Showing posts with label pollinator-friendly plants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pollinator-friendly plants. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up July: Summer Blooms in the Garden

Welcome to My Garden!
Welcome to my zone 7b Long Island garden! With a record breaking heat of 97 degrees on the 3rd, (which felt like 102) followed by torrential rains on the 6th, believe it or not, we are still in a drought. On the hotter days as I sit under my the covered porch and as the lyrics to the song "Summer Breeze" go over and over again in my mind, I gaze out into the garden and daydream. On the cooler days, it is time to work in the garden deadheading perennials and performing some needed pruning. Whatever the temperature outside, the garden is always my happy place. Join me for a tour! 
Welcoming Committee
As we start the tour, here is a view of the patio garden. Trombly’s Red Sentinel Japanese Maple stands as a focal point, surrounded by Spirea ‘Candy Corn’, Echinacea, Lamb’s Ear, lilies and juniper. The welcoming committee is here to greet you along with a beverage of choice!
Patio Border
This is the view I see from the patio, where I sit and contemplate what is going to be the next chore to do in the garden, go over in my mind the course of the day, or to take a break after doing some maintenance. In view are the blooms of Echinacea Pow Wow 'Wild Berry', along with a closer view of Spirea 'Candy Corn', Juniper and mixed perennials.

Pool Border
Along the pool border is my favorite statue of a young girl with her kitty, along with Echinacea ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ and Golden Dwarf Hinoki Cypress. Astilbe ‘Sprite’ can be seen displaying its unusual feathery, star-like blooms in the backdrop. 
Weeping White Pine, Astilbe 'Sprite' & Sedum Groundcover
Here is a closer view of Astilbe 'Sprite'. This dwarf variety displays light pink wispy blooms beneath the cascading foliage of Weeping White Pine along the pool border. Groundcover sedum is going into bloom along the sunnier portion of the bed.
Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit' and Blue Globe Spruce
Here is the Echinacea ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ with its multitude of different color blooms on the same plant, along with Dwarf Blue Globe Spruce. 
Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles' (Speedwell)
Veronica 'Royal Candles' displays its long lasting spikes of colorful blooms along the walkway, while Hydrangea 'Nikko Blue' shows its attractive blue blooms each summer.
Shade Garden-Endless Summer Hydrangea 
'Nikko Blue' is a reliable old fashioned hydrangea that blooms on old wood. Pruning Tip: To ensure blooms each summer, only prune off only the dead flower heads just above the next node in late winter or early spring. We have had some cold Spring temperatures where the buds can be affected, but luckily the plant is sheltered where it is.
Hydrangea 'Nikko Blue'
Here are the blooms up close. I so look forward to enjoying them each year.
Daylily 'Sammy Russell'
Now that the month of July has set in, and the Stella D Oro Daylilies have been blooming for some time, the next round of blooms are here from Daylily ‘Sammy Russell’. The orangey-red blooms with yellow centers last for quite some time and brighten up the garden.
Miniature Blue Hosta 'Mouse Ears'
The blooms of Hosta also take notice starting in July, and the tubular flowers are an attraction for hummingbirds. Here are some of the first blooms from a miniature variety called Hosta ‘Mouse Ears’, which resides along the pool border. 
Nepeta 'Cat's Pajamas' (Catmint)
There are many new varieties of Nepeta (Catmint). This one is Nepeta 'Cat's Pajamas', which stays smaller and more compact and displays deeper bluish-purple blooms. It also blooms throughout most of the summer and attracts pollinators too!
Hydrangea Patio Planters
Along the patio, I am enjoying my new matching planters with different varieties of dwarf hydrangea, which are in full bloom right now. Here is Hydrangea 'Magical Revolution' on the left and Tuff Stuff 'Top Fun' on the right!
Hydrangea 'Magical Revolution'
Hydrangea 'Magical Revolution' is hardy to USDA zones 5-9, and is admired for its long lasting blooms on both new and old wood, and it is a compact plant, growing to just one to two feet tall by wide. It is known to bloom up to five months and produces tones of pink or blue blooms (depending on soil pH) which deepen in color to purple, maroon and green as they age. I just got this beauty, so I am looking forward to enjoying the show!
 Hydrangea Tuff Stuff 'Top Fun'
Hydrangea Tuff Stuff  'Top Fun' is a re-blooming mountain hydrangea with lace-cap blooms that form on both old and new wood. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-9, and grows to a height and width of two to three feet. I have been enjoying this beauty for three years now. Colors can range form pink to blue depending on soil acidity.
Shade Garden

Here in the back shade garden is a mature Weeping Norway Spruce with Upright Boxwood, Astilbe, Coral Bells 'Caramel', Jacob's Ladder and another mountain hydrangea.

