This Month's Color in the Garden: December 2016-The Power of Red in the Landscape

The Power of Red in the Garden Clockwise Left to Right: Dahlia, Landscape Architectural Element, Dahlia, Winterberry and Knock Out Rose (center)

In landscape design and architecture, the color red tends to dominate when compared to other colors. Red tends to make a strong, dramatic statement and creates an illusion of boldness and depth. Red can be used to brighten a space in all seasons, including winter, with the incorporation of architectural elements or perhaps some berry producing shrubs in the garden against a white snowy background. Red foliage creates striking contrast in spring throughout fall, and red flowers, especially tubular-shaped ones, are an attraction to hummingbirds and other pollinators. The color red will have a lot more impact in your garden when used sparingly, and is nicely complemented by the the color green, which is considered neutral.

Nandina domestica berries

Examples of red blooms in the landscape include Red Knock Out Rose, Tulips, Peony, Zinnia, Dahlia and Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal flower). Red berry producing plants include Nandina domestica, Winterberry, Holly, Skimmia and some varieties of viburnum. Plants exhibiting red or maroon foliage include Heuchera ‘Palace Purple' (Coral Bells), Weigela Spilled Wine, and annuals such as Coleus, Impatiens and Begonia. The most prominent red in the garden that keeps coming to mind is that of the traditional red rose.

Red Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz'

Roses have been grown throughout civilization and are a timeless tradition, speaking the language of love, beauty, courage and respect. Historical evidence shows they were grown in China about 5,000 years ago, and have carried their special meaning ever since. A deep red rose can be used to convey heartfelt regret and sorrow. or twelve red roses conveys "Be mine" and "I love you. The red rose began its history during Greek and Roman times, where it was tied to Aphrodite, or Venus, the mythical goddess of love, who was often seen with roses around her head and covering her feet and neck. The red rose throughout time has symbolized an immortal love that could never fade, even through time or death. In early Christianity, the rose became associated with the virtue of Virgin Mary and in the Tarot it has been considered a symbol of balance, promise, new beginnings, and hope. In Shakespeare's writings, roses had become a poetic standard throughout his works. Throughout its history, the red rose continues to hold its status as the ultimate symbol of affection. Other flowers and their meanings include red Amaryllis, a statement of splendid beauty and pride, red aster which symbolizes patience, Anthurium symbolizing happiness and hospitality and poinsettia symbolizing good cheer and success. 

Architectural Elements Old Westbury Mansion Long Island

In landscape architecture the color red is often used to draw attention or create a focal point, as in the use of red brick for walkways, labyrinths, benches or perhaps some red Adirondack chairs to highlight a sitting area. Estate gardens are known for their mass plantings of red tulips, dahlias and rose covered arbors. In color theory, red tends to make a space look smaller and can be used to make a large space seem more intimate. Red brick also brings to mind thoughts of mansions from colonial time, and can be implemented in modern day to create an old world feel. 

Clockwise Left to Right: Red Knock Out Rose, Dahlia, Tulips, Nandina 'domestica', Amaryllis (center)

Do you have any design or architectural elements in your space that are red and if you do, when and where are they most prominent? I invite you to share whatever shades of red you have going on in your garden in the comments below, whether it be in the form of plants or otherwise. I hope you enjoyed "This Month's Color in the Garden". I'm already thinking about next month's theme, which is the color white! Next up is Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up on the 15th. and Color Our World Round Up on the 30th. 

For more on Garden Design-My Books on Amazon:

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening
Landscape Design Combinations

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2016. All rights reserved.

Autumn at Old Westbury Gardens, Long Island

Old Westbury Gardens

This past autumn I had the pleasure of spending a day at the beautiful Old Westbury Gardens, located in Old Westbury, on the north shore of Long Island.  Every visit is just as amazing as the last with garden walks, individual garden rooms and natural woodland paths.  The 1900's Charles II-style mansion and former home of the Phipps family beholds a wealth of local history and is complemented by the meticulously groomed grounds it is located on. The gardens change seasonally, always supplying something new to experience and appreciate.

Old Westbury Gardens 1900's Mansion (Marble, Brick and Wrought Iron with Gold Foil Trim)

Rose Arbor and Walk

Heading towards the gardens, a brick path surrounded by a natural arbor with intertwining climbing roses and clematis leads the way to the rose garden.  

Old Westbury Rose Garden

 Brick pathways and Boxwood hedges surround tea roses which are still in bloom going into October.

