This Month in the Garden: Seasonal Planters

Seasonal Planters

Welcome to This Month in the Garden! While traditional garden beds offer a more permanent option, seasonal garden planters have become increasingly popular due to their versatility, mobility, and ability to be altered with different displays throughout the growing season. Based on the time of year, plant choices can be combined for an ever evolving display of color and foliage, from robust blooms in springtime, to colorful foliage and autumn-like colors to bring in fall, and perhaps evergreens to carry on through wintertime. Seasonal planters play an important role in the garden and provide additional interest even beyond landscaping. 

Spring/Summer Planter Combination

We often hear the terms, "thriller", "filler" and "spiller" used in container gardening. A "thriller" is defined as the main central focal point in your planter (usually taller), surrounded by the medium-sized "fillers", which take up the majority of space in the planter, to the "spillers', which can create a dramatic effect by trailing over the sides of the container for added interest. For starters, this spring/summer arrangement consists of the variegated foliage of Canna Lily Indica Tropicana 'Mactro Gold' as the center "thriller", or focal point, four assorted Coleus and four New Wave Petunia as a second layer, or "fillers" and four Sweet Potato Vine (Purple and Gold) with four Tradescanthia Pistachio White, as "spillers", which will cascade over the rim of the planter as the season progresses.

Summer Planter Combination

Container options come in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials and can be aesthetically pleasing, adding interest to your arrangement. Several options are available, including cement, resin, ceramic, terracotta, or perhaps boxes or barrels constructed of wood. For areas of limited space and changing sunlight, portable planters give you the flexibility to rearrange your garden and create interest. When planning your arrangement, be sure to use a good lightweight all purpose potting soil mix containing a balanced blend of organic matter, such as compost, peat moss or coconut coir, drainage and aeration materials such as perlite or pumice, pH adjusters and a source of nutrients for healthy growth. A container with drainage holes is best, but if not possible, be sure to use a layer of  a course material, such as gravel or pebbles in the bottom of the planter to allow excess water to drain away from the plant's roots. This cement urn is the ideal candidate for a combination of two varieties of flowering New Wave Petunia and Sweet Potato Vine for all-summer interest. River rocks were placed in the bottom (more narrow) section of the urn for drainage purposes. 

Shade Foliage Planter Combination

For a shady location, try a combination of miniature Hosta, variegated liriope and Black Mondo Grass for a striking display of foliage. This birdbath, turned planter, is tucked away in the garden as a hidden surprise. Helpful Tip: Be sure to choose plantings which share similar lighting and water requirements to ensure success!

Shade Patio Planter Combination

Another shade combination for under a covered patio is a combination of Coleus and Sweet Potato Vine. Try combining Coleus varieties of different heights and colors to create a layered look and add the Sweet Potato Vine as a "spiller" to cascade over the edges of the planter. This is just one example and the possibilities are numerous. Maintenance Tip: Once the Coleus starts to flower, I keep the plant deadheaded to prevent it from going to seed, thus extending its season into fall.

Full Sun Succulent Planter

For an area with full sun, you can get adventurous and choose a selection of succulents which appeal to the senses. I enjoy using the terracotta strawberry planters for aesthetics and use combinations of groundcover such as Sedum 'Blue Spruce' (blue-green), 'Angelina' (yellow), Sedum 'Tricolor' (green and pink), and 'Dragon's Blood' (deep purple). There is an endless supply of interesting succulents, so just have fun!

Full Sun Succulent Planter

So what are you waiting for? Add some planters to your garden this season and enjoy exploring new selections, including annuals, tropical species, evergreens and succulents and create the perfect combination to suit your taste and style. Seasonal planters are the ideal addition to your space and bring charm, versatility, and adaptability to your garden throughout the seasons!

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden for the month of July. Be sure to stop by on the 1st. and 15th. of each month as I continue to share gardening tips, information and horticultural adventures! Also, be sure to check out my author page and books for gardening information and helpful advice, all based on my 27 years of experience as a landscape designer and ongoing involvement in the horticultural field. Until we meet again...Happy Gardening!