Northern Border
Strolling around to the northern border, here is Kousa Dogwood 'Greensleeves', Endless Summer Hydrangea to the left, Black Eyed Susan, Hosta 'Patriot' and Gold Lace Juniper to the right.
Hydrangea 'Firelight Tidbit' Getting Ready!

Along the eastern side of the property, Hydrangea 'Firelight Tidbit' (hardy in USDA zones 3-8) is getting ready to bloom! This compact two to three foot panicle hydrangea blooms on new wood and will show off its creamy-white blooms that eventually fade to pink when approaching fall.

Weeping Eastern Redbud 'Lavender Twist' Foliage
We could not end the tour without visiting the Weeping Eastern Redbud 'Lavender Twist' along the front walkway. Even though it blooms in spring, I admire the foliage even more. It's large heart-shaped leaves seem to get bigger every year!
Driveway Border
Last, but not least is a visit to the driveway planting for some different forms of foliage and blooms too. In the backdrop is Golden Hinoki Cypress 'Verdoni' with the deep purple foliage of 'Spilled Wine' Weigela, deep green foliage of Mugo Pine, light green foliage of Dwarf Norway Spruce and blooms of Nepeta 'Walkers Low'. That is it for now, and it looks like we are in yet another heat wave! I guess I will be playing "Summer Breeze" in my mind once again!
Thanks for Visiting!
I hope you enjoyed your visit to my July 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, Weekly Photo Link-Up at My Corner of the World on Wednesdays and Garden Affair at Jaipur Garden.

Connect With Me
🌼
It's time to plan your garden! Visit my Author Page 👈to learn about and purchase my books, each one focusing on different aspects of gardening, including landscape ideas, design principles, gardening by month for all-season interest, gardening tips and maintenance, shade gardening, gardening inspiration and more. And also be sure to check out my newest publication, The Houseplant Guide, to guide you on your houseplant journey! If you have read any of my books and have found them to be useful, reviews are very much appreciated!

Also, check out my newsletter Northeastern Gardening News for monthly updates all to do with gardening! It's free to subscribe or you can pledge a donation to show support for my work, or upgrade to receive extra perks monthly right into your inbox!   


Until we Meet Again...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2026. All rights reserved. 

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

7 Native Pollinator Perennials for Your Garden

7 Native Pollinator Perennials for Your Garden
With the decline of natural pollinators, interest in native and pollinator-friendly gardening has increased substantially, and for a good reason. If you are looking to create a beautiful garden that supports bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, planting native perennials is one of the best investments you can make. Native plants have evolved alongside local wildlife, making them excellent sources of nectar, pollen, and habitat while requiring less maintenance than many non-native ornamentals. In addition to native Milkweed, which is an essential host plant for Monarch butterfly caterpillars, here are seven additional native pollinator plants for the northeast. 

Coreopsis (Tickseed): Coreopsis is one of the longest-blooming native perennials, producing cheerful yellow flowers from early summer into fall. Its bright blooms attract native bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects throughout the growing season.

Full sun

Well-drained soil

Drought tolerant once established

Deadheading spent flowers can encourage further  blooming


Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): A true garden favorite, purple coneflower is as tough as it is beautiful. Its large purple blooms are magnets for butterflies and native bees, while its seed heads become an important winter food source for goldfinches and other birds.

● Full sun 

Average, well-drained soil

Highly drought tolerant

●Leave seed heads through winter for wildlife


Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Black-eyed Susan are iconic native wildflowers known for their golden petals surrounding dark centers. They bloom heavily throughout summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects while adding color to the landscape.

Full sun

Adaptable to most soil types

Drought tolerant


Bee Balm (Monarda): Bee balm, also known as wild bergamot, is a standout native perennial with vibrant blooms in shades of red, pink, purple, or white. Its nectar-rich flowers are especially attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and its aromatic foliage adds another layer of garden appeal.

● Full sun to partial shade

● Moist, well-drained soil

●Divide clumps every few years to keep plants vigorous.


