This Month's Color in the Garden October 2017: Chrysanthemum for the Autumn Garden

This Month's Color in the Garden October 2017

Autumn is upon us in the northern hemisphere and it's time for another This Month's Color in the Garden. For the month of October the feature color is orange and Chrysanthemum comes to mind, as it is a favorite fall addition for many a gardener, supplying a burst of color for the landscape as the temperatures cool.

Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora)

Chrysanthemum, commonly referred to as mums, are characterized as perennials in many areas, but are also treated as annuals by many gardeners. Their bright colors and variety of blooms are an attraction in the autumn garden. Depending on the specific variety, most mums are cold hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, which means they can overwinter in the ground. In northern areas, it is preferable to plant Chrysanthemums in spring so they have the entire season to become established. In southern areas, they may be planted in either spring or autumn, but autumn is best to avoid excessive heat. Most Chrysanthemums do well in an organic well-drained soil in full sun. To care for your plants and keep them full, pinch back new growth when it reaches 4-6 inches and continue pinching through June. This will keep plants compact and prevent them from blooming too early.

Chrysanthemums

There is much history and folklore behind Chrysanthemums. Named from the Greek prefix "chrys-" meaning golden (the original color) and "-anthemion," meaning flower, years of hybridization have produced a full array of colors including shades of yellow to white, orange, purple, pink and red. Chrysanthemums are the November birth flower, the 13th wedding anniversary flower and in Japanese culture, the opening of a chrysanthemum's petals represents perfection. Confucius at one time considered these plants to be associated with mediation and since the 15th century, Chrysanthemums were grown as flowering herbs and considered an honored plant with exceptional powers. Folklore says that a single petal at the bottom of a wine glass will encourage a long and healthy life. Since this month's color is orange, orange is known to symbolize joy, warmth, optimism, happiness, freedom, expression, enjoyment and creativity. Throughout history, the American Indians have associated the color orange with kinship, and in China and Japan, the color orange symbolizes happiness and love.

Chrysanthemums come in a variety of colors.

Whether you are in the northern or southern hemisphere, Chrysanthemums can be an excellent addition to your garden. Other orange blooming flowers include Gaillardia (Blanket Flower), Lillium, Lantana, Marigold, Zinnia, Dahlia, Butterflyweed, Helenium, Red Hot Poker, California Poppy or perhaps Bird of Paradise or Aloe for those warmer climates.

I hope you enjoyed This Month's Color in the Garden for October. Please do share your experiences with the color orange in your garden, whether it be with plants, hardscape or garden decor. Next, join me for Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and Foliage Follow-Up on the 15th! See you around the garden!

 Linking with: Today's Flowers, Floral Fridays, Macro Monday 2, Friday Photo Journal and Dishing It & Digging It.

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2017. All rights reserved

This Month's Color in the Garden September 2017: Feature Plant-Black Mondo Grass

This Month's Color in the Garden

Welcome to This Month's Color in the Garden! It's September and the feature color is black. Black is a rare and unusual color in the garden, but is exquisite when mixed with the right combination of plants. Although there are no truly black flowers or foliage, some varieties appear black due to the deepness of the purple or burgundy hues within them. Black blooms or foliage can bring interest and drama to the landscape when used properly. One plant in particular, which is known for its striking black foliage, is Black Mondo Grass. Mondo Grass is actually not a grass, but rather a member of the genus Ophiopogon, a genus of evergreen perennial plants native to India, China, Japan and Vietnam. Black Mondo Grass, Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' is considered a ground cover that grows to approximately ten inches tall and slowly spreads to about two feet in width. Foliage emerges as dark green in spring and matures to a deep purplish-black by summer. Black Mondo Grass is hardy in zones 6-10.

Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' )

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' produces spikes of small light pink-white bell shaped flowers in mid-summer, followed by small black berries. Mondo Grass prefers to be grown in full to partial shade in a well-drained, slightly acidic soil. In cooler climates, Mondo Grass can withstand some sun. These plants can be propagated by division, best to be performed in early spring before new growth emerges. 

