Showing posts with label garden author. Show all posts
Showing posts with label garden author. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Book Launching: The Houseplant Guide: How to Easily Select & Maintain Indoor Plants

Book Launching!!! 📚

I have been a gardener since the age of five and as I grew older, the desire to be surrounded by plants has expanded from the outdoors in. As my vast collection of common and rare houseplants has grown, it has rewarded me with a sense of joy and well being, as well as bringing a touch of the indoors inside. After writing five books pertaining to outdoor design, my friends, family and colleagues wanted to know why I had not written a book about indoor gardening. I am excited to finally say that I have! 

After two years of photographing my own houseplant collection as well as visiting nurseries, talking with owners, photographing and chatting about everything green, I have composed this comprehensive reference of over 120 selections of houseplants, including care requirements, maintenance tips and other important information. I am very excited to share my own experiences and to help others achieve the indoor collection of their dreams. Whether you have a green thumb or brown, and whatever your needs, there is likely a houseplant that is right for you!

Here is a little bit about the book:

Welcome to the world of indoor gardening! The Houseplant Guide: How to Easily Select & Maintain Indoor Plants is the definitive reference for both novice and seasoned plant enthusiasts. With over 120 in-depth listings of popular houseplants, each entry is arranged by common name and packed with key information, including botanical names, lighting preferences, soil, moisture and humidity needs and maintenance information, as well as expert tips on optimal care.

Designed to inspire and educate, this comprehensive guide also features dedicated chapters that cater to specific interests, such as flowering plants, trailing and climbing plants, cacti, succulents and epiphytes, low-maintenance options, pet-friendly plants, and air-purifying varieties. Whether you are looking for the perfect addition to a sunlit space, a safe plant for furry friends, or a resilient choice that thrives on minimal care, this book has you covered.

For plant owners facing common challenges, the book includes a vital chapter on identifying, managing, and preventing houseplant pests and diseases. With its rich, accessible layout and clear advice, The Houseplant Guide is the essential companion for a thriving indoor garden. 

Whether you have a green thumb or brown, houseplants are a wonderful way of bringing nature into your home, while improving overall air quality and health, and they are simple to grow, providing you have the proper knowledge. Join me as we begin our houseplant journey!

Thank you for being here and I hope to help you with your houseplant journey! Join me as we grow together!

My Author Page and Books

AND ANNOUNCING!!!

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2025. All rights reserved. 

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up August: Late Summer Garden Views & News!

