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

Welcome!

Welcome to my zone 7b Long Island garden! Fall has officially arrived and there are signs everywhere as the landscape starts to transition into an array of color. The month of October has brought cooler temperatures in the upper 50's to low 60's by day, while dipping into the 40's some evenings with mostly clear skies. After a month of drought we finally received a few hours of steady light rain on the 7th, which helped to refurbish the landscape. Join me for a tour for some changing foliage, ongoing blooms and whatever else nature has to offer!

Abelia 'Kaleidoscope'

As we start our stroll, one of my new favorite shrubs for fall is Abelia 'Kaleidoscope'. Planted just last spring, it's white star-like blooms start in late summer and last for months into fall. The blooms are just an added bonus to its colorful evergreen foliage. Joining Abelia are Blue Star Juniper and Echinacea Pow Wow 'Wild Berry', with a Blue Globe Spruce in the backdrop.

Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' October Blooms

Here is a view of the foliage and blooms up close!

Echinacea Pow Wow 'Wild Berry'

It has been a good season for Echinacea as well with its repeat blooms. The gold finches have been enjoying the seeds and now there are a few new buds and blooms lasting well into fall.

Salvia 'Blue by You' Still Blooming!

Salvia 'Blue by You' is a new favorite species of sage that is recently new to the market and to my garden. Its blooms start earlier than those of other varieties and just keep on blooming through fall with just two minimal dead headings. 

Echinacea (Coneflower) Seed Heads

As cooler temperatures arrive and the seasons transition, even the left over seed heads of Echinacea are a delight to see in the garden. In my opinion, I think they add a nice touch to the autumn landscape, and that is why I leave them for quite some time. 

Nepeta 'Blue Wonder'

In the back pool border, Nepeta 'Blue Wonder', a more dwarf version of catmint is still blooming...

Front Island Bed

as Sedum 'Brilliant displays its dried blooms along with the huge leaves of Hosta.

Perennial Border

As many of you know, I am a huge fan of combining foliage throughout the landscape. Along the perennial border, the soft white foliage of Lamb's Ear complements the golden foliage of Spirea 'Candy Corn', making for a colorful fall display. 

Front Walkway

Continuing to bloom in the front walkway border is Variegated Liriope (Lilyturf) with its deep purple spiked blooms. Helpful Tip: Do not cut back Liriope in fall. Rather, leave it for interest during the winter months and cut back in early spring. This will protect its delicate crown from severe cold. 

Rudbeckia 'Little Goldstar' 

It is getting a lot cooler outside, but dwarf Black Eyed Susan keeps pushing out some new blooms...

Montauk Daisy

and of course, Montauk Daisy is blooming, which is a sure sign of autumn!

Back Garden Border

As we stroll along the back garden border, the Kousa Dogwood is producing its red fruits, which are edible. The soft pulp of the fruit is sweet with a flavor similar to a ripe persimmon and can be used to make into jellies and jams. 

Kousa Dogwood Fruit

Here is a close up view of the colorful fruit.

Hydrangea 'Firelight Tidbit' Autumn

Last month, I introduced the new 'Firelight Tidbit' Hydrangea that were planted where my mother's iris garden used to exist. I am loving the pinkish hues of the long lasting flowers as they transition into fall, and am looking forward to years of beautiful blooms.

Dwarf Buddleia 'Pugster Blue'

In the back garden bed, dwarf Butterfly Bush 'Pugster Blue' is still producing colorful blooms...

Double Knock Out Roses Still Blooming!
and the Knock Out Roses are blooming too!

Front Island Bed

As we near the end of the tour, there are more signs of autumn with the changing colors of Weeping Japanese Maple on the front lawn contrasting against the deeper evergreen foliage of Weeping Norway Spruce and evergreen variegated foliage of Osmanthus 'Goshiki'. Heuchera (Coral Bells) 'Caramel' with their burgundy undersides give a pop of color in the foreground and Blue Atlas Cedar can be seen in the distance.

Sedum 'Brilliant' Seed Head

Here the dried flower heads of Sedum 'Brilliant' can be seen along with the deep greenish-burgundy foliage of Ajuga...

Dipladenia Still Blooming in October!

while Dipladenia continues to bloom in a planter along the patio.