Blazing Star (Liatris spicata): With its tall spikes of fluffy purple flowers, blazing star adds dramatic vertical interest while serving as one of the best nectar plants for butterflies, native bees, hummingbirds, and even hummingbird moths.

 Full sun

Well-drained soil

Moderate drought tolerance

Plant in groups for the visual impact


Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis): 
Cardinal flower is a stunning native perennial with brilliant red blooms that are especially attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and native bees. Its tall flower spikes add bold color to garden spaces from midsummer into early fall and it is perfect for shadier, moist spots.

Growing Tips:

Partial shade 

Moist, rich soil

Keep soil consistently damp

Great for rain gardens, pond edges, and woodland borders


New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae): When most summer flowers begin to fade, New England aster steals the show. Its vibrant purple flowers bloom from late summer into fall, providing critical nectar for migrating monarch butterflies and late-season pollinators.

 Full sun

Moist, well-drained soil

Pinch stems in early summer for bushier growth

Excellent for naturalized landscapes


By incorporating these native plants into your landscape, you can enjoy months of colorful blooms while creating a valuable habitat for pollinators. Together, Coreopsis, Echinacea,  Black Eyed Susan, Bee Balm, Liatris, Cardinal Flower and New England Aster provide nectar and pollen from early summer through fall, helping sustain bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial wildlife.

Whether you are planting a dedicated pollinator garden or simply adding a few native perennials to existing beds, every flower makes a difference. Your garden won’t just look beautiful, it will become part of a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.

Author: Lee Miller @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2026. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

12 Landscape Plants for Fall & Winter Wildlife

This Month in the Garden: 12 Landscape Plants That Support Wildlife
Welcome to This Month in the Garden. A thriving landscape can also be a vital source of food, shelter, and nesting space for local wildlife. By thoughtfully choosing the plants we grow, we can create a landscape that is not only beautiful, but also play an important role in sustaining the natural world around us. With autumn upon us and winter on the way, here are twelve landscape plants that can help to support our local wildlife. 

American Holly (Ilex opaca)
American Holly: American Holly is an evergreen tree native to the eastern and southeastern regions of the United States and hardy in USDA zone 5-9. This species is found in moist woods, forest bottomlands, and swamp edges, and often serves as an understory tree. Female trees produce clusters of bright red berry-like fruits that are visually striking in winter and provide food for many bird species throughout winter. The flowers which appear in late spring to early summer are an important nectar source for bees and butterflies.  

Beautyberry (Callicarpa spp.)
American beautyberry: The most widely known cultivar is American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), which is native to the southeastern United States and thrives in woodlands, meadows, and along water margins. Hardy in USDA zones 5-8, the American species displays clusters of magenta to violet berries tightly encircling stems, a trait distinguishing it from many non-native varieties. The vibrant purple-pink berries can linger throughout fall and into winter, supplying food for birds and small mammals including armadillos, raccoons, opossums, squirrels.

Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)
Arrowwood Viburnum: Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) is a native deciduous shrub to northeastern America which is valued for its wildlife support. White blooms lead to bluish-black fruits  persisting into winter and providing food for a range of birds, including Northern cardinal, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, and Mockingbird. The berries are also consumed by various mammals, such as Eastern gray squirrel, rabbits, and deer.
Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)
Winterberry: Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata) is a deciduous holly shrub hardyin USDA zones 3-9 and native to eastern North America, including the United States and southeast Canada. It typically grows 3 to 15 feet tall, and often forms dense thickets, especially in wetland habitats like swamps, pond edges, and moist woods. The shrub is known for its bright red berries that persist throughout the winter, providing a feast for robins and mockingbirds. Winterberry is dioecious, meaning it must have male and female plants nearby for fruit to form.
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
Spicebush: 
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is a deciduous shrub in the laurel family (Lauraceae) and is native to central and eastern United States. It is typically found in moist woodlands, bottomlands, ravines, valleys, swamps, and along streams. Hardy in USDA zones 4-9, 
Spicebush produces red berries which attract thrushes and cardinals in late fall and early winter and serve as a food source.
American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
American Elderberry:
Hardy in USDA zones 3-9, American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) 
provides ornamental value with its fragrant flowers and showy bluish-black fruits, while attracting butterflies, birds, and other pollinators. It grows fastest in rich soil but can spread aggressively by root suckers, so planting location and maintenance should be under consideration. Birds are particularly attracted not only to the berries but also to the dense foliage, which provides nesting opportunities and protection. The berries serve as a nutritious resource especially in late summer and early fall, benefiting migrating and resident birds alike.
American Cranberry Bush (Viburnum opulus var. americanum)
American Cranberry Bush: The American Cranberry Bush (Viburnum opulus var. americanum), also known as American Cranberry bush Viburnum or highbush cranberry, is a broadleaf deciduous shrub native to northern North America. Hardy in USDA zones 2-7, this shrub produces flat-topped clusters of white lacecap flowers in mid- spring, followed by bright red, cranberry-like edible berries in late summer to fall. The to be enjoyed by wildlife.
Juniper (Juniperus spp.)
Juniper: Juniper (Juniperus spp.) is hardy in USDA zones 2-6 and is known to provide an important source of food and shelter for wildlife.  The female juniper cones, commonly called berries, are a significant food source for many mammals and birds, especially during winter when other food is scarce. These berries contain carbohydrates and fats, making them valuable for energy. Birds such as American robins, cedar waxwings, and several jay species eat the berries, often consuming large quantities in harsh seasons. Small mammals like rabbits, rodents, and coyotes also feed on the berries, helping disperse the seeds. Junipers also provide shelter and nesting cover for birds and some mammals and the dense evergreen foliage offers protection from harsh weather conditions. The plant's strong scent and sharp needles also tend to discourage deer from browsing.
Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)
Eastern White Pine: Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, Pine offer both shelter and high-fat seeds for crossbills, chickadees, nuthatches, and squirrels, all through the coldest months. Its seeds, cones, foliage, buds, and bark are consumed by animals such as squirrels, rabbits, deer, beavers, black bears, and various small mammals. Many birds, including species like Red-breasted Nuthatches, woodpeckers, and grosbeaks, rely on the pine’s seeds and use it for nesting sites. Large Eastern White Pines also serve as important nesting trees for hawks, owls, and other cavity-nesting birds.
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Black-eyed Susan: Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is hardy in USDA zones 3-9 and serves as an excellent food source for American Goldfinches, Bobwhite Quail, and Wild Turkeys, once the flowers have matured and gone to seed. The nectar from the flowers is an important food source for pollinators, and a home for larval host for certain moths and butterflies.
Echinacea (Coneflower)
Echinacea: Echinacea, or coneflower are native to eastern and central North America and includes a vast selection of species, ranging in both size and color. Hardy in USDA zones 4-9, Echinacea prefers to be grown in full sun and in a well-drained soil. Flowers emerge from mid-summer to mid-fall which are a favorite feeding station for many butterflies. After blooming, seed heads are a huge attraction to a number of bird species, including Blue Jays, Cardinals and finches.
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Bearberry: Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), hardy in USDA zones 2-6, is a low-growing, evergreen shrub native to northern North America, spreading horizontally to form a dense ground cover. The plant exhibits small, leathery, dark green leaves that turn reddish to bronze in fall and produce small, white to pink flowers in late spring. Bright red berries form that last into winter and are eaten by a variety of wildlife including birds, foxes, coyotes and bears. The plant's common name, bearberry, references to bears, which particularly enjoy the fruit, but many bird species also rely on the berries as a food source into late fall and winter. Additionally, the berries serve as an important food source for some small mammals. 

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden and have found the information to be useful. Landscaping with wildlife in mind not only enhances the beauty of outdoor spaces but also strengthens local ecosystems. By incorporating certain plantings into your landscape you can play a major role in helping to support local wildlife, especially during the fall and winter months when food sources are scarce. 

Looking for some Garden Inspiration? Purchase My Books:


As Always...Happy Gardening!

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

Monday, September 15, 2025

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

Welcome to my Garden!
Welcome to my Long Island zone 7b garden! After two months of extreme heat and drought, the seasons have shifted into fall mode with cooler temperatures in the 70's and blue, cloudless skies. September is one of my favorite months of the year as the garden is starting to transition into an array of changing colors. While new blooms appear and some blooms keep their momentum going, join me for a tour of my garden, a place that brings me joy.
Spirea 'Candy Corn' & Echinacea Pow Wow 'Wild Berry'
One of the first signs of autumn each year are the fading blooms of Coneflower, creating a feast of seeds for birds. Here is Echinacea (Coneflower) Pow Wow 'Wild Berry' against the foliage of 'Candy Corn' Spirea.
Abelia 'Kaleidoscope'
While Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' displays variegated evergreen foliage throughout the year, an added bonus is its trumpet shaped white blooms in later summer and into fall.
Patio Border
Along the patio border Upright Japanese Maple 'Red Sentinel' is pushing out some new growth...
Lamb's Ear (Stachys)
while the white fuzzy foliage of Lamb's Ear (Stachys) against the candy corn-colored foliage of Spirea 'Candy Corn' provide the excellent fall look!
Sedum 'Brilliant' (Stonecrop)
Out of the many varieties of Sedum available, Sedum 'Brilliant' provides excellent late summer color on a more compact plant, which grows to just 18-24 inches tall.
Pool Border
Another variety of Sedum (Stonecrop) is this Sedum 'Thundercloud' with tight clusters of small white flowers, which stays at about 12 inches tall. The blooms do remind me of thunderclouds; hence the name!