Welcome!
Welcome to my Long Island zone 7b late summer garden! The beginning of August brought steamy temperatures in the mid to upper 80's accompanied by lots of humidity and pop up thunderstorms, making the temperatures feel even higher. Then the passing by of Tropical Storm Debby brought 4 inches of rain within a few days to the island. After the storm, the days of mid-August bring blue skies and temperatures in the lower 80’s, evenings in the 60's and 70's, and the garden continues with its next round of blooms. Join me for a tour to see what's new! 
Let's Visit for a While!
Now, if you have been here before, the welcoming committee is back again to greet you, and if you are new here...welcome!  It is customary to join them with a hot or cold beverage of your choice and stay and visit for a while. Once you've had some time to relax, we begin the tour!
Platycodon 'Komachi' (Balloon Flower)
The first stop is at the border of the patio where Platycodon 'Komachi' Balloon Flower resides. It is the only variety that remains closed as a "balloon" and is very rare and hard to come by. I have had this one for as long as I can remember, have not seen it sold anywhere since, and am thinking of collecting and cultivating the seeds, but hear it is very difficult. If anyone has grown this cultivar from seed, I could use your advice!
Calluna 'Firefly' (Heather)
New to the garden this summer is Calluna 'Firefly'. What drew my attention to this perennial was its unusual color, and as you know, I am a huge fan of foliage! The deep mauve blooms are just an added bonus! I am looking forward to how the evergreen foliage changes throughout the seasons.
Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple
Planted last summer, the Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple is getting some new growth and is accompanied by Salvia 'Blue By You', with Knock Out Roses in the backdrop.
Back Island Bed
Along the back island bed is Heuchera (Coral Bells) 'Caramel' (left), Ajuga Burgundy Glow (right), and Sedum 'Brilliant', which will bloom a little later in the summer.
Back Island Bed
In the rear of he same bed is Dwarf Butterfly Bush 'Pugster Blue', a hybrid cultivated to be semi-sterile and non-invasive here in the northeast. It stays more compact, growing to just 2-3 feet tall by wide, yet produces a profusion of fully-sized fragrant flowers. 
Allium 'Millenium'
Here is Allium 'Millenium', a later blooming ornamental onion that brings some color and interest to the late summer garden. After seeing it growing in other's gardens, it was a must have! Hardy in USDA zones 4-8, blooms last from mid to late summer. 
Hydrangea 'Limelight Prime'
Moving along to the northwestern side of the back island bed is Hydrangea 'Limelight Prime' from Proven Winners with its amazing white blooms in late summer that take on a pink hue as the flowers mature. Variegated Weigela 'My Monet', Coral Bells 'Palace Purple' and evergreen Hinoki Cypress Compacta join in.
Viburnum 'Summer Snowflake'
Along the back garden bed, Viburnum 'Summer Snowflake' is pushing out another round of blooms for late summer...
Rudbeckia 'Little Goldstar' (Dwarf Black Eyed Susan) 
and Dwarf Black Eyed Susan 'Little Goldstar' is blooming beneath Kousa Dogwood 'Greensleves' in the northern section of the property. Hosta 'Partiot' and 'Minuteman' border along the front of the bed.
Rudbeckia 'Little Goldstar' 
Here are the Dwarf Black-Eyed Susan up close. The nice thing about this plant is that is does not spread, but rather stays as a compact clump.
Pool Border
Along the pool border is a grouping of Holly 'Sky Pencil' and Heuchera 'Caramel'... 
Crape Myrtle 'Sioux'
and Crape Myrtle 'Sioux' is in bloom! Every summer I await the amazing deep pink blooms on this variety.
Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz'
The roses are dealing with the humidity this summer as best as they can. Good old reliable Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz' continues to push out blooms and never disappoints.
Groundcover Sedum Collection
Last year with the pool planting renovation, I added this collection of groundcover Sedum in a tight spot between the rock wall and the pool border. It is filling in nicely and produced yellow blooms back in July.
Front Island Bed Late Summer
Did I mention we have had some humidity and pop up thunderstorms? Well, the Hosta are loving it! They are blooming now and will be joined by the light pink blooms of Sedum 'Pure Joy' within a week or so.
Front Island Bed Late Summer
Here is another view. 
Dipladenia Planter
Last, but not least, the Dipladenia in a container on the back patio is doing beautifully! I get to enjoy it everyday as I sit under the overhang with a cup of tea! 

IN OTHER NEWS: Did you know that I post a monthly Substack newsletter called Northeastern Gardening News? Subscribe here for free to receive monthly updates all to do with gardening! Also, our gardens made it to the Garden Photo of the Day here at Fine Gardening Magazine. Lastly, I was invited to Season 8, Episode 21 of The Gardening with Joey & Holly radio show, as we spoke about gardening in shade! It has certainly been a fun and exciting month in the horticultural world!
Thank you for Visiting!
I hope you enjoyed your visit to my August garden and got to check out my newsletter. 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 WoodsImage-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 books in the meantime! They make great gifts too! As always...Happy Gardening!

My Author Page
Sharing a Lifetime of Gardening with My Books!  (Garden Design, Planning, Maintenance Tips and more!)