 🎕 Check Out My Author Page/Purchase My 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

and my newest addition,

Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

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

Indoor and Outdoor Gardening With Succulents

Gardening with Succulents

Welcome to This Month in the Garden! If you are looking for a drought tolerant, easy to grow, low maintenance plant for your indoor or outdoor garden, the world of succulents can open up a whole new avenue for you. Over the years as an avid gardener and landscape designer, I have discovered the limitless number of varieties of succulents available in today's market, with many new cultivars emerging yearly. While some of these may already be familiar to you, I am hoping to introduce some new species along the way! 

 Sempervivum Kalinda

The first on the list is Sempervivum Kalinda, also referred to as Hens & Chicks. Hardy in USDA zones 5a-9b, this mat-forming succulent displays tight, evergreen rosettes of apple-green leaves highlighted by a pinkish-red hue at their base.  During summer, showy starry, pink flowers rise on a stalk above the plant. Sempervivum Kalinda prefers to be planted in full sunlight in a well-drained soil and will withstand temperatures to 20 degrees Fahrenheit (28.9 Celsius).

Sedum Nusabaumerianum 

Sedum Nusabaumerianum (otherwise known as Coppertone Sedum) is perfect for a rock garden in warmer climates or can be used as an annual or houseplant in cooler climates. Hardy in USDA zone 10a, this variety of sedum will withstand temperatures at a minimum of 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 degrees Celsius). Sedum Nusabaumerianum grows to a height and width of 3 inches high by up to 24 inches wide. Plant this variety of sedum in full sun and a well-drained soil. It can easily be propagated through seed, leaf and stem cuttings. 

Sedum morganianum (Burro's Tail)

Sedum morganianum (otherwise known as the donkey tail or burro's tail) is a species of flowering plant in the family Crassulaceae, native to southern Mexico and Honduras. This succulent is recognized by its pale blue-green trailing stems which can grow up to 60 centimeters in length and production of  terminal pink to red flowers in summer when grown outside.The leaves overlap on the stems in such a way that they look as though they have been braided, reminiscent of a donkey’s tail, which is how this plant gained its common name. Sedum morganianum is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and can be grown in full sun and a well-drained soil indoors or outdoors in warmer climates. Plant in a container to allow the interesting foliage to cascade over the side.

Sempervivum Commander

Sempervivum Commander, another variety of Hens & Chicks is a hardy perennial, cold hardy in USDA zones 4-9. This mat-forming perennial forms attractive purplish-green rosettes on a 4 inch (10 centimeter) wide plant. The mother plant spreads in all directions to produce offsets (chicks). Plant Sempervivum Commander in full sun in a well-drained soil.

Succulent Planter 

Sempervivum and Sedum can be planted outdoors (depending on the species and hardiness) or indoors or in a decorative planter such as the one shown here. This colorful display adds interest on the patio throughout the summer season and can be overwintered indoors in a southern exposure location. The four varieties of Sempervivum and Sedum mentioned above are just a handful of the numerous colorful and low maintenance cultivars available.

Sedum seleboldii 'Mediovariegatum' 

This attractive perennial is Sedum seleboldii 'Mediovariegatum'. Hardy is USDA zones 4-9, this outstanding plant displays slate green foliage with creamy white centers on a 4-inch high by 8-inch wide plant. Plant Sedum seleboldii 'Mediovariegatum' in full sun to partial shade in a fertile, well-drained soil. This low-lying perennial grows as a rounded mound, sending out horizontal branches in all directions from a central crown. Bright pink star-shaped flowers are produced in summer. 