Black Mondo Grass and Golden Japanese Sedge (Photo Credit: Houzz Idea Books) 

To add that wanted interest and drama to the garden, combine Mondo Grass with other grass-like plantings such as Variegated Liriope, Golden Japanese Sedge and Golden Variegated Sweet Flag (as pictured above). Black Mondo Grass fits into a variety of garden styles, including container gardening, mass plantings and rock gardens. Mondo Grass is mostly maintenance free, except for an occasional feeding with a light fertilizer, or as mentioned, a division in spring. If desired, prune back old foliage in spring to tidy up the plant and promote new growth. 

Black Mondo Grass with Variegated Liriope in Backdrop

When discussing the color wheel and design, black, white and gray are not true colors (or hues) but are considered as neutral, achromatic colors. According to the language of flowers, the color black has been associated with power, elegance, formality, death, evil, and mystery throughout history. It denotes a feeling of strength and authority, and is considered to be formal, elegant, and prestigious. In the horticultural industry, plant developers have been working on hybridizing even darker varieties of plants due to the increased interest of using black in the garden. 

I hope you enjoyed This Month's Color in the Garden for September. Please do share your experiences with the color black in your garden, whether it be with plants, hardscape or garden decor. Next, join me for Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and Foliage Follow-Up on the 15th! See you around the garden!

 Linking with: Today's Flowers, Floral Fridays, Macro Monday 2, Friday Photo Journal and Dishing It & Digging It.

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2017. All rights reserved

This Month's Color in the Garden August: The History and Meaning of Sunflowers

Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) 

Welcome to This Month's Color in the Garden! Primary colors, or the most natural of colors that exist on their own (such as yellow, red, and blue) are the focus for the month of August. Since I have always had an admiration for sunflowers, I decided to look into their history and meaning. I am sharing a post I wrote about a year ago that I hope you will enjoy. 

The bright yellow, and sometimes red, sunflower has always had a remarkable resemblance to our sun, leading early Indian settlers to accept the flower as the "life-giving" force of the Great Spirit. Since a sunflower follows the rays of the sun, it was first looked upon as a symbol of spiritual faith, worship and fertility. Today, the sunflower still represents adoration, loyalty and longevity. Much of the meaning of sunflower stems from its namesake, the sun itself.

Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus ) Taken in Newport, Rhode Island

The first wild sunflower is known to be native to North America. Evidence shows that the first sunflower crops were cultivated by the American Indian around 3000 BC, but its first commercialization didn't take place until it reached Russia. Indian tribes crushed the seeds into flour for bread and cakes or combined with vegetables, and the oil from the seed was used for cooking. Parts of the plant were used medicinally for snakebites, oils for the skin and hair and also for dyes to be used in body painting and decoration. Around the year 1500, the plant was taken to Europe by Spanish explorers and sunflowers became widespread as an ornamental. By the 18th century, the sunflower became more popular as a cultivated plant, and by 1830 the production of sunflower oil was performed widely on a commercial scale.

Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus ) 

By the early 19th century, Russian farmers were growing over 2 million acres of sunflower, and by the late 19th century, the sunflower as we know it found its way to the United States. Canada started the first sunflower breeding program, which led to the construction of a crushing plant, and future production of sunflower oil. Today,Western Europe continues to be a large consumer of sunflower oil, but depends on its own production since the U.S. exports to Europe are limited. The sunflower itself is grown worldwide for ornamental uses and is known for its radiance and beauty.

(Photos by Lee Miller and Property of a Guide to Northeastern Gardening) 

Sunflowers are seen as symbols of good luck. Planting them around your home will bring good fortune and it is said that if you pick a sunflower at sunset, and wear it on your person, it will bring you good luck the following day. According to folklore, it is bad luck to cut down a sunflower, but if you sleep with a sunflower under your pillow, you will become wise. According to the language of flowers, dwarf sunflowers are a symbol of admiration and gratitude, while tall sunflowers represent pride and appreciation. 