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

Monday, January 1, 2024

Happy New Year!: 2023 Gardening Year in Review

January Garden
Happy New Year and welcome to This Month in the Garden. It was both a busy and rewarding year in my Long Island (now zone 7b) garden. January started off the year with temperatures in the upper 40's, and a chill in the air, but not too unbearable to venture outside. In the past, I would never think of working in the garden in January, but on the milder days, I was able to get some time in tending to weeds and just enjoying the outdoors. Some sights to see for January are the varying colors of foliage and the blooms of Helleborous 'Shooting Star'. Its foliage remains evergreen year round and buds appear in December, which open in January and last for months. It is interesting to note that the flowers are really not flowers at all, but bracts, which is why they last for so long. 
February Garden
February certainly was an interesting month to say the least! After a relatively uneventful January with milder than usual temperatures, February 4th brought in temperatures in the single digits, with 45 mph winds, and a wind chill of 30 below zero! Needless to say, I did not venture out into the garden that day! A few days later, temperatures returned to 50 degrees and the rest of the month was a rollercoaster ride, going from fifty degrees one day to into the thirties the next, with a couple of 10 degree nights thrown in. The end of February brought temperatures in the 60's followed by our first and only dusting of snow on the 28th. In the midst of a crazy winter, Hellebore 'Shooting Star' were in bloom, while Hyacinth and Sedum started to prematurely emerge from their sleep. 
March Garden
Did I mention that this has been one of the most unusual winters I can remember? With temperatures in the 60's in late February, followed by our first and only accumulating snow of just two inches on February 28th, March came with daytime temperatures fluctuating from the mid to upper 50's to the 40's and back again. To add a little excitement, a nor'easter with large sprawling snowflakes and enough snowfall to cover the garden came to us on the 14th, which was Mother Nature's way of saying, "I'm not done yet!" Even with the unpredictable weather, blooms of Hellebore continued, while the remainder of the month brought purple crocus flowers, new foliage, buds and more blooms.
April Garden
The month of April brought spring temperatures in the 60 to 70 degree range, with two days of 80 degree temperatures mid-month. With summer like temperatures and longer hours of daylight the gardening season was definitely underway. After a day of designing, I would wander out into the garden and get some chores done, which makes me happy. Magnolia, Flowering Plum, Forthysia, Hyancinth and Pulmonaria were all in bloom along with blooms from later blooming Hellebore 'Dark and Handsome' and 'Champion'. It was a wonderful time to enjoy the garden.
May Garden
The month of May was very busy, with huge changes coming to the garden. With temperatures in the 70's towards the end of the month, I took the plunge and removed an old yew over the pool waterfall which had been losing its needles since the drought of last summer. The crew rebuilt the existing moss rock waterfall (originally constructed in 1996) and a mature Weeping Norway Spruce was carefully moved to its place with a skid steer with just two feet of space between the patio and pool. I held my breath as I watched until the tree was in its hole. Along with the main focal point, Variegated Upright Boxwood and Cherry Laurel 'Otto Luyken' were added with more additions to come later in the summer. Also to be seen this month were the blooms of Azalea, Weigela, Pulmonaria, Allium 'Globemaster', Salvia 'May Night', Ajuga, Nepeta, Baptisia, and Japanese Iris. 
June Garden