Garden Visitor: Common Darner Dragonfly (Anax junius) 

The autumn garden does bring many surprises. While working in the garden, I encountered this Common Darner Dragonfly with its green body and golden highlights that sparkle in the sun. She stayed long enough for me to photograph her, and now I can share the moment with you.

Thanks for Visiting!

I hope you enjoyed your visit to my October 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. See you next month and do check out my newsletter and books in the meantime! As always...Happy Gardening!

Sharing a Lifetime of Gardening with My Books! (Garden Design, Planning, Maintenance Tips and more!) - Makes a great gift too!

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

Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2024. All rights reserved. 

 

This Month in the Garden: To Rake or Not to Rake: The Great Debate on Fall Leaf Removal

This Month in the Garden

As the autumn landscape becomes covered with an array of vibrant color, the temptation to tidy up your property and remove fallen leaves becomes almost instinctive. Leaving fall leaves in your garden can offer several benefits to both your landscape and the environment, but while the practice of leaving fall leaves has its advantages, it’s essential to strike a balance. Let’s explore the facts to help you make an informed decision. 

Natural Mulch:

Allowing fallen leaves to remain on the ground acts as a natural mulch, providing insulation for the soil. This layer helps to regulate soil temperature, preventing extreme fluctuations that can be harmful to the roots of plants and trees. As the leaves decompose, they release valuable organic matter and essential nutrients back into the soil, which will in turn help to promote plant growth. On the other side of the discussion, too many compacted leaves can block sunlight and trap excess moisture against your lawn, leading to possible snow mold growth and possible lawn damage come spring. Maintaining a leaf cover of no more than twenty to thirty percent of lawn area is recommended to allow enough light and air to reach the turf while providing the benefits of mulching. According to the USDA, the best solution is to finely chop newly fallen leaves with a mulching mower or a leaf shredder, then return them to garden beds to ensure the health of your plantings. It is important to perform this activity before leaves are on the ground for any length of time to avoid any harm to wildlife. Another option is if you have an out of the way area in your garden, such as behind a barrier of trees, leaves can be relocated to that space to allow nature to take its course.

Moisture Conservation:  

It is a known fact that besides providing insulation, a layer of leaves can act as a protective barrier, helping to retain moisture of the soil. This can be especially beneficial during the winter months in wooded or mulched areas, under shrubs and around dormant perennials when the ground is prone to both freezing and drying out from winter winds. Keep in mind that while the leaves help to retain moisture, it is best to not have leaves built up around fall or winter blooming perennials, as it could cause lack of sunlight to the plants and encourage disease. Also, removing the browned or mushy foliage of dormant perennials such as Hosta and Peony in fall will help to prevent fungal issues. Note: Such perennials containing seed heads, for example Echinacea and Rudbeckia, can be beneficial for birds to feed on and can be left for winter before cutting back.

Wildlife Habitat:

Fallen leaves create a haven for a variety of small creatures such as insects, spiders, and other invertebrates that seek refuge in the leaf litter.  Butterflies and moths often lay their eggs on the leaves of specific plants, and leaving the leaves untouched can support the life cycle of these pollinators. A layer of fallen leaves in garden beds also fosters biodiversity. By preserving this natural layer, you create a microhabitat for different organisms, such as fungi and helpful bacteria, which can contribute to the overall health of the soil and, consequently, the health of your entire garden. If you have a compost pile, shredding the leaves can help to speed up the decomposition process, allowing for better aeration and faster breakdown, while providing a habitat and food source for wildlife. 

Saving Time & Effort: 

Removing leaves can be both time consuming and physically demanding. Leaving the leaves and allowing nature to take its course eliminates the need for this labor-intensive chore. This frees up your time to enjoy the beauty of the season, assess the garden and plan away for next spring!

In conclusion, while many prefer the "clean" look of traditional mulches, embracing the idea of leaving fall leaves in your garden offers a wide range of benefits, including moisture conservation, temperature moderation, and addition of nutrients for improved soil health, all while supporting wildlife. Striking a balance by incorporating responsible leaf management practices allows the best of both worlds-a thriving landscape and a sustainable, biodiverse ecosystem.

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden for the month of December. 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

"As Always...Happy Gardening!" 

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2023. All rights reserved. 

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up November: The Changing Views of Autumn

Welcome!

