Prickly Pear Cactus: Native and Sustainable

Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa)

Welcome to This Month in the Garden! You may have encountered this plant growing in the more northeastern regions of the U.S. and been intrigued by it. Native to North America, the eastern Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa) is the only species of cactus widespread in northern gardens. A member of the genus Cactaceae, it is known for its showy bright yellow blooms followed by vibrant reddish-colored edible fruit in summertime. Its flat, paddle-shaped foliage consists of modified stems that are covered in small, hair-like spines, which provide the plant with protection from herbivores. This species has adapted to thrive in arid and semi-arid environments, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping and sustainable gardening.

Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa)

Prickly Pears are low maintenance and thrive best with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily and planted in a well-draining sand/gravel based soil. These cacti also perform well in containers where the use of a standard cactus mix is ideal. Prickly Pears are drought-tolerant once established and require infrequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering to prevent root rot. This plant can be propagated through pads or seeds. To propagate from a pad, let it callous over for a few days before planting it in soil. Roots should develop within a few weeks. It is important to note that while Prickly Pear are native to North America, they can become invasive in some regions, competing with other native vegetation. Properly managing this plant is important in maintaining an ecological balance. 

Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa)

Along with its attractive blooms and fruit, Prickly Pear Cactus serves many culinary and medicinal uses. Both the pads (nopales) and fruits (tunas) are edible. The fruits are sweet and can be eaten fresh, juiced, or made into jams and candies and the foliage is often grilled or boiled and used in Mexican cuisine. Prickly pear fruit was wildly eaten fresh and raw by native Americans, as some tribes made candy and chewing gum from the fruit or mashed the foliage into a type of applesauce. Medicinally, Prickly Pear Cactus extracts have been used for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The Aztecs would use the juice from this cactus to treat burns and other ailments, while considering the plant to be sacred. 

Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa)

If you're looking for a garden addition which is a little unique, sustainable and low maintenance, Prickly Pear Cactus offers numerous benefits. By understanding its needs and characteristics, you can successfully cultivate and enjoy this beautiful cactus in your home or garden.

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden. Be sure to stop by on the 1st. and 15th. of each month as I continue to share gardening tips, information and horticultural adventures! 

 Plan your Garden with my Books! 

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening 

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

"As Always...Happy Gardening!" 

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

Feature Native Plant: Baptisia ‘Lemon Meringue’

This Month in the Garden

Welcome to This Month in the Garden! If you're looking for a plant that can add beauty, resilience, and a touch of whimsy to your garden, Baptisia (False Indigo) can do just that. Baptisia is a member of the Fabaceae family and is native to North America. Hardy in USDA zones 4-9, this variety, Decadence 'Lemon Meringue' grows to 2 to 3 feet, and tends to stay more compact when compared to other False Indigo. This characteristic along with its other attributes makes it an ideal candidate for growing in containers on patios, decks, or balconies or as an addition to a native or pollinator garden.  Hybrid False Indigo 'Lemon Meringue' is celebrated for its compact growth habit and striking lemon-yellow flowers, reminiscent of lemon meringue pie, followed by decorative seed pods in the fall. Not only is this perennial a visual treat, it is also a beneficial addition to your landscape.

Decadence 'Lemon Meringue' False Indigo

Besides blooms, Baptisia 'Lemon Meringue' displays attractive blue-green foliage. Leaves are trifoliate, giving them a unique texture and structure and the color of the foliage complements the yellow blooms perfectly. Like other members of the Baptisia genus, 'Lemon Meringue' is a favorite among pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its nectar-rich flowers attract beneficial insects, contributing to a thriving garden ecosystem. Baptisia 'Lemon Meringue' is not preferred by deer; however, where populations are large, deer have been occasionally known to nibble on the new growth or blooms of the plant.

Decadence 'Lemon Meringue' False Indigo

Plant 'Lemon Meringue' in a location with full sun and ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which can be detrimental to the plant. ‘Lemon Meringue' False Indigo is drought-tolerant once established; however, regular watering during dry spells promotes healthy growth and blooming. Minimal pruning and fertilization are usually sufficient to keep this plant healthy and vibrant. Applying a balanced fertilizer in spring can support vigorous growth and blooms while deadheading spent flowers helps to encourage continuous blooming and to maintain a tidier appearance. Pair with complementary plants for a harmonious and visually appealing display.