Pool Waterfall
Along the pool waterfall the Weeping Norway Spruce that was planted in 2023 is finally feeling at home and pushing out an abundance of new growth, while Golden Pacific Juniper starts to trail gracefully over the rocks. An mix of Upright Variegated Boxwood and groundcover Sedum accompanies them.
Hydrangea 'Tardiva'
Join me on the northern side of the property. Here is a sight I look forward to every year. The panicle white blooms of Hydrangea 'Tardiva' appear much later in summer and last well into fall.
Hydrangea 'Tardiva'
Here is a view of the full tree along with Repandens Yew and Variegated Lilyturf.
Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz' Late Summer
A true winner in the garden is Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz' displaying blooms non-stop from spring  through fall with little interruption. I deadhead after each round of blooms and it just keeps on giving!
Daylily 'Stella D Oro' Late Summer
Stella D Oro' Daylily is another winner with a burst of new foliage and reblooms late summer into fall with a little bit of mid-summer rejuvenation.
A Welcomed Visitor!
It is late summer and Dwarf Butterfly Bush 'Pugster Blue' is blooming away and attracting the Monarchs. I was thrilled to get this photograph, as I was in the right place at the right time! Note:  This dwarf form of Buddleia is long blooming and non-invasive! 
Dwarf Butterfly Bush 'Pugster Blue'
Here is 'Pugster Blue' again along with the foliage of Dwarf Mugo Pine and Hinoki Cypress 'Compacta' in the backdrop.
Crape Myrtle 'Sioux'
Crape Myrtle 'Sioux' has been producing a nice bloom since it was behind a couple of weeks during the cooler than usual spring. It has also been exfoliating bark much more than I recall in past years. Note: An interesting tidbit is that exfoliation is a sign that there has been a lot of growth during a season and this process is the tree's way of making room.
Liriope (Lilyturf) 'Big Blue'
This has also been a good year for Liriope 'Big Blue'. I love the spikes of deep purple blooms it produces this time of year.
Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple Patio Border
For some more late summer color, here is some of the new growth on Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple along with the variegated evergreen foliage of Osmanthus 'Goshiki', blue foliage of Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar and backdrop of Emerald Green Arborvitae and Knock Out Roses.
Front Walkway Garden
Along the front walkway and driveway border is Weeping Eastern Redbud 'Lavender Twist', Weeping White Pine, Golden Oriental Spruce and Coral Bark Maple, which is starting to look a little bit fall-like!
Front Lawn
Along the front lawn is a 40 year old Weeping Japanese Maple...
Hydrangea Firelight 'Tidbit'
and by the back walkway entry (planted last year) are 2-year old Hydrangea Firelight 'Tidbit'!
Hydrangea Firelight 'Tidbit'
Their blooms have gone from pale green to pure white and now take on a rosy glow.
Patio Planter (All Season)
Last, but not least, is this reliable all-season planter on the front stoop. I created this combination of evergreen Juniper, Dwarf Alberta Spruce and dwarf variegated Osmanthus (False Holly), which thrive perfectly together!
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 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

Other Places to Find Me ðŸŒ¼
You can visit my Author Page to learn about and Purchase My Books, each one focusing on different aspects of gardening, including landscape ideas, design principles, gardening by month for all-season interest, gardening tips and maintenance, shade gardening, gardening inspiration and more. And also be sure to check out my newest publication, The Houseplant Guide, to guide you on your houseplant journey!

Check out my newsletter Northeastern Gardening News for monthly updates all to do with gardening! It's free to subscribe or you can pledge a donation to show support for my work and receive monthly updates right into your inbox!


Until we Meet Again...Happy Gardening!

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