 Linking with:Today's Flowers, Floral Fridays, Macro Monday 2 and Friday Photo Journal. 

MY BOOKS 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 2017. All rights reserved

This Month's Color in the Garden: 12 Shades of Purple Blooms for Your Garden!

This Month's Color in the Garden!

Welcome to This Month's Color in the Garden! Throughout history, the color purple has been associated with royalty, dignity, grandeur, devotion, peace, pride, nobility, luxury, and power. Throughout history, purple robes have been worn by royalty, and many believe this came to be due to the rare occurrence of purple in nature, making the dye expensive to create. Purple represents nobility, as in the Purple Heart awarded by the The United States Military to soldiers wounded in battle and In Thailand, purple is the color of devotion and peace for mourning widows. The lighter shade of purple, or lavender, has long been associated with beauty and femininity. And finally, in landscape design, purple is considered a cool, peaceful and calming color, which is wonderfully complemented by the warmer and more fiery shades of yellow and orange. Here are 12 shades of purple blooms to carry you throughout the gardening season.

Dutch Crocus Remembrance 

Crocus bulbs, when planted in fall, produce large blooms that are one of the first flowers to appear in early spring. Crocus are available in a variety of colors, this one known as Remembrance, due to its vibrant purple blooms. These beautiful bulbs are great for naturalizing in garden borders, and should be planted  in an area of full to partial sun. Hardiness Zones 3-8, Height 4-6", Bloom Time: Early Spring. 

Purple Hyacinth-Early Spring

Hyacinths are a familiar sight in spring, generally blooming after crocus. Hyacinths are available in a variety of colors, but one of my favorites is the intense purple of the variety shown above.  Plant Hyacinth bulbs in fall along with crocus for colorful and fragrant spring blooms.  Hardiness Zones 3-9, Height 5-12 inches, Bloom Time: Early-Mid Spring.

Phlox subulata 'Purple Beauty' Creeping Phlox

Creeping Phlox offers weeks of profuse and slightly fragrant blooms in late spring and are an attraction to butterflies and hummingbirds. After blooming, mossy foliage serves as a ground cover  in the garden. Hardiness Zones 3-8, Height 4-6", Bloom Time: Mid-Late Spring.

Wisteria floribunda Japanese Wisteria

This hardy, deciduous vine can be twined into a tree that blooms in late spring. Wisteria displays long hanging clusters of fragrant pea-like flowers in blue, violet, pink or white, followed by hanging velvety green pods.  There are many varieties of Wisteria, different mostly in the length and color of  flower clusters. Hardiness Zones 4-9, Height 10-25 ', Bloom Time: Late Spring, Deer Resistant.

May Night Meadow Sage

Perennial Sages are known for their intense display of spiky flowers in the early summer border and are available in a number of cultivars. This selection is medium in size, with  deep indigo violet-blue blooms that appear in May. Remove faded blooms to encourage repeat flowering, and clip back hard after blooming to rejuvenate the foliage. Hardiness Zones 4-9, Height 18-24", Bloom Time: Late Spring-Mid Summer, Deer Resistant, Hummingbird Friendly

Nepeta faassenii 'Walker's Low'-Walker's Low Catmint

Gray-green, aromatic foliage gives way to a soft lavender-blue flowers which are produced over a long period in summer. Thriving with little care and quite drought tolerant when established, this is an excellent perennial for herb gardens and tall borders.  Here, Nepeta is planted along with variegated Hosta for a dramatic effect. Hardiness Zones 3-8, Height 2-3', Bloom Time: Late Spring-Fall, Deer Resistant and Butterfly Friendly.