  Sempervivum tectorum (Hens & Chicks)

Sempervivum tectorum (another variety of Hens & Chicks) are a versatile perennial hardy in USDA zones 3-11 that form clusters of rosettes with the parent rosette being the referred to as the "hen" and baby offsets being refereed to as the "chicks". Sempervivum tectorum can be planted in alpine and rock gardens or in a planter as seen here. Plant Hens & Chicks in full sun and in a well-drained soil for best results. In late summer, mature plants will send up stalks of large pink and white blooms.

Succulent Planter

Here is another planter with a variety of succulents for summer interest. I enjoy changing the combinations around each season.

Sedum rupestre 'Angelina' 

Hardy in USDA zones 5-8, Sedum rupestre 'Angelina' produces a low growing carpet of chartruse-yellow needle-like foliage that reaches 4-6 inches high by 1-2 feet wide. Plant Sedum rupestre 'Angelina' is full sun and a well-drained soil. This evergreen groundcover or edging plant is drought tolerant and virtually maintenance free.

Sedum tatarinowii 'Thundercloud'

Sedum tatarinowii 'Thundercloud' is a variety of groundcover sedum I discovered just two years ago. Native to the Far East, Sedum tatarinowii 'Thundercloud' is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and displays heavily serrated gray-green foliage with an abundance of white cloud-like blooms in late summer. Plant this perennial in full sun and a well-drained soil in an alpine garden or drought tolerant border. Sedum tatarinowii 'Thundercloud' grows 8-10 inches high by 14-16 inches wide.

Sedum Sunsparkler Lime Twister

This attractive succulent is Sedum Sunsparkler Lime Twister. Sedum Sunsparkler Lime Twister is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and displays a dense carpet of cream and green variegated foliage with rose flower clusters which are produced in late summer. Plant this perennial in full to partial sun in a well-drained soil. Sedum Sunsparkler Lime Twister is suitable for alpine and rock gardens and is known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Succulent Planter

This planter is all about combining shades of green and is awaiting some new additions. Occasionally, I will add cuttings that will quickly root themselves. 

Sedum acre aurea

Sedum acre aurea (also known as Golden Stonecrop) forms a low lying (2-3 inch high) mat of golden foliage that is ideal for planting in crevices and rock gardens. Hardy in USDA zones 4-9b, this perennial will grow in the most adverse conditions, tolerating a range of soil types. Sedum acre aurea thrives in full sun and a well-drained soil and requires little to no maintenance.

Gardening with Succulents

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden for October, and 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 with: Floral Fridays, Macro Monday 2, Ruby Tuesday and Image-in-ing Weekly Photo Link-Up.

For more information on succulents, there is a very informative site called Succulent Market. Visit their various collections and blog for everything you need to know about growing these beautiful plants.

 For gardening info and tips: Visit my Author Page/Purchase My 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

~As Always...Happy Gardening~

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening,© Copyright 2010-2020. All rights reserved. 

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow Up June 2019: Blooms, Blooms, Blooms!

Welcome to my June Garden!

Welcome to the month of June in my Long Island garden. It's a busy time of year, but I try to embrace as much time as possible in the garden. As daily temperatures rise up into the 70's, with frequent night time precipitation, there is something new to enjoy every day and as you know, the garden is what brings me joy. I am so glad you could stop by and visit. Come along and take a look!

Perennial Border June

The perennial border really comes to life in June with Peony 'Bartzella', Salvia 'May Night' and Lamb's Ear, followed in procession by Astilbe, Daylily and Coneflower. The Astilbe will start flowering any day now, as you can see a pink glow to the flower stalks which rise above the foliage.

Itoh Peony 'Bartzella'

A few years back I purchased Itoh Peony 'Bartzella', which is a cross between a herbaceous and tree form of Peony. It displays long-lasting large yellow blooms with a golden-orange center on sturdy stalks. It is by far one of the most enjoyable plants I have in my garden. While I love all my plants equally, this addition provides so much joy from the end of May into mid-June.

Itoh Peony 'Bartzella' Blooms

Here are the blooms closer up.

