visiting!
and a little garden whimsy to bid farewell...unit we meet again.
Thank you for Visiting!
I hope you enjoyed the stroll through my July 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 a wonderful summer with gardens that thrive!

Posted by at 19 comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Thursday, December 15, 2022

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up December: The Changing Northeastern Garden

Welcome!
Welcome to my December Long Island garden! As the seasons transition from autumn into winter, the garden continues to change, with the current focus on evergreens, berries, changing bark and hidden signs of spring to come. As the daytime temperatures settle into the 40's, with some frosty mornings, and the first dusting of snow on the morning of the 12th, the garden enters its winter sleep, but there is still much to see. Come along with me for a tour and you better bundle up...it is a bit chilly out here!
The First Dusting of Snow!
Front Entry Garden-Evergreen Way!
The focus as winter approaches is on evergreens, as they supply the needed structure and color to keep the garden going as the temperatures plummet. Here along the entry walkway are evergreens Weeping White Pine, Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar, Japanese Garden Juniper, Dwarf Mugo Pine and Blue Star Juniper along with Japanese Golden Sedge and Variegated Liriope. The Coral Bark Maple in the backdrop (left) will become more vibrant as the winter months progress, as its younger stems will turn a vibrant coral-red.
Weeping White Pine Seed Cone
One of my favorite things about the Weeping White Pine are its seed cones, which can be seen all year, but I tend to pay closer attention to them as the temperatures cool.
Dwarf Mugo Pine 'Slowmound' and Lilyturf (Liriope Variegata)
Another favorite in the garden is this dwarf, slow-growing Mugo Pine along with Lilyturf. Here is is all about combining foliage and texture. The foliage of the Variegated Liriope (lilyturf) will stay all winter long to protect the plant and provide interest, and will get cut back in springtime to allow for new growth.
Crape Myrtle and Gold Lace Juniper
In the backyard garden is Crape Myrtle 'Sioux', which is defoliated now, but the bark is amazing! I enjoy getting a close up view to see the various colors. It usually peels away late summer to expose the colors underneath.
Crape Myrtle Bark!
Let us take a closer look!
Japanese Golden Sedge and Ajuga Black Scallop
Here is a combination of 'Black Scallop' Ajuga with Japanese Golden Sedge. These two do very well underneath the shade of the Weeping Pussy Willow along the back patio.
'Yaku Jima' Dwarf Maiden Grass Winter Mode
Along the pool garden is Dwarf Maiden Grass 'Yaku Jima' in autumn/winter mode. It will also stay until springtime when it gets cut back. This practice offers protection to the roots. If desired, the plumes can be removed if they start to get too messy, but I always leave a good couple of feet to protect the center crown from cold.
Weeping Norway Spruce, Nandina 'Obsession' and Dwarf Cryptomeria
Along the patio garden is Weeping Norway Spruce and Nandina 'Obsession'. In the foreground is Dwarf Cryptomeria with its yellow-lime foliage and Ajuga 'Black Scallop' in the backdrop. 
Nandina 'Obsession' Fall/Winter Foliage
The Nandina foliage is so colorful this time of year, which was what attracted me to this plant. This variety is dwarf, evergreen, and cultivated so it does not produce the toxic berries known to some other varieties of Nandina. It is a win-win!
Nellie Stevens Holly Berries
Here are the berries of Nellie Stevens Holly this time of year. They add a nice touch to the landscape.
Dwarf Red Pine and Golden Juniper 'Gold Strike'
This dwarf form of Red Pine and low growing Juniper 'Gold Strike' add some color along the patio...
Stachys (Lamb's Ear) Fall/Winter
while trustworthy Lamb's Ear always adds a touch of white to the perennial border.
St. John's Wort Fall/Winter
While this St. John's Wort produces pretty yellow flowers in summer, it's berries are even more attractive in fall and winter! Here is a view up close!
A Little Bit of Whimsy!
For a little bit of whimsy, this is the newest statue addition to the garden. It reminds me of days gone by!
Weeping Pussy Willow Catkins Forming!
While much of the garden goes into dormant mode, there are already catkins forming on the Weeping Pussy Willow tree, which are a sign of spring to come...
Evergreen Planter
and along the back entry are container planters that can be enjoyed all year long and even in winter. Here are (left to right) Variegated Boxwood, Dwarf Alberta Spruce and Golden Hinoki Cypress 'Nana Lutea'. 
Mondo Grass Planter
Another planter has Ophiopogon planiscapus (Black Mondo Grass), which stays evergreen all year long.
Seasonal Decor
As we come to the end of the tour, winter bear shows off his seasonal foliage... 
Indoor Garden-Thanksgiving Cactus
and indoors, the Thanksgiving Cactus are blooming! Helpful Tip: To tell the difference between Thanksgiving and  Christmas Cactus, Thanksgiving Cactus has more jagged edges to their leaves while Christmas Cactus leaves are more scalloped. There is also an Easter Cactus with much more rounded leaves!
Thanksgiving Cactus
One cannot have too many Thanksgiving Cacti!
Thanks for Visiting!
I hope you enjoyed your visit to my December garden and as always, I look forward to your comments and visiting your garden too! 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.

Posted by at 12 comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)