Old Westbury Rose Garden (Tea Rose)

One of my favorite times of year to visit the gardens is at the end of September/beginning of October when the Dahlia garden is at its peak.  Here are a couple of the many varieties of Dahlia that are present at Old Westbury and maintained by the Dahlia Society and community volunteers.

Dahlia Garden (Dahlia Barbarry Ideal)

Dahlia Garden (Dahlia Aitara Caress)

Thatched Cottage Old Westbury

This charming Thatched Cottage was constructed for the Phipps youngest daughter as a playhouse with gardens surrounding it of many blooms. Bright yellow Helianthus angustifolius (Narrow Leaf Sunflower) can be seen at this time of year.

Scenic Bridge

Autumn is a nice time of year to take in a view of the lake by crossing over the bridge  to the other side.

Lake Trail Old Westbury

Temple of Love Old Westbury

Once you get to the other side be sure to stop by the romantic Temple of Love, a marble and wrought iron gazebo overlooking the pond. If you look closely you can see the reflection of the mansion in the distance.

Fall Foliage 

Fall Blooming Crocus

Along the woodland Lake Trail, a variety of plants can be seen including these Fall Crocus, fully in bloom for the months of September through October.

Beech Tree Old Westbury Grounds

Old Westbury Wall Garden Lotus Pond

Following the path back around you will encounter the magnificent Walled Garden with wrought iron gazebos and evergreens for structure, a beautiful lotus pond and an abundance of every kind of bloom you can imagine.  The gardens are carefully planned with a constant and ever changing sequence of color. 

Old Westbury Walled Garden Autumn

Lotus Flower

Beauty on land and in water.

Old Westbury Walled Garden Gazebo

Autumn Blooms Old Westbury Gardens (Purple Asters)

Around this bend are colorful mass plantings of Solidago, Asters, Dahlias, Chrysanthemum, Heleniums, Salvias, Snakeroot and more...true beauty highlighting the Walled Garden in autumn.

Autumn at Old Westbury Gardens-Solidago 'Fireworks' (Goldenrod)

Autumn at Old Westbury Gardens

Japanese Lily

This was an interesting bloom so I just had to photograph. The marker in front of it identified it as a Japanese Lily. It looks somewhat like a cross between a hibiscus and a poppy and I have not seen it anywhere before.  I enjoy running across species I am not familiar with so it's always a learning experience at the gardens.

Old Westbury Gardens

Autumn at Old Westbury Gardens

If you are looking for a relaxing day strolling through colorful gardens with a little local history thrown in, then Old Westbury Gardens could be the place for you.  The estate has something to offer for every time of year, including gardening lectures, musical entertainment and holiday events. It's a bit chilly here on Long Island right now but if you check out their calendar there may be an event to experience...or just put it onto your list for next spring! I hope you enjoyed the virtual visit!

For more information on operating hours and upcoming events visit their website at 
 Old Westbury Gardens.

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2015. All rights reserved

The Fall Garden-Fall Blooming Perennials & Shrubs

Fall Garden

Autumn has arrived in the northeast and as daytime temperatures decline there are still a variety of fall blooms that can brighten and add longevity to your landscape.  As many of the summer blooms start to fade fall blooming perennials and shrubs such as Sedum, Aster, Liriope, Goldenrod, Butterfly Bush and dwarf grasses among others can add interest to your late summer-fall garden and bring you enjoyment late into the planting season.  The varieties of shrubs and perennials mentioned below have proven to be hardy and reliable in my zone 7 northeastern garden and will be sure to add delight to your outdoor space.

Variegated Liriope (Lillyturf)
Zones 6-11
Sun-Part Shade-Full Shade
Height 8-16", Width 8-12 "

Variegated Liriope or Lillyturf is a wonderful perennial for all summer long with interesting texture and grass-like variegated foliage followed by vibrant eye-catching spikes of purple blooms in late summer and fall.  It fits nicely into either a formal or informal landscape and lasts into winter.  At this time of year it is at its peak and is spectacular!

Sedum 'Brilliant'
Zones 4-8
Full Sun to Part Shade
Height 18-24", Width 18-24 "

Sedum 'Brilliant' is a more compact form of sedum which stays upright while other varieties such as 'Autumn Joy' tend to get top heavy and fall over.   'Brilliant' displays vibrant deep pink blooms that turn orange in fall on top of succulent-like clumping foliage.  Planted along with dwarf grasses it makes a nice fall statement.  I have plenty of these on my own property and they always add wonderful interest to the fall garden.