With June temperatures now in the comfortable mid-70's to low 80's, it was a wonderful time to enjoy the garden. Blooms this month included those of Rhododendron, Dogwood, Viburnum 'Summer Snowflake', Spirea, Roses, Nepeta, Daylily 'Stella D Oro' and Salvia. I took another plunge and replaced an aged Weeping Pussy Willow by the back patio with a Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple, which I had my sights on. This dwarf variety has slightly larger burgundy leaves and maintains a more rounded compact shape, reaching a mature height and width of just 6 feet over many years. It has made the perfect addition to admire as I sit having my morning tea! 
July Garden
There is a wonderful saying which describes me..."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. With more summer like temperatures in the 80's and low 90's, the garden brought an abundance of blooms including those of Hydrangea, St. John's Wort, Echinacea, Roses, Sedum, Salvia, Nepeta, Daylily, Asiatic Lily, Echibeckia, Hosta and Lamb's Ear. While we had a more spring like month of June, July did bring some heat, but overall it was a pleasure to be outdoors on most days.
August Garden
As the summer quickly passed by, the month of August brought an abundance of late summer blooms. The northeast had been fortunate weather-wise with temperatures mostly in the 80's with some "dog days of summer" thrown in, but there were frequent enough rain showers to keep the garden thriving. While a cooler spring had delayed the blooms of Crape Myrtle, the weather conditions had been especially ideal for Hydrangea, with some of the best blooms in years. Blooming were Hydrangea 'Limelight Prime', Hydrangea 'Let's Dance 'Big Band', Hydrangea 'Nikko Blue' and 'Tokyo Delight', Hydrangea 'Tardiva', Butterfly Bush 'Pugster Blue', Echinacea, Balloon Flower, Black Eyed Susan, Allium Millenium, Lillium 'Stargazer', and Daylily.
September Garden
The start of September brought in some of the hottest days of the summer, with temperatures climbing into the mid-90's with a heat index of 105 one day, while the rest of the month brought in more comfortable days in the 70's. The garden starts to slowly transition into fall mode this time of year with a stillness in the air and colors changing throughout the landscape. Finally, the deep pink blooms of Crape Myrtle 'Sioux' were finally here, along with the new blooms of Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' and continuing blooms of Butterfly Bush, Sedum, Echinacea, Liriope, Knock Out Rose and Hydrangea. With the perfect September temperatures, all that had to happen was for my husband to point out that perhaps the enormous grafted Blue Globe Spruce further down the patio needed to be replaced. Just as I thought the renovations were completed, the crew returned and planted a 'Twombly's Red Sentinel' Japanese Red Maple in its place. The renovations were now complete.
October Garden
Cooler temperatures arrived suddenly during October after a last hooray at the start of the month with temperatures in the 80's. Temperatures then settled into the 60's with clear blue skies and a slight chill in the air, as the surrounding landscape transitioned. As the blooms of Hydrangea faded, Montauk Daisy brought in new blooms along with the continuing blooms of Knock Out Roses, Black Eyed Susan, Butterfly Bush and Abelia 'Kaleidoscope', with plumes now on the Maiden Grass dancing in the breeze. 
November Garden
The month of November brought a more of a chill to the air with temperatures in the 50's and 60's and the landscape became a changing array of color with the changing foliage of maple trees, berries prominent on holly and plumes on grasses, while blooms of Knock Out Rose and Daylily refused to quit. The first silvery white flakes of snow occurred on November 28th. It lasted about fifteen minutes, but was the first snow for the season (technically) and signaled that winter was on its way.
December Garden
December brought milder than usual temperatures in the 50's on most days, with a rainy trend and chillier days in the 40's by the end of the month and the first frost, but still milder than I remember from years ago. It had been a wonderful gardening year with temperatures warm enough to extend the planting season, which got no complaints from this gardener. 