We are in the midst of autumn here on Long Island and the landscape is a changing array of color. I must say that besides Spring, this is one of my favorite times of the year. There is a chill in the air, but not too cold to wander out into the garden to observe what nature has to offer, and there is a sense of energy and a willingness to explore. We all know a garden is constantly changing with something new to experience awaiting around each corner. Join me for a stroll in my November zone 7 garden!

Front Lawn

The first view is of the front lawn where two types of Japanese Maple exist. The first is Japanese Maple 'Viridis', which reaches a height and width of about 6-10 feet. I have had this one for about thirty years or so and it has reached its mature height.

Front Lawn

The second variety is Weeping Japanese Maple, Acer palmatum 'Tamukeyama', which reaches a mature height and width of 6-8 feet tall by 12 feet wide. This one is about 25 years of age. To the far left of the Maples is Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica). This one came to the garden at just five feet tall back about 27 years ago.

Back Patio Garden

There have been some major changes in the garden over the past several months. It seems that once an idea gets into this gardener's head and the first tree that has lived out its lifespan is replaced, that it starts an ongoing domino effect. Once the Weeping Pussy Willow was removed from the patio garden and replaced with a Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple (last month's post), all that had to happen was for my dear husband to mention that perhaps the enormous grafted Blue Globe Spruce further down the patio should to be replaced. The crew returned two days later and planted this Acer palmatum 'Twombly's Red Sentinel'. I had admired it at the nursery and it is a newer hybrid of Japanese Maple which tends to stay more on the narrow side. It was perfect solution for the space.

Perennial Border

There are still some things the same. Behind the maple in the perennial border is a combination of Lamb's Ear and the dried seed heads of Astilbe in fall mode. The orangey color of the Astilbe against the pure white color of the Lamb's Ear always  seems to "pop" in the garden this time of year.

Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' Autumn

Along the walkway, the newly added Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' displays its colorful foliage and is still flowering throughout autumn...

Nellie Steven's Holly Berries Autumn

while along the pool border, a mature Nellie Stevens Holly is showing off its orange berries.

Welcome Visitors!

With the removal of the Magnolia tree this past spring, the bird feeder has a new home and there has been a lot of activity at it. I think they are enjoying the new setup!

Echibeckia Seeds

There are the interesting seed heads which can be found around the garden in autumn. This one comes from the perennial Echibeckia, a combination of  Echinacea and Rudbeckia, and very much resembles a pine cone.

Sedum 'Pure Joy' Autumn

Here is Sedum 'Pure Joy', a dwarf form of Sedum, which can turn a brilliant deep pink in the fall, adding interest to the garden...

Hydrangea Faded Blooms

while the faded blooms of Hydrangea add a touch of color as well.

Daylily Still Going!

There are also the blooms that just do not want to quit! This 'Stella D Oro' Daylily has been pushing out new buds and blooms since I cut it back at the end of summer...

Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz'

and Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz' keeps on blooming throughout autumn depending on the temperatures. 'Radrazz' is the original cultivar of Knock Out Rose and always aims to please. 

Dwarf Cryptomeria and Nandina 'Obsession'

For some foliage, here is the lime green hue of Dwarf Cryptomeria against the reddish-orange hues of  Nandina 'Obsession'... 

Sedum 'Brilliant'

and the foliage and seed heads of  Sedum 'Brilliant' for some added interest.

Fall Decor

Along the back entry is a collection of dwarf evergreens accompanied by this tree ring covered pumpkin, which I purchased years ago at the local nursery. It is starting to show some ware, so I hope it continues to survive the elements. It was such a unique find.

Spirea 'Candy Corn'

Last, but not least, is this Spirea 'Candy Corn', a newer miniature form of Spirea which only grows to 1.5-2.5 feet tall by wide and sports this "candy corn" colored foliage throughout the season and pink blooms in summer. It is going to live in a planter for now, so that I can enjoy it by the back patio.

Driveway Border

As we come to the end of our stroll, here is a view of the driveway border with Coral Bark Maple (on the right) and Skyland's Oriental Spruce (on the left) with Hinkoi Cypress 'Compacta' in the center. I await the glowing red bark of the Coral Bark Maple once the leaves fall, a bark which appears even more colorful against a backdrop of snow...

Driveway Border

and here is another view with Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar standing in the foreground along the walkway.

Back Around to the Front Lawn

There is a well known quote from author Albert Camus which suits the season well..."Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."  I could not agree more.

Thank you for Visiting!

I hope you enjoyed your visit to my November 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. 

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.