Decadence 'Lemon Meringue' False Indigo

Other varieties of Baptisia, include native Baptisia australis, the most common species, known for its tall spikes of blue-purple flowers in late spring to early summer which attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Baptisia 'Purple Smoke' displays smoky violet-purple flowers that bloom in early summer, Baptisia 'Solar Flare' has striking yellow flowers with orange highlights appearing in late spring to summer and Baptisia 'Carolina Moonlight' features soft yellow flowers and blooms produced in late spring to early summer.

False Indigo 'Lemon Meringue' is a charming and resilient perennial that brings sunshine and joy to your garden. With its striking blooms, compact growth habit, and low-maintenance nature, it is a must-have for gardeners seeking beauty and functionality in their landscapes. Add a touch of whimsy and elegance to your outdoor space with this delightful cultivar!

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden. Be sure to stop by on the 1st. and 15th. of each month as I continue to share gardening tips, information and horticultural adventures! 

 Plan your Dream Garden with my Books! 

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening 

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

"As Always...Happy Gardening!" 

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

This Month in the Garden: Swan River Preserve-From Parking Lot to Native Habitat

Swan River Preserve

There is nothing more satisfying than seeing the result of an environmental movement by a town to restore land back to its natural state, while beautifying an area for residents to enjoy. The Swan River Preserve in the town of Patchogue, located on the South shore of Long Island, New York is the result of such an effort. With grants from the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, a three year restoration project turned a vacant car dealership into a man-made wetlands preserve filled with native plantings, walking trails and a natural bio-filtration system for the cleansing of storm water. 

The movement started back in 2011 when a car dealership moved its location, leaving an abandoned building, which was further damaged by Tropical Storm Irene and Hurricane Sandy. A natural tidal stream had been hidden the entire time behind the dealership and to the north, Swan Lake could be found behind a pharmacy, appliance repair shop and other small businesses along Montauk Highway. Almost two decades before, one of the largest buildings in Patchogue at the time had come down, followed by the removal of the remaining dilapidated buildings several years later. A bridge was built over the spillway leading to a small parking area with trees in an effort to beautify the area. By this time, the town had purchased the property with open space funds and had obtained the grants to revitalize the site. The plan was to restore the area back to a natural state, bringing environmental awareness and allowing the public to enjoy the property once again. 

The first step was to remove the existing drainage pipe that had carried polluted storm-water (containing garbage, sand and road salt) straight into the Swan river. Ponds were constructed, with the first one designed to catch floating bits of garbage before the water hit the settling ponds, which filtered out the remaining dirt and silt. Special aquatic plants were added to the ponds to soak up harmful chemicals, while naturally cleaning the water before it entered the river. 

A walking trail was constructed of environmentally friendly permeable pavers, the town planted a vast selection of native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and wetland plants, and the park officially opened to visitors on November 15th of 2014. After some time, local wildlife gradually moved into the renovated area and now it is the home to geese, swans, mallards, gulls and other inhabitants. Even a blue heron and a belted kingfisher have been occasionally spotted.

The ponds have also gained new residents over the years, including frogs, turtles, and naturally reproducing fish, including Large-mouth Bass and Yellow Perch, and is stocked with Brook Trout and Rainbow Trout. The abandoned buildings and parking lot of the past with a once hidden tidal stream were now transformed into a vast 3.8 acre natural habitat.

The river is open to visitors to enjoy kayaking, so a permeable paved path leading down to the river was constructed to serve as a landing. Trees such as Fir, Spruce, Cedar, Swamp White Oak, Tulip Popular and Cottonwood can be seen along the river banks.

Wildflowers including (clockwise left to right) Rudbeckia, New England Aster, Goldenrod and Thistle can be seen as you walk along the paths throughout the park. Other natives include Purple Coneflower, Blue Vervain and Purple Bergamot. The wildflowers bloom throughout the seasons and are an invitation to pollinators.

A quaint bride crosses the Swan River, creating a serene place to stop and do some reflecting on nature. 

As you can see, there are native wildflowers that can be enjoyed everywhere...

as you cross over the bridge connecting the two sides of the man-made pond.

These local Mallards have made it home here.

The system is quite remarkable. The water goes through a stone weir under the bridge that crosses Montauk Highway and flows through a drainage structure which extends into the Swan River. The water is naturally bio-filtered by the wetlands themselves and creates a water source for the plants and animals that live there in return. Under the direction of L.K. McLean Associates P.C., the engineers had designed the park to maintain the wetlands indefinitely. 

