Book Launching: Introducing Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

Exciting News! -Book Launching!

I wanted to share some exciting news with you about the launch of my newest book, Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic: A Guide to Planning the Ultimate Shade Garden! As a landscape designer, I have had an increasing number of requests for shade garden design, and with colleagues and clients encouraging me to write a book on the topic, I took the plunge and made it a reality! Most gardens change over time and just about every property experiences some element of shade at some point, which can be frustrating to some. The moral of the story is that a shade planting is easy to obtain if you have the right plants in the right place. I not only wanted to share my experiences but wanted to take the information a step further by offering specific species of plants which I have found to be successful. The majority of photographs in the book were personally taken by me over the years and the information presented is based on over 26 years of my involvement in the horticultural industry. My goal is to make it possible for others to plan a shade garden they can enjoy for years to come.

Here is a quick overview of the book:

Shade gardening can be challenging to some, but a beautiful shade garden that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing can be achieved providing you have the right tools. This handy reference delivers over 150 shade plant selections with full descriptions and tips for growing and maintenance all in one place, allowing you to plan your outdoor space easily and without the stress. Whether you are a novice or avid gardener, Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic: A Guide to Planning the Ultimate Shade Garden will provide the proper tools and knowledge you will need to create your outdoor retreat, even in the shadiest of conditions.

• Explore over 150 plant selections ideal for shade.
• View colorful photographs with detailed plant descriptions including zone hardiness, pollinator    friendliness, deer resistance, drought tolerance and more.
• Learn about recommended plants for hard to plant areas and dry to moist shade.
• Navigate easily: Plants are divided into categories of evergreens, deciduous trees & shrubs, perennials, grasses, sedges and ferns, groundcovers, and annuals.
• Get some design inspiration with sample shade combinations. Recommendations for companion plantings are supplied along the way.   
• Learn how to maintain a healthy garden with recommended maintenance tips. Learn how to identify and treat common insects and diseases.
• This handy reference supplies all the tools you need to create a successful shade garden!

Create the Ultimate Shade Garden!

About The Author:

Lee Miller is a landscape/garden designer, consultant, garden coach, speaker, and award-winning garden blog author from the south shore of Long Island, who has been involved in the horticultural industry for over 26 years. She has donated her time as a contributing writer for various magazine publications and has participated as a presenter for local universities, gardening clubs and horticultural conferences. To keep current in the field, Lee Miller is an active member of various garden related organizations, constantly learning and sharing her knowledge with others. Lee Miller is the author of five publications, 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 and her most recent addition, Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, each sharing her experiences and knowledge as a seasoned gardener. With trowel in hand since the age of five, her passion for gardening continues to grow.

I have been gardening all my life and am hoping that each one of my books can pass on a piece of my knowledge and experiences, and help you create a garden you can enjoy. To my clients, thank you for allowing me to design your gardens and thank you to all who welcomed me with camera in hand, which helped to make this book a reality! To my readers, thank you for being here and for your support.

Visit My Author Page and Books! 📚

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer

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: A Guide to Creating the Ultimate Shade Garden

"As Always...Happy Gardening!" 

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

This Month in the Garden: Feature Spring Blooming Perennial-Pulmonaria

This Month in the Garden

A new introduction into my garden this past year has performed so well that it is worth mentioning. Pulmonaria, also known as Lungwort, is a perennial hardy in USDA zones 3-8, known mostly for its outstanding foliage, but its blooms are spectacular as well. Lungwort grows to a mature size of 12-18 inches tall by 18-24 inches wide and prefers a location with partial to full shade, moderate watering and a well-drained, organically rich soil. Depending on the variety, showy sprays of blue, pink or white flowers appear in spring above medium green foliage, which is highlighted with silvery-white spots throughout. 

Pulmonaria (Lungwort)

Various cultivars include, but are not limited to, ‘Trevi Fountain’ with cobalt-blue blooms, 'Majeste’ with pink blooms that mature to blue, ‘Pink Dawn’ with pink blooms that age to violet, ‘Leopard’ with coral-pink blooms that mature to rose pink and ‘Sissinghuret’ with white blooms. This perennial is toxic to both humans and animals but is an attraction to bees and butterflies and is mostly undesired by deer. It must be noted however; like any plant which is considered deer proof, if deer are hungry enough, they will try anything. I have heard of cases of where the semi-evergreen foliage in warmer climates was nibbled upon during the winter months. To maintain plants, cut back flower stems after blooming and remove winter damaged foliage to allow room for spring growth.

Now for a little folklore. The name of this perennial was derived from the Latin term "pulmo", which means lung and "wort" which refers to a plant used for food or medicine. During the Middle Ages and times of magical rituals, the appearance of the spotted oval leaves of lungwort reminded people of diseased lungs, hence the plants were used as an herbal remedy to treat chest ailments and pulmonary infections. 

