Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up January 2017: Snowy Views!

January 2017 Garden

Welcome to the first Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and Foliage Follow-Up for 2017! There is big news for the month of January, as I am very excited to be announcing the soon to be official launching of my second book! It is a continuation of the first and there will be a post forthcoming with the details, so stay tuned! In the meantime, it's Bloom Day and we've had a lot of snow in my Long Island garden.There will be some snowy views for January, so do come along and take a look.

Nandina domestica January

The month of January started off with normal temperatures for this time of year, in the 30's, with a light dusting of snow on the 6th. The forecast predicted another 2-4 inches for the next day, but winter storm Helena brought us 7.4 inches of snow to blanket the landscape. The garden turned into a winter wonderland!

Weeping Norway Spruce

To get these views I waded through the snow in winter boots to get to the gardens. There is nothing like the sight of the first white snow on branches of evergreens to show off winter structure and view the gardens from a different perspective. This glistening snow on this Weeping Norway Spruce is part of the pool garden.

Evergreens in the Winter Landscape

Along the driveway entry is Weeping White Pine (green foliage-closest), Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar (blue foliage-center) and Golden Oriental Spruce 'Skylands' (golden foliage-end). The red branches visible in the background are those of Coral Bark Maple 'Sango Kaku'. The red hues are much more pronounced after a winter's snow.

Northern Cardinal

A northern cardinal visits the bird feeder in our backyard every morning and I can view him from our patio room overlooking the garden.  Sparrows, Chickadees, Morning Doves, Blue Jays, Mocking Birds and Juncos also visit the feeder on a daily basis. I used my telephoto lens to get this close-up, so not to disturb him.

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar and Coral Bark Maple

Here is a closer view of the Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar and Coral Bark Maple along the driveway. In the same garden is Golden Oriental Spruce 'Skyland's displaying its bright yellow-tipped branches.

Skyland's Oriental Spruce

The tree, which was planted back in 2008, is now twenty feet tall by three feet wide.

Nellie Stevens Winter Berries

I enjoy planting trees that will supply winter interest on the property and this Nellie Stevens Holly is one of them. Its bright red berries that form in autumn become even more prominent in winter.

Dried Hydrangea Flowers January

Here are some of the remaining flowers from Hydrangea Tardivia, which I leave on the tree for winter interest. It blooms on new wood, so any dried blooms that don't blow away over the winter can be pruned in early spring.

January Poolscape

In the backyard, here is the covered mountain lake pool completely under a layer of snow. The pool area is surrounded by evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs.

Gold Mop Cypress Winter Color

Here is another of the many evergreens around the property. Gold Mop Cypress adds some color to the garden, especially in winter. As you can see here, many of the shrubs are snow covered with only the bottom foliage exposed, which creates an inviting haven for birds. I watch them tuck themselves under the branches to keep warm, and almost got a photo, but the little Chickadee hiding there went deeper into the shrub. I backed off not to scare him away.

Lamp post Garden January

More snow covered scenes around the property include this lamp post at the end of the driveway, where a Weeping Norway Spruce is the focal point...  

Weeping Japanese Maple Winter

and a snow covered Weeping Japanese Maple.

Feeder in Winter

As we head back towards the warmth inside, the cardinal is still enjoying the feeder, and the morning sun highlights the garden.

Golden Sweet Flag Winter

I couldn't resist capturing this as a photo. Even Bear cannot "bear" to look at the snow covered landscape before him, and dreams of warmer days ahead! He's counting, and there's 63 days to go until the official arrival of spring!

Garden Bear Winter: Hiding from the Snow!

The temperatures warmed up dramatically right before Bloom Day with some rain that melted all the snow, but I was able to get those snowy views to share with you! The forecast for the rest of the month calls for warmer days, going up into the 50's, then back into the 30's and 40's to finish out January. 

Hellebore 'Shooting Star'

Here is some anticipation of what is yet to come. I am sure there will be more snow covered days before the warmer temperatures arrive, and I do enjoy the beauty of a landscape covered in glistening white.

January 2017 Garden

I hope you enjoyed your stroll through my January garden. Special thanks go out to our hostesses 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 and Pam at Digging for hosting Foliage Follow-Up.  I am also linking with some other wonderful hosts and hostesses at Today's Flowers, Floral Fridays, Macro Monday 2, and Nature Notes at Rambling Woods. Also check out In a Vase on Monday at Rambling in the Garden, Garden Bloggers' Foliage Day and Saturday's Critters.

Informational Links:

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening on Facebook

Landscape Design by Lee on Facebook

A Guide to Landscape Design & Maintenance Blog 

NEGardening on Twitter

 My Book on Amazon: 

 A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer

As Always...Happy Gardening!

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

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up December 2016: Winter Garden Color!

December 2016 Garden

Well, the weather outside is frightful, but our gardens are still delightful. The winter crops we can sow...til it snows, til it snows, til it snows! December on Long Island has been bringing frigid temperatures in the 30's and 40's, which are more normal for this time of year, but the temperature for Bloom Day is in the 20's, with a chance of snow flurries showing in the forecast! I took this venture outside wearing three layers of clothing to keep warm and was delighted to see that there is still a lot going on in the December garden. Come along with me. Better bundle up!