Dandy Man Purple Rhododendron 

Rhododendron is a well known flowering evergreen shrub in the garden. This hybrid displays beautiful rich purple blooms on a hardy plant that can be used in an informal border or as a specimen. Hardiness Zones 4-9, Height 6-8', Bloom Time: Late Spring.

Liatris spicata Purple Gayfeather, Blazing Star 

Liatris is a plant native to the northeast that forms small clumps with tall upright stems.  Tall narrow spikes of mauve-purple flowers flower for long periods of time and are drought and heat tolerant once established. Hardiness Zones 4-9, Height 30-36", Bloom Time: Mid-Summer to Early Fall.

 Hydrangea macrophylla 'Piihm-I' Endless Summer Twist-n-Shout Hydrangea

Twist-n-Shout Hydrangea produces abundant pink to purple blooms (depending on soil type) in late summer. Twist-n-Shout displays elegant delicate blooms on a lace-cap variety of hydrangea that blooms on both old and new wood, making it hardier in colder climates. A neutral-acidic soil encourages purple blooms. Hardiness Zones 4-9, Height 3-5', Bloom Time: Mid-Late Summer.

Buddleia davidii Lo & Behold

Lo & Behold Buddeia is a dwarf form of butterfly bush, grown for its compact, non-invasive habit and elongated clusters of flowers, This dwarf variety has silvery gray-green leaves on a low spreading multi-branched plant, and produces clusters of fragrant, purple tubular blooms. Hardiness Zones 5-9, Height  2-3', Bloom Time: Late Summer-Fall.  Deer Resistant and Butterfly Friendly.

Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei 'Muskogee'

Lagerstroemia, or Crape Myrtle is available is a multitude of varieties and are known for their long bloom time. 'Muskogee' produces light lavender blooms that appear in late summer on glossy green foliage that turns red in fall. The interesting cinnamon colored bark peels to a shiny light gray for a dramatic effect. This large shrub or small tree makes an excellent specimen or group planting. Hardiness Zones 6-9, Height 15-20', Bloom Time: Late Summer-Fall.

Callicarpa dichotoma 'Early Amethyst' Early Amethyst Beautyberry

Finally, 'Early Amethyst' Callicarpa displays arching branches with clusters of pale lavender-pink flowers in summer, that develop into masses of glossy amethyst berries in fall. Callicarpa is easy to grow as a specimen or hedge, and is good for naturalized areas. Hardiness Zones 5-8, Height 3-4', Bloom Time: Summer with Berries in Fall, Butterfly Friendly. 

Purple blooms are versatile and fit into just about any garden style. They can add a stunning display of color to your space throughout most of the gardening season, and in some cases, these gorgeous purple blooms are known for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds, due to their vibrancy and fragrance. Be sure to add some purple to your garden plan this season, and it will be sure to delight!

Are you an experienced gardener or just wanting to learn? If so, be sure to check out my two published books on Amazon. My first book, A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, is loaded with ideas for different types of gardens and what plants to buy, along with gardening tips and advice on how to maintain your garden once implemented. The second book, Landscape Design Combinations, is geared towards the hands on "DIY" gardener who is looking for a little guidance, along with a dash of inspiration! This latest publication builds on the first and is full of successful landscape designs that can be used as is or as a guide. The book also teaches design principles using evergreens, flowering trees, shrubs and perennials. To preview each book, simply click on the links below!

VISIT MY BOOKS ON AMAZON:

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

Landscape Design Combinations

As Always...Happy Gardening!

This Month's Color in the Garden: Color Your Garden Blue-Blue Blooms for Your Landscape!

Blue Blooms for Your Garden

Welcome to This Month's Color in the Garden! The use of the color blue in the landscape symbolizes optimism and stability and often relays a feeling of calm. According to the language of flowers, "The pale blue hues of a hydrangea or the deep blues of an iris can calm worries and preoccupation." The blue hue of flowers represent peace, openness, and serenity, and are believed to be an antidote for anxiousness. There are few species that naturally occur as true blue in the garden. For the month of May I am going to focus on some of the varieties of blue blooming plants that you can add to your outdoor space.