I am so happy to have this new addition in my shade garden and would recommend it for anywhere you have partial or dappled sunlight. You will be sure to enjoy its foliage and blooms!

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden for May. Be sure to stop by on the 1st. and 15th. of each month as I continue to share gardening tips, information and horticultural adventures! (Linking up with: Floral Fridays, Macro Monday 2, Ruby Tuesday and Image-in-ing Weekly Photo Link-Up.)

For gardening information: My Author Page and 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. 

As Always...Happy Gardening!😊

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening,© Copyright 2010-2022. All rights reserved. 

This Month in the Garden: Shade Loving Evergreen Leucothoe For Your Garden

Feature Plant Leucothoe axillaris

Welcome to This Month in the Garden! Today, the focus is on Leucothoe, an excellent and often over-looked low maintenance shrub for all season interest. Leucothoe axillaris, also known as Coast Leucothoe or Dog-hobble is a low-growing, blooming, evergreen shrub which is native to the southeastern United States from the state of Virginia southward. Leucothoe is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5-8, prefers a moderately moist yet well-drained soil with a pH of approximately 4.5-6.0 (slightly acidic) and a partially to fully shaded location. Leucothoe can also be grown in an area with sun, providing there is sufficient irrigation.

Leucothoe axillaris Springtime Blooms

Leucothoe has many favorable attributes. It is characterized by its spreading vase-like shape and thick shiny, dark green foliage. Additionally, clusters of slightly fragrant, heather-like, white flowers appear on the plant in mid-spring. Seasonal interest is provided by foliage that changes in color from light green with pinkish tips in spring to a deeper green in summer, followed by a purplish-bronze hue in winter. Leucothoe axillaris grows to a mature height and width of 2-4 feet tall by 3-5 feet wide.

Leucothoe axillaris  Summertime Foliage

Leucothoe is relatively low maintenance and is not prone to any serious pests or disease problems. Leucothoe can be slightly borderline in some areas of zone 5 where winter winds are harsh and should be kept in a somewhat sheltered location. Since it is a broad-leaved evergreen, I would recommend spraying Leucothoe in late autumn in colder climates with anti-desiccant to prevent any possible winter drying. Leucothoe requires little to no pruning. If you desire to prune your Leucothoe to maintain a more compact shape, do so after flowering.  

Leucothoe axillaris Wintertime Foliage

There are several varieties of Leucothoe to choose from besides 'Axillaris', including Leucothoe ‘Rainbow’(zones 4-8 and 3-4 feet tall) Leucothoe fontanesiana or 'Nana' Dwarf Drooping Leucothoe (zones 5-8 and 2-3 feet tall) and Leucothoe fontanesiana or 'Zeblid' Scarletta (zones 5-8, 18-24 inches tall). Each of these shrubs serve nicely grouped in a rock garden, border or woodland garden, as an under-planting or for naturalizing. 

Leucothoe axillaris in Shade Garden

Excellent companion plants for Leucothoe include ‎other shade loving species such as Hakonechloa (Japanese Forest Grass), Variegated Hosta, Sweet Flag, Sedge, Variegted Boxwood, species of Ilex (Holly), Rhododendron and Taxas (Yew). In the photograph above, Leucothoe axillaris (center) is combined with Variegated Boxwood (Right), golden Japanese Forest Grass (Left) along with low spreading Repandens Yew and Variegated Hosta (Far Left Backdrop) for all season interest in the landscape.

For More Gardening and Design Tips~My Books :

 A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9

Landscape Design Combinations

~As Always...Happy Gardening!~

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

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up September 2016: Late Summer Views

September 2016 Garden

Welcome to another Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up! The month of September has arrived and there are subtle signs of the seasons starting to change.  After a week with Hurricane Hermine lingering off the eastern coastline, we have finally received the much needed rainfall that we have been waiting for all summer. It's much more comfortable in the garden now, for the temperatures are stabilizing in the 80's after a long, hot and dry summer. There is a combination of new growth and continuing blooms in the landscape, along with seed heads of past blooms and grasses pluming for autumn. Come along and walk with me in my Long Island September garden.

Pool Garden

Many of the blooms by the pool garden are done for their season, so now its time for the foliage to shine, as evergreens along with deciduous trees take front stage.  The Dwarf Maiden Grasses are starting to form their plumes (which we'll take a closer look at later), and the foliage of Weeping Japanese Maple and Caramel Coral Bells is looking more prominent.

Perennial Border

The perennial border is starting to look a little fall-like as Echinacea 'Pow Wow' and Astilbe 'Pumilla' show their seed heads and Lamb's Ear displays its upright flower spikes. Dwarf Fountain Grass 'Hameln' is forming its plumes in the backdrop in preparation for its autumn show. As the garden changes throughout the seasons, I always enjoy the new views.