Japanese Kousa Dogwood 'Greensleeves'

Next is Japanese Kousa Dogwood 'Greensleeves'. This is a newer hybrid of Japanese Dogwood that I became familiar with just a few years back, and of course, I had to have one! It produces a profusion of lime-green blooms during the month of June.

Kousa Dogwood 'Greensleeves' Blooms

The dainty blooms resemble stars and remain on the tree for several weeks, so there is much to enjoy here.

Hosta 'Frances Williams'

This 'Frances Williams' Hosta is located just behind the Dogwood tree. I just realized that it has doubled in size over the past couple of years, probably due to all the rain we have been getting. It now measures two and a half feet in diameter!

Iris Garden

I have made mention of my mother's iris garden in the past and even wrote about it in my latest book, Dream, Garden, Grow! The iris garden exists on the eastern side of the property where my mom had planted it while I was a child. Over the years, some ferns have sneaked their way in, but the original iris still remain. I wouldn't part with it for the world and it is a constant reminder of my mom.

Spirea 'Magic Carpet'

Here is Spirea 'Magic Carpet'. It fits its name perfectly with its array of changing colors of foliage from spring to fall, accompanied by large shocking pink blooms. It puts on quite the show!

Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz'

June is a wonderful time for Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz' with its first fragrant blooms, which can be enjoyed from the moment I walk out onto the patio. I have always believed in the saying that one should always "take time to smell the roses", so I make it a regular routine to do just that. These blooms will repeat themselves all the way through fall.

Pool Surround Garden

The pool was opened just a couple of weeks ago and is ready for summer. I have been tending to the garden doing the routine pruning and weeding. Every year the Weeping Japanese Maple cascades its branches over the juniper below, so some minor trimming is on the to-do list! 

Rhododendron and Azalea

The Rhododendron and Azalea in the backdrop of the pool garden just got finished blooming, but I had to include a view of how they looked. 

Ilex 'Sky Pencil'

Newly added are the Sky Pencil Holly in the pool surround garden. The spirea took a hit with the extreme cold we experienced over the past winter, so it was time for something new. I am enjoying their narrow form, as they are perfect for viewing the foliage of Heuchera 'Caramel' behind them. Next, we need a little mulch refreshing!

Ilex 'Sky Pencil' June Blooms

I never realized that these narrow holly formed pretty little buttercup-like blooms that are inconspicuous until you approach the plant.

Allium 'Globemaster' June

Coming around to the front of the pool garden, Allium 'Globemaster' is making its statement with its large purple balls of star-like blooms, which last from May to July.

Viburnum 'Summer Snowflake'

Viburnum 'Summer Snowflake' is showing off its delicate flowers that resemble snowflakes. This shrub will produce on and off blooms throughout the summer.

Skylands Golden Oriental Spruce

Here is Skyland's Golden Oriental Spruce on the other side of the garden, joined by Azalea and Shadowland Hosta.

Double Red Knock Out Rose

The roses are blooming...the roses are blooming. Here are the Double Red Knock Outs on the northern fence (with southwestern exposure!)

Succulent Planter 2019

Before we end the tour, come check out my use of strawberry planters. Every year I enjoy making up succulent displays for the patio by combining the foliage of Sempervivum along with various species of Sedum. It's fun to just go to the nursery. select a bunch of plants and just play!  I usually produce two planters, one for each side of the patio.

Succulent Planter 2019

Here is the second planter with some other foliage combinations. Each species of Sedum will also produce blooms throughout the season. Each of these low maintenance planters require minimal watering and will provide interest all summer and into fall.

Thank you for Visiting!

I hope you enjoyed the tour of my June garden! Thank you for visiting! 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 has hosted Foliage Follow-Up for all these years, a meme I will still continue to honor. I am also linking with some other wonderful hosts and hostesses at Floral Friday Fotos, Macro Monday 2, Mosaic Monday at Letting Go of the Bay Leaf, Nature Notes at Rambling Woods, Dishing It & Digging It on Sunday with Angie the Freckled Rose, Image-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 Homestead Blog Hop  and Weekly Photo Link-Up at My Corner of the World on Wednesdays.