The Swan River flows south from Swan Lake to Patchogue Bay. It is one of the few free-flowing, spring fed streams on Long Island that still exists as a relatively natural habitat. The wetlands provide a critical habitat for the plants and animals that co-exist here, as well as provide a beautiful place for residents to enjoy. 

More About Swan River Preserve

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2018. All rights reserved 

Design of a Long Island Native Garden Part II

Long Island Native Planting 

Two years ago I was given the opportunity to design a Long Island native planting and was delighted to be back to design the other side of the property this past summer of 2014.  As mentioned previously in part I of this post I do enjoy a good challenge and this was yet another fulfilling experience.  As in the first round I was determined to create a native garden that was environmentally sound and aesthetically pleasing.  As you may know...this is not an easy task when it comes to planning natives.

Long Island Native Planting Before

The grounds started off as a heavily wooded area with an existing asphalt roadway leading from a back gate to a bridge that gave access to the other parts of the property.  The area was densely blanketed with heavy foliage mainly including non-native trees (some expired), numerous vines and weeds.  In addition to a native planting, the non-environmentally sound asphalt driveway needed to be removed and replaced with a permeable paver walkway that was environmentally friendly.

Long Island Native Planting After (with Permeable Paver Walkway and Planting)

After a full day of demolition and removal of asphalt and debris, the area was graded and the permeable walkway was constructed leading a path through the gardens to be.  This was the start of my design becoming a reality followed by a new fence and the plantings which were on the way.  Come stroll along and view a series of before and after photos of the gardens as they are transformed into what they are today.

Long Island Native Planting Before

Long Island Native Garden After with Permeable Paver Walkway and Planting

Long Island Native Planting and Walkway Before

Long Island Native Planting After with Permeable Paver Walkway and Planting

Long Island Native Planting After with Permeable Paver Walkway and Planting

Here are some of the plantings that were used in the garden.   I used a combination of shade tolerant native evergreens, flowering shrubs and perennials to achieve a garden that would provide interest throughout all seasons and serve the function of providing an inviting pathway from one entrance of the property to the next. Below are some descriptions of each selection.

American Holly Ilex opaca (Native Holly)

Hardy in zones 5-9, American Holly is a native evergreen to the eastern United States.  It prefers to be grown in partial to full shade and matures to a height of 15-30 feet tall by 10-20 feet wide but can be maintained at a smaller size.  Inconspicuous greenish-white flowers appear in spring followed by red berries which ripen in fall and persist throughout the winter and are enjoyed by wildlife.

Juniperus virginiana (Eastern Red Cedar)

Eastern Red Cedar is a hardy coniferous evergreen native to the northeast.   It is hardy in zones 6-9 and prefers to be grown in full sun to partial shade.  Juniperus virginiana grows to a mature size of 15-25 feet tall by 6-10 feet wide in a columnar habit.  Foliage is a desirable feathery blue-green and the plant makes an attractive screening in the landscape. 

Ilex glabra (Inkberry)

Inkberry is a hardy mid-sized evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves hardy in zones 4-9.  It prefers to be grown in full sun to partial shade and reaches a mature height and width of 4-6 feet. Small white flowers in spring are followed by black berries in fall.  This plant is known to be tolerant of a variety of conditions.

Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel)

Mountain Laurel is an excellent shrub for shady areas and is hardy in zones 4-9. It is noted for its leathery glossy evergreen leaves that are dark green above and yellow green beneath along with attractive pale pink blooms in spring.  Hardy in zones 4-9, Mountain Laurel prefers partial to full shade and grows to a mature height and width of 3-10 feet.

 Arrowwood Viburnum dentatum (Native Viburnum)

Viburnum denatum is native to the eastern United States and hardy in zones 3-8. It is a useful medium-sized to large deciduous shrub that is tolerable of many growing conditions and soil types.   Flattened clusters of creamy white blooms appear in late spring into early summer and when planted in groupings with other viburnum cultivars flowers develop into blue-black berries that attract birds.   In fall, foliage turns to shades of yellow, burgundy or purple-red for additional interest.  Arrowood Viburnum grows to a height and width of 6-10 feet and prefers to be grown in full sun to part shade.

Eupatorium dubium Little Joe (Dwarf Joe Pye Weed)

Joe Pye Weed. also known as White Snakeroot or Mist Flower is a native perennial displaying enormous umbrella-like rosy-purple blooms in mid-summer throughout early fall.   Hardy in zones 4-9, Eupatorium grows in full sun to full shade to 36-42 inches tall and 30-36 inches wide and will tolerate moist soil.  The variety 'Little Joe' is the first compact form of this plant.