Northwest Garden

Here is the northwest garden with Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar, Gold Mop Cypress, Dwarf Butterfly Bush Low & Behold 'Blue Chip' and Heuchera 'Caramel'...

Crape Myrtle 'Sioux' September

and the voluminous blooms of  Crape Myrtle 'Sioux', which takes center stage on one of the island beds in the backyard.

'Stella D Oro' Daylily September

Daylily 'Stella D Oro' has all new foliage and is re-blooming in September after I did a rejuvenation on it in August.  

'Stella D Oro' Daylily September next to Peony Foliage

Here are some of the blooms close up!

Bumble Bee on Dwarf Butterfly Bush

Speaking of up close and personal, this little bumble bee visitor had no issues with me being in his face with the camera.  He was too busy collecting pollen from the butterfly bush and was covered in it...making for one happy bee!

Double Red Knock Out Roses September

Along with Butterfly Bush blooms are the blooms of Double Knock Out Rose, which continue throughout the entire summer from June until frost. We are looking at the red variety here, while the pink is below.

Pink Knock Out Roses September

They continue to be one of my favorite long-blooming shrubs in the garden. 

Garden Visitor

Besides blooms, there are many visitors to the garden, including this little sparrow who frequents the birdbath. He's enjoying his solitude for now, for later on there will be a massive bathing frenzy, with water splashing everywhere as others join in.

Shade Garden

As we approach the back area of the property, there is a hidden shade garden with a path leading to it. A collection of plants known for their foliage thrive here, with selections such as Leucothoe, Boxwood, Yew, Hosta and Japanese Hakonechloa Grass.

Front Walkway

Along the front walkway, Variegated Liriope is now in full bloom with spikes of bright purple flowers that appear from September through frost...

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar and Sedum

and Sedum 'Brilliant' sports its bright pink blooms as well.

Updated Southwest Lamppost Garden

As we move back along to the front driveway entrance, we pass by the newly renovated lamppost garden. The tall grasses that had resided there have been replaced with Spirea 'Magic Carpet', which will produce blooms all summer, along with Salvia 'Caradonna' and Agastache 'Kudos Yellow'. So far the plants seem to be happy in their new home.

Southeast Lamppost Garden

On the other side of the driveway is the established cottage-style garden with coreopsis, nepeta and coneflowers.

Front East Garden

To the left of the lamppost garden is my mature Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar, one of the two that are on the property. This particular one spans approximately twenty feet.

Hydrangea 'Tardivia' September

Along the north side is Panicle Hydrangea 'Tardivia' with its creamy white elongated blooms. This variety blooms later than many of the other hydrangeas, creating interest for the later part of the summer and into fall.

Variegated Liriope September

Let's take a look at some more foliage. Here is Liriope, which displays its wonderful variegated foliage all season long with blooms as an added punch...

Weigela 'Spilled Wine'

Weigela 'Spilled Wine', with its lovely burgundy foliage...

Heuchera 'Caramel' with Golden Japanese Sedge

and another glance at Heuchera 'Caramel', along with Golden Japanese Sedge. The Weigela 'Spilled Wine' is my newest additions to the garden. Not only is the foliage wonderful, but it also produces bright pink blooms in spring. Hopefully it will overwinter well so I can look forward to the blooms next year. 

Still Enjoying the Birdbath!

As our garden stroll comes to an end, I believe the same little visitor is still enjoying his alone time at the birdbath.  As we exit, we pass by some familiar foliage...

Leucothoe 'Auxillis' and Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'.

and some new, as we view the plumes of Dwarf Maiden Grass very close up.

Dwarf Maiden Grass 'Yaku Jima' September Plume

Add some garden whimsy...

Garden Whimsy

and some sunflowers in a vase...

Sunflowers In a Vase on Monday

and our tour is complete.

September Garden 2016

I  hope you enjoyed your stroll through my September 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, I Heart Macro, 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.

For more gardening tips and design information, you may be interested in my published book, A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer (Gardening in Zones 3-9).  If you have read my book and found it to be helpful, please consider leaving a short review on Amazon. Your help would be very much appreciated!

As Always...Happy Gardening!

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

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow Up July 2015 - The Garden's Softer Side

July 2015 Garden

Welcome to my Long Island garden.  Many of you who frequent my gardens will know that the views are often very structured and manicured.  My gardens are indeed very thought out and planned but there is also a softer side, which is especially prominent during the later summer months. As a seasoned gardener I strive to extend the gardening season as long as possible.  To accomplish this I have added numerous plants over the years that are either earlier or later blooming in nature.  For this months' post I am looking through the lens to capture the "softer" side of the garden.  Come along and stroll with me. 