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden as we reminisce about days gone by and dream of a whole new year of gardening days ahead. You can view each month in detail by simply clicking on the hyperlink in the caption under each photo or go to "My Gardens" at the top navigation bar, where I share my garden diary since 2011! Be sure to stop by on the 1st. and 15th. of each month as I continue to share gardening tips, information and horticultural adventures! As the 2023 gardening season has come to a close, wishing you and yours a very happy and healthy new year and gardens that thrive in 2024!


"As Always...Happy Gardening!" 

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

Friday, September 15, 2023

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up September: Late Summer Foliage & Blooms

Welcome to my Garden!
It is mid-September and the garden is starting to slowly transition into fall mode with a stillness in the air and colors changing throughout the landscape. While we had some of the highest temperatures of the summer just a week ago in the mid-90's, with a heat index of 105 one day,  the seasons are now changing with more comfortable days bringing 70 degree temperatures to move ahead. It is a time of reflection and appreciation for all that nature has to offer. Join me for a tour of my Long Island garden.
My Garden-A Place of Solitude and Peace
As the caption says, my garden is a place of solitude and peace. At this time of year I can easily get lost in the garden for hours at a time, as it is truly my happy place. There is always time for reflection, evaluation and planning for the next possible addition!
Back Island Bed: Crape Myrtle 'Sioux'
A sight I enjoy every late summer is Crape Myrtle. This cultivar is 'Sioux' with deep pink blooms that last for several months, starting at the end of July/early August and continuing throughout September. Along the walkway is Abelia 'Kaleidoscope', just planted this season, with its delicate white blooms, along with the remaining blue blooms of Platycodon 'Komachi' (Balloon Flower).
Back Island Bed-Dwarf Butterfly Bush, Sedum and Heuchera
In the back island bed are Dwarf Butterfly Bush 'Pugster Blue', Sedum 'Brilliant' and Heuchera 'Caramel' (Coral Bells). The 'Pugster Blue' and Sedum are pollinator magnets this time of year!
Dwarf Butterfly Bush 'Pugster Blue'
Here are the vibrant and fragrant purple blooms of 'Pugster Blue' up close.
Back Island Bed-Weigela and Hydrangea
On the opposite side of the island bed is Dwarf Mugo Pine, Variegated Weigela 'My Monet' and Hydrangea 'Limelight Prime', with its panicle-shaped blooms changing from white to pink as fall approaches. 
Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit'
In the pool surround, Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit' is still producing blooms of various colors on the same plant, while the seed heads are enjoyed by birds.
Back Shade Border
Liriope (Lilyturf) 'Big Blue' is displaying its vibrant purple blooms for late summer along with the foliage of Variegated Boxwood and Leucothoe 'Axillaris'.
Liriope 'Big Blue' (Lilyturf)
I always enjoy the pop of color as I round the corner to the shade garden this time of year.
Back Northern Pool Border
There have been some additional changes going on in the garden. The large Magnolia tree which stood in this spot had been suffering for some time and sadly had to be removed. It did give me the opportunity to revamp the area with these three 'Sky Pencil' Holly, which are the perfect fit for adding some height and dimension, while separating the pool area from the back "secret garden".
Back Northern Perimeter
Along the northern border, Hosta 'Patriot' goes into fall mode with its changing colors and Japanese Dogwood starts to form its red berries...
Endless Summer Hydrangea
while the Endless Summer Hydrangea continues to display its blooms, which are fading but still worth the view!
Pool Border Late Summer Blooms
Alongside Spirea 'Limemound', Sedum 'Thundercloud' are blooming...
Dwarf Maiden Grass 'Yaku Jima' and Sedum
and Sedum 'Brilliant' are blooming alongside Dwarf Maiden Grass 'Yaku Jima', with its wispy plumes.
Pink Double Knock Out Rose Late Summer
Along the fence line, Double Pink Knock Out Rose continues to produce its blooms and will do so until the first frost.
Patio & Pool Surround
For some foliage, here is Osmanthus 'Goshiki' with its changing variegated leaves along with Golden Variegated Sedge. In the distance is a view of the pool area and summer renovation of the waterfall and planting.
Red Double Knock Out Rose Late Summer
Following around the bend are more roses to be seen, this time Double Red Knock Outs still blooming away!
Patio Border-Weeping Norway Spruce & Sedum 'Pure Joy'
Sedum 'Pure Joy', a smaller dwarf version of Sedum is blooming alongside Weeping Norway Spruce...
Patio Perennial Garden
and along the perennial border these are still the remaining blooms of Salvia 'May Night', Echibeckia and Balloon Flower along with the white foliage of Lamb's Ear.
Pinus densiflora 'Low Glow' (Japanese Red Pine)
Here is Japanese Red Pine 'Low Glow'. I have been enjoying this newer addition for the past three years with its pretty foliage along the patio border. It is considered a miniature conifer and will get 3-4 foot tall by wide in 10 years, but can get up to 6 feet in maturity, so I trim the candles in springtime.
Driveway Border
Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar adds a touch of color along the driveway with Coral Bark Maple and Skyland's Oriental Spruce in the backdrop.
Lirope Variegata (Variegated Lilyturf)
Venturing to the front yard, here is Variegated Lilyturf along the front walkway displaying its vibrant purple blooms. I enjoy this perennial all season long for its foliage alone, but the blooms are just fabulous late summer into fall! Care Tip:  To protect Liriope from winter damage, leave the foliage of this perennial over winter and prune it back in early spring as new growth emerges.
Hydrangea 'Tardivia'
For later blooms than most hydrangea, Hydrangea 'Tardivia' blooms late summer with highly scented large while panicle flowers that last into fall. The flowers also look nice in a vase to bring inside.
Front Lawn Weeping Japanese Maple 'Viridis'
On the front lawn, Weeping Japanese Maple 'Viridis' is already displaying more fall-like colors...
Front Walkway Entry
and here along the front walkway is a closer view of 'Skylands' Oriental Spruce, Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar and Mugo Pine, with Coral Bark Maple to the far left.
Front Island Bed & Lawn
The front island bed is starting to look a little bit like fall as well, with the changing colors of foliage. The garden continues to change.
Thank you for Visiting!

I hope you enjoyed your visit to my September 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 FotosFriday Bliss at Floral Passions, Macro Monday 2, Mosaic Monday at Letting Go of the Bay Leaf, Nature Notes at Rambling WoodsImage-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!