Solidago sphacelata Golden Fleece (Goldenrod)

 Solidago (Goldenrod) is known for its desirable and outstanding display of golden-yellow blooms appearing in late summer into early fall.  Hardy in zones 4-9, Goldenrod prefers to be grown in full sun to part shade and displays an attractive clumping compact habit growing to 18-24 inches in height and width.  Solidago should not to be confused with the common allergen ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)!

 Iris versicolor (Blue Wild Iris)

Hardy in zones 4-8, Wild Iris (Iris versicolor) is a marginal aquatic plant that forms clumps of sword shaped, blue-green leaves with stalks of violet blue blooms in late spring throughout early summer. Wild Iris grows to a height of 30-42 inches tall and 30-36 inches wide and prefers full sun to part shade.

Whereas the first native planting was mostly in full sun this one had its own challenges in that is was in a woodland shaded area.  Having done massive research for the first project it was easier to select the plantings for this one and I was pleased with the results as was the homeowner.  If you are planning a native garden the moral of the story once again is...an environmentally sound garden can also be aesthetically pleasing!

As Always...Happy Gardening!

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

Fall-planted Flowers for Extra Splendor

Planting Bulbs and Wildflowers

Fall is an excellent time for planning the spring garden. I hope you enjoy this guest post and find the information to be useful! 

The first and most important step to having a beautiful garden full of flowers is their planting. If you do not properly plant the seeds and then perform the required care it is very unlikely that the flowers will grow as beautiful as you want them, if they grow at all. That is why it is very important to follow certain rules when planting your flowers, especially if you are not an expert in this field. Most people underestimate the fall, but it’s the perfect time to plant many wildflowers, long-lived flowers and flowers’ seeds. The following tips are aimed at helping you to plant the flowers you want during the fall so they will delight you with their beautiful blooms and scent next season.

The first step is to define whether your flowers are annual or perennial as the two types of flowers require different types of maintenance. For example annual flowers such as forget-me-not and violets can grow only from seeds while perennial flowers can grow either from planting seeds, bulbs or cuttings from the stable, the roots and even from the leaves of another, already grown flower of the same kind. And flowers that cannot form seeds for some reason can be planted only in a vegetative way.  

Purple Crocus

Planting bulbs
Plant your bulbs early enough (late September-October) or before the first frost. Don’t forget that the winter is coming and your bulbs need time to grow roots before the temperature falls. When planting your bulbs it is better to use a garden spade as the bulbs look their best when planted in groups. Lesser the space-bigger the effect!  Bulbs grow best in a well-drained organic soil and the best depth for planting is two and a half times the bulb’s height. While planting, mix some fertilizer (bone meal or super phosphate) in the soil around and under the bulbs and water. Maintain light watering to keep the soil moist but do not over water. Daffodils, crocus, hyacinths, allium and tulips are good examples of fall-planted bulbs.

Coreopsis

Wildflowers

Autumn is the time when Mother Nature plants, so it’s the best period to sow your seeds. Take your time and choose a sunny spot. You need to ensure that the growing season is over so plant your wildflowers around the same time you would plant bulbs. Any type of soil is suitable for planting (except a completely sterile one) and it helps to plant your wildflower garden near a water resource. Clean the chosen area from roots, grass and other plants. You need to choose the right wildflowers for your garden. Pay attention to the fact that most of them are annuals and “self-sowing”; for example: cornflowers, poppies and cosmos. If you want perennial wildflowers, you will have plants that will come back every year and can last for decades. Daisies, coreopsis and purple coneflowers are good examples of perennial wildflowers.

How to sow your seeds?

The seeds should be spread on bare soil. To achieve a more natural look, you can leave a little grass. The best way to plant wildflowers is to mix the seeds with clean white sand (the type that is used in children's sandboxes) and distribute evenly onto the soil. You should remember not to cover the seeds. You only need to press them into the bare soil, which can be achieved by walking on it or using a roller for larger spaces. Once your seed is “squashed” into the ground, your work is finished. Birds may arrive and start eating the seeds but don’t worry. They won’t ruin your project.

And do not forget – if you are hesitant about about a certain kind of flower you can always visit the local flower shop or simply search online.

Bio: Christine is a professional blogger who is engaged in organizing her household and raising her 2 kids. She has extensive experience in writing about different matters related to home maintenance. Currently she is sharing useful garden care and maintenance tips.