Lamp post Planting at end of Driveway

The weather has been perfect for a stroll in the garden. The month of July has been cooler than usual with temperatures in the upper 70's and low 80's, along with some passing rain showers to keep the gardens thriving. We will start our walk at the end of the driveway.  Here coreopsis, nepeta and dwarf fountain grasses are planted in mass for a more informal feel. In the backdrop is the multi-colored Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit', which I added last summer.  

Entering the backyard, we come to the deep fuchsia blooms of Astilbe 'Fanal' .  They are showing in the perennial border along with an array of other summer bloomers.  

Perennial Border:  In Bloom-Lamb's Ear, Astilbe, Echinacea, Daylily and  Salvia

Here is a wider view of the border with Lamb's Ear, Astilbe, Echinacea, Daylily and Salvia.

Astilbe 'Visions in Purple'

In the back shade garden Astilbe 'Visions' are in bloom for the month of July.

Astilbe 'Visions in Red'

These were added a few years ago and have now matured into large plants that supply the perfect color at this time of year.

Dwarf Fountain Grass, Nepeta and Coreopsis

Here is another glimpse of the Nepeta and Coreopsis combination which blooms throughout the entire summer and softens the landscape.

Echinacea 'Pow Wow'

The Echinacea have really taken off this year and are now pretty well established in the garden.  The bees and butterflies just love the colorful blooms and I am enjoying them too!

Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit'

Here is a welcomed bumble bee enjoying the new addition!

Hemerocallis (Daylily) 'Stella D Oro'

 'Stella D Oro' Daylily is also in full bloom for the month of July and has been a stable in the garden over the years.  It will continue blooming well into fall with a little deadheading.

Hydrangea 'Endless Summer'

The voluminous Endless Summer Hydrangea are in bloom again this season after two very difficult winters and no blooms at all last year.   I am very pleased.

Hydrangea 'Tokyo Delight'

The lace cap 'Tokyo Delight' is doing exceptionally well and producing many flowers...

Hydrangea 'Tokyo Delight' Bloom July

and all the plants seem to be finally back on track.

Astilbe 'Sprite' with Sedum 'Dragon's Blood'

Here blooming together are the softer pink Astilbe 'Sprite' with Sedum 'Dragon's Blood'.  The name 'Dragon's Blood' accurately describes the deep fuchsia-crimson color of this particular variety of Sedum which is amazing and long lasting!

Sedum 'Dragon's Blood'

Come closer for a better view.

Hosta Gold Standard

 Along with blooms, I have always enjoyed mixing different shades and textures of foliage in the garden.  Here are a few combinations that have matured over the years. In the back shadier areas we are viewing hosta, Japanese forest grass, Leucothoe, Variegated Boxwood and Fern Spray Cypress.   The Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra Aureola) has gotten quite huge, expanding up to a couple of feet in diameter.

Japanese Forest Grass, Leucothoe, Variegated Boxwood and Fern Spray Cypress Foliage Combo

Here is the Hakonechloa macra Aureola closer up.

Heuchera (Coral Bells) 'Caramel' with Sedum and Salvia

The Heuchera 'Caramel', now displaying their flower stalks, have grown into foot wide plants over the past few years since being added to the garden.  Unlike other Heuchera, they thrive in full sunlight, right along side Sedum and Salvia.

Hosta 'Patriot' with 'Palace Purple' Heuchera

Here is a combination of Hosta 'Patriot' along with the burgundy foliage of Heuchera 'Palace Purple' in another shade area on the other side of the property.

Back Island Beds

As we move along the side area of the backyard, you can view the island beds that lead to a "secret garden" which winds around to the back.  You might be able to get a glimpse of the nepeta and viburnum which are presently in bloom.

Salvia May Night and Hosta (Planted 2007)

As we approach the end of the tour of the July garden we pass by a few blooms....some old and some new...

Mont Blanc Allium Seed Head July (Planted Fall of 2014)

and come across the latest addition.

Crape Myrtle 'Muskogee' New for 2015

This 'Muskogee' Crape Myrtle is brand new in the garden. It was just planted a week ago and is blooming a little early. The new tree is a replacement for a twenty year old Magnolia that was sadly lost this past winter.  I have already grown quite fond of the new lavender blooms.

Lamp post Garden

Even a mature garden never grows old. The beauty of a garden is that is does change through time and can be admired and interpreted in so many ways.   Also, there is always something exciting and wonderful to look forward to.  I hope you enjoyed viewing my garden from a different perspective--one with a "softer side".

July 2015 Garden

 Thank you to Carol at May Dreams Gardens who makes it possible for us to have 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 Tuesday Garden Party, Today's Flowers, Floral Fridays, Mosaic Monday at Lavender Cottage, I Heart Macro, Macro Monday 2, and Nature Notes at Rambling Woods.  Also check out What's Blooming This Week Garden Update.

As Always...Happy Gardening!

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