Blue Grape Hyacinth (Muscari)

The first is Muscari, also known as Grape Hyacinth. Hardy in USDA zones 2-5, Grape Hyacinth creates a carpet of blue grape-like blooms which are gorgeous when bulbs are planted in clumps. These bulbs are available in a variety of colors, but blue seems to be the all-time favorite! Muscari is a breathtaking site when planted in mass in a woodland or naturalized setting and is a welcoming sign of spring. Plant in full sun to partial shade for best results.

Siberian Iris (Iris siberica)

Siberian Iris is a herbaceous perennial hardy in USDA zones 3-8 that offers purplish-blue blooms in mid-spring. Siberian Iris grows to a height and width of 3 feet and prefers full sun to partial shade. This perennial spreads by rhizomes and is excellent in mass plantings for that naturalized look.

Perennial Geranium Rozanne Cranesbill

Cranesbill, or perennial geranium is hardy in USDA zones 4-10, and forms large cup shaped bright blue-violet flowers that appear from summer into fall on a 15-24 inch high by 20-28 inch wide plant. Perennial Geranium thrives in full sun and makes a great addition to borders, rock gardens and containers. In the right conditions it will form a beautiful carpet of blue!

Platycodon  grandiflorus' komachi' Balloon Flower 

Platycodon, also known as Balloon Flower is hardy in USDA zones 3-8 and displays large puffy buds resembling tiny inflated balloons. As the bud matures the bud grows and appears as if it going to burst. On most varieties, the buds reveal gorgeous star shaped flowers once opened, but on 'Komachi' the buds remain closed as balloons, making an interesting conversation piece in the garden. Platycodon blooms from early to late summer on a 8-10 inch tall by 10-23 inch wide plant. Grow in full sun to partial shade.

Sisyrinchium Lucerne (Blue Eyed Grass) 

Bright blue, star-shaped flowers with gold centers rise above iris-like foliage on this native north American plant, which is an excellent food source for pollinators. Sisyrinchium is hardy in USDA zones 4-10, grows to a height and width of 8-10 inches and prefers full sun. This plant is excellent for naturalized settings, rock gardens and native plantings.

Nikko Blue Hydrangea

When thinking of the true blue hydrangea, I always refer back to the old fashioned mophead Hydrangea, 'Nikko Blue'. 'Nikko Blue' is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and is one of the most reliable blue Hydrangeas, staying blue in a wider range of soils. Flowers start cream in color with blue margins than turn a solid blue as the plant matures. In acidic soil, 'Nikko Blue' has deep blue flowers which appear in early to late summer. 'Nikko Blue' reaches a height and width of 4-6 feet and blooms on old wood.

Blue Lacecap Hydrangea

Blue Cassel Hydrangea is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and features bold blue lacecap flowers from early summer into late fall on a four foot tall by wide plant. This hydrangea prefers to be grown in full sun to partial shade and is a repeat bloomer that blooms on old and new wood. The flowers are excellent for cutting and the broad green foliage is attractive throughout the season. Blue color is dependent on acidic soil.

Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Inoveris Bluebeard' (Blue Mist Shrub)   

Caryopteris, also known as Blue Mist Shrub is a 2-3 foot high deciduous shrub with a mounding, rounded habit that becomes covered with many small gray-green toothed leaves with a minty scent if crushed. Clusters of sweetly scented violet-blue flowers appear late summer into fall. Blooms are an attraction to butterflies and hummingbirds and the shrub makes a wonderful addition to perennial beds, walkways and entryways. Caryopteris is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and requires full sun. 

Color Your Garden Blue!

Blue blooms in the landscape have relayed a sense of calmness and serenity throughout the centuries and will continue to add delight to any garden. I hope you enjoyed This Month's Color in the Garden and please do share your thoughts about the color blue!