Azalea Foliage December

As an avid gardener and designer, and now very determined photographer, I am constantly inspired by the beauty of the garden, no matter what the time of year. I have come to appreciate that there is always something amazing lurking around the corner and when there are no blooms, it is important to look deeper. As Albert Camus once said, "In the depths of winter I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer."

Nandina domestica Berries & Foliage

Speaking of finding the inner beauty of the garden in winter, one of my favorite plants for this time of year is Nandina. Its evergreen foliage turns to hues of pink and yellow in the colder temperatures, while bright red berries form and grow more intense as the winter progresses. 

Young's Weeping Birch Bark

Even the bark of some trees can provide winter interest. The beautiful white bark of birch trees becomes more noticeable as the foliage disappears.

Blue Globe Montgomery Spruce

Montgomery Globe Spruce continues to shine with its bright blue foliage, that is even more prominent in winter...

Coral Bells & Sedge

and evergreen perennials highlight the garden with their contrasting colors. This is a combination of Caramel Coral Bells with Japanese Golden Sedge.

Nandina domestica Berries

Here is Nandina once again but with a closer view...and Hellebores, as they set their buds for winter bloom.

Hellebore 'Shooting Star'

  I added these Hellebore 'Shooting Star' to the garden two winters ago and get so much enjoyment from them. The foliage stays evergreen all year long and large creamy white blooms with pink highlights start in late December and continue through early spring.

Spirea Foliage December

Even though the cold has set in, the fall season has been warmer in the past couple of years, resulting in continuing foliage on these spirea through December.  This is the foliage of Spirea 'Lemon Princess' still holding on with its deep orange hue.

Frosty Heuchera

Here we see frost on Coral Bells as the temperatures plummet...

Nellie Stevens Holly Berries

and Nellie Steven's Holly forms its berries for winter.

Sedum 'Brilliant' Seed Head

Sedum 'Brilliant' extends the season with its interesting seed heads, which are also looking a little frosty right now. I try to leave these in the garden for as long as possible, for they add interest, plus the birds enjoy the seeds.

'Yaku Jima' Grass December

Here is Dwarf Maiden Grass.  Its plumes glow in the sunlight in the December garden.

Skyland's Spruce and Coral Bark Maple December

Over the years the number of evergreens in my garden has grown, as well as plants that provide winter interest. This Golden 'Skyland's Oriental Spruce was planted in 2008 as a memorial tree for my mom and has grown into a magnificent specimen. The Coral Bark Maple behind it is starting to show its reddening winter bark.

Rainbow Leucothoe December

Leucothoe also adds nice interest to the winter garden with its multi-colored foliage...

Japanese Golden Sedge December

while golden sedge continues to add color and whimsy to the garden with its spiky evergreen foliage.

Weeping White Pine

Here is Weeping White Pine with its cascading branches...

Weeping White Pine Cone

and large pine cones that form at this time of year.

Weeping Norway Spruce

I rescued this Weeping Norway Spruce from a client years ago whom no longer wanted it.  It was thin and pretty much left for dead, but I took it on and gave it lots of tender loving care. This is the tree today after years of believing in it. It is thriving and has become one of my favorites in the back garden!

Weeping Pussy Willow Catkin December

It's mid December and this is a rare sight for right now. The Weeping Pussy Willow usually sets its buds at this time of year, but it is not usual for the catkins to be popping. 

Knock Out Rose December!

While catkins are fooled by a milder fall until now, reminders of summer still linger as Knock Out Roses continue to bloom...

Rhododendron Buds December

and signs of future spring are present as Rhododendrons set their buds.

Winter Visitors

There have been many more bird visitors since the cold set in, as they enjoy their favorite seed...

December Trying to Keep Warm

and seek shelter in the trees away from the chilling winds.

In A Vase on Monday (Spreading Yew, Gold Lace Juniper, Dwarf Maiden Grass plumes, Rosy Glow Barberry, Sedum seed heads and Knock Out Rose buds)

Some of the garden is brought inside to enjoy...

Winter Bear!

 and new Winter Bear watches over the garden, as Adirondack Bear hibernates away for the winter months.

December Garden 2016

  I hope you enjoyed your stroll through my December garden. Special thanks go out to our hostesses 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 and Pam at Digging for hosting Foliage Follow-Up.  I am also linking with some other wonderful hosts and hostesses at Today's Flowers, Floral Fridays, Macro Monday 2, and Nature Notes at Rambling Woods. Also check out What's Blooming This Week Garden Update, In a Vase on Monday at Rambling in the Garden, Garden Bloggers' Foliage Day and Saturday's Critters.

Planning your garden for next spring, looking for some winter reading or perhaps a gift for the gardener in you life?  Check out my book, A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer (Gardening in Zones 3-9). It covers a wide range of information on garden design, tips, maintenance and more! If you have read my book and found it to be helpful, please consider leaving a short review on Amazon. Reviews are vital in getting a book noticed and your help would be very much appreciated! Click on the photo or links for details!

As Always...Happy Gardening and Happy Holidays!

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

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.