Aster Michaelmas Daisies (Pink)
Zones 5-9
Full Sun
Height 12-24", Width 12-18"

Asters are a known sign of autumn and are commonly seen in perennial borders or in container plantings.  They add an eye-catching display of color to the garden.

Aster Michaelmas Daisies (Purple)
Zones 5-9
Full Sun
Height 12-24", Width 12-18"

Asters come in a variety of colors including pink, purple, red, blue and white and serve nicely in a cut bouquet or as dried flowers.

Solidago sphacelata 'Golden Fleece'  (Goldenrod)
Zones 4-9
Full Sun - Part Shade
Height 18-24", Width 18-24"

Goldenrod is a bright fall perennial that displays golden-yellow flowers on arching branches and is popular in the New England cottage garden. Do not confuse it with Ragweed which blooms about the same time and is an allergen to many! Goldenrod comes in a number of varieties ranging in size from two to six feet. 'Golden Fleece' (above) stays at a more compact height of only two feet.

Hydrangea 'Tardivia'
Zones 3-8
Full Sun-Partial Shade
Height 3-6', Width 3-6'
 

Hydrangea 'Tardivia' is a beautiful long blooming variety of hydrangea that lasts well into fall with large elongated white blooms on dark green foliage. While other varieties of hydrangea have completed their bloom season 'Tardivia' steps up to the plate and lasts well into the first frost.   The gently fragrant blooms are an added wonderful delight as one passes by.

Dwarf Fountain Grass
Zones 4-9
Full Sun -Part Shade
Height 2-3', Width 2-3'

Dwarf fountain grasses are a popular addition to the garden due to their wispy silvery bottle brush plumes produced in fall.  Fountain grasses add interest and movement in the garden throughout the season and provide winter interest as well. The variety pictured above is 'Hameln' which stays as a compact 2-3 foot plant and serves well in just about any type of garden.

Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' (Purple Coneflower)
Zones 4-9
Full Sun
Height 24-36",  Width18-24" Wide

Echinacea or Coneflower forms showy upright clumps of vibrant blooms from late summer into fall that are a feeding station to many species of butterfly. There are many varieties of this beautiful perennial ranging from pink to yellow to white and they serve beautifully in a perennial border, cottage or prairie garden.

Rudbeckia
Zones 3-9
Full Sun-Partial Shade
Height 2-3'. Width 18-24"

Rudbeckia or "Black Eyed Susan" is a popular perennial in cottage, woodland  and prairie gardens and blooms from late summer throughout fall into the first frost.  Bright golden-yellow petals surround a darker central portion that pop in the garden.  Rudbeckia spreads freely and serves nicely as a mass planting in sun or part shade.  Rudbeckia and Echinacea complement one another beautifully.

Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz'

Zones 5-10

Full Sun
Height 3-4, Width 3-4'

 

Knock Out Roses are an excellent addition to the garden since they produce continuous blooms from summer throughout fall.  The above variety 'Radrazz' puts on a show of vibrant pinkish-red fragrant blooms all the way until frost and is a favorite of garden enthusiasts.   This one is also a personal favorite of mine right along with Pink and Red Double Knock Outs. 

Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage)
Zones 4-9
Full Sun
Height 3-4', Width 2-3'

Russian sage produces bushy upright stalks of grayish leaves that are lacy and fragrant.  Spikes of violet-blue blooms appear in late summer and last well into fall.  The open informal habit of Perovskia makes it a great filler in the backdrop of a cottage style perennial garden or border.

Chelone lyonii 'Hot Lips' (Turtlehead)
Zones 3-8
 Sun-Part Shade-Full Shade

Height 24-30",  Width 18-24"

I recently discovered Chelone (Turtlehead) in a friend's garden this fall.  Turtlehead are native wildflowers that adapt easily to garden conditions.  Showy and long-lived they are a magnet to bumblebees and butterflies and bring nature to the garden.  They serve nicely in an informal perennial border. 

Chrysanthemum morifolium (Hardy Garden Mum)
Zones 5-9
Full Sun-Part Shade
Height 1-2', Width 2-3'

Last but not least is the traditional fall flower..the hardy Garden Mum.  Mums come in a vast variety of colors and last well into the first frost.  They are often planted in containers for a fall punch of color or can be placed in the garden for autumn blooms. 

The arrival of Autumn does not mean the end of the gardening season. By simply adding one or more of these selections to your landscape your garden blooms will be prolonged well into fall and bring extended enjoyment to your outdoor space.

What's blooming in your garden?

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2013. All rights reserved