Are you an experienced gardener or just wanting to learn? If so, be sure to check out my two published books on Amazon. My first book, A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, is loaded with ideas for different types of gardens and what plants to buy, along with gardening tips and advice on how to maintain your garden once implemented. The second book, Landscape Design Combinations, is geared towards the hands on "DIY" gardener who is looking for a little guidance, along with a dash of inspiration! This latest publication builds on the first and is full of successful landscape designs that can be used as is or as a guide. The book also teaches design principles using evergreens, flowering trees, shrubs and perennials. To preview each book, simply click on the links below!

VISIT MY BOOKS ON AMAZON:

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

Landscape Design Combinations

As Always...Happy Gardening!

This Month's Color in the Garden February 2017: Hellebore-Pink Blooms for Winter

Hellebores for Winter Blooms

Hellebores, also known as Lenten Rose or Christmas Rose are grown for their winter interest in the garden. The plants are frost-resistant and produce showy blooms starting in late-winter, when other perennials in the garden are dormant.  I was fortunate to have found some of these wonderful plants at a local nursery two years back, and they have proven to be a rewarding addition to the winter landscape.

Hellebore 'Shooting Star'

There are 22 species of Hellebore with different bloom times and flower colors.  Many of the species are evergreen, possessing leathery deep green foliage. Hellebores can be grown in full sun to full shade, but mostly prefer a partially shady spot, such as a northern exposure. Plant Hellebore in a slightly acidic, moderately moist, but well-drained soil and be careful not to plant too deeply. Like Peony, the crown should be just covered with soil, because planting too deeply inhibits flower production. Bloom time is during late winter and into early spring and buds are often a pinkish-white, followed by beautiful three to four-inch wide blooms in February. Plants grow to a height and width of approximately 1-2 feet.

Hellebore Foliage and Buds

Out of the different species, the most popular and easiest to grow are the Oriental hybrid hellebores (Helleborus x hybridus), hardy in USDA hardiness zones 6–9. Their common name is Lenten rose because their blooms resemble those of roses and they bloom around the beginning of Lent, in late winter. Hellebores come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, green, apricot and purple, and can either exhibit a solid color or combination of hues with colorful specks towards the center. Flower shape includes that of single bloom, double bloom or star-shaped.

Hellebore Winter Blooms (Photo Credit:  Center portion of Photo Monrovia Brandywine Collection)

Use of Hellebores dates all the way back from 1400 BC, when they were used by herbalists to cleanse the mind of all irrational habits. Considered as both a poison and medicinal remedy, the roots, leaves and rhizomes of certain Hellebores were also used as a strong laxative for cleansing livestock taken ill. Back in Biblical times, the flower got its nickname of Christmas Rose because it was believed to be discovered from underneath the snow by a young shepherd girl named Madelon, who brought it as a gift to the newborn Christ. The ancient Greeks associated the flower with demons and possession, and considered it a cure for insanity. Although Hellebore is toxic, its parts when used in small amounts served a number of medicinal uses. The leaves and blooms of Hellebore are extremely unpleasant tasting; therefore, not readily touched by animals. Strangely, in later times, a vase of Hellebores brought into a home was considered to drive away an unpleasant atmosphere and create tranquility.

Have you heard about my new book, Landscape Design Combinations? It is a continuation of my first book, with a greater emphasis on design, including numerous numbered and labeled photographs of successful landscape plans. Step by step, the book teaches the elements of landscape design, how to choose and place various types of plants to serve a function, and how to design for the seasons. Also included are illustrations on how to build a natural stone patio or walkway, simple container combinations and the development of different garden styles throughout the centuries. Landscape Design Combinations was written to provide you with the tools needed, along with sample designs as guides, to help you to create a garden of your own. Click on the link below for a preview with more details about the book. I hope to inspire you!

Landscape Design Combinations

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2017. All rights reserved