For gardening and design inspiration along with personal musings...

Visit my Author Page/Purchase My Books

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

Landscape Design Combinations and my latest...

Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening,© Copyright 2010-2019. All rights reserved.

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow Up September 2018: Autumn is in the Air!

September 2018 Garden

Welcome to my September garden! I can hardly believe that summer is ending with fall just around the corner. After a hot and humid start to September with several days in the upper 80's to lower 90's, a cold front has set in bringing showers and cooler temperatures. The garden is starting to look autumn-like as late summer blooms set in, along with a few lingering raindrops on roses. There may be more prolonged rain in the future as hurricane season has arrived. Before we start the tour, my thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by hurricane Josephine. I hope you are safe and out of harms way. 

Patio Planters

As we start the tour this month, here is the patio garden with one of the new Dwarf Butterfly Bushes thriving in a large planter. The fig tree to the right is getting full of ripening delicious fruit.

It's Fig Season!

September is fig season and it is a good year for them! I planted this fig tree for my husband a number of years back and  the fruit keeps getting better and better. 

Monarch Butterfly on Butterfly Bush

It seems to be a much better year for Monarchs! This one frequents the Butterfly Bush on the patio.

Dwarf Buddleia 'Pugster Blue'

Dwarf Butterfly Bush 'Pugster Blue' is a dwarf form of Buddleia, growing to just 2-3 feet in height and width, yet having the same large fragrant blooms of a full-sized butterfly bush.

Garden Love!

Another trip out east and end of summer sale at the nursery made it hard to pass up this new decor to add to the garden. Late summer blooming Dwarf Rudbeckia 'Little Goldstar' surrounds the new addition with Hosta 'Patriot' behind it.

Sedum 'Mr. Goodbud'

The Sedum 'Mr. Goodbud' I planted last summer is doing well and I am enjoying the bright neon blooms that are lasting through a couple of months. The pollinators are enjoying them too!

Hemerocallis 'Stella D Oro' September

Here is one of the most reliable perennials in my garden, Hemerocallis 'Stella D Oro', blooming again after its August rejuvenation. It blooms from June throughout fall with some simple maintenance.

Spirea and Variegated Iris

The Variegated Iris, which was added to the garden last year has also proven itself. Its variegated foliage can still be enjoyed once the blooms have faded.

Blue Atlas Cedar Forming Cones

Now that summer is winding down and fall is on the way, focus comes back to the evergreens in the garden as they form large attractive seed cones...

Skylands Golden Oriental Spruce

and display their colorful foliage. The Blue Atlas Cedar and Skyland's Oriental Spruce with its golden hue are two of my favorites.

Tree Hydrangea 'Tardivia'

Along the north side of the property, Hydrangea 'Tardivia' is showing off its panicle blooms and its mild fragrance can be enjoyed by passers by.

Tree Hydrangea 'Tardivia' Individual Bloom

Here is one of the panicle blooms up close. Each bloom measures approximately six to seven inches in length.

September Perennial Border

Let's venture back around towards the west facing perennial border, where the garden is starting to look very fall-like. Lamb's Ear with its tall stalks of pink blooms look much brighter against the fading blooms of Astilbe and Balloon Flower (right of Astilbe) can still be seen displaying its blue blooms as it towers above evergreen Blue Star Juniper.

Sedum 'Brilliant'

In the southern border, Sedum 'Brilliant' and Salvia 'May Night' are blooming. When your Salvia finishes its first/second major bloom, a little deadheading will encourage blooms to continue into Fall.

Salvia nemerosa  'May Night'

Come along and follow me to the back of the property. This will be the last chance to glance at the pool, since it will likely be covered by the next Bloom Day.

Pool Garden

As you can see it is starting to sprinkle again as some rains pass through. The pool garden consists mainly of evergreens, which creates wintertime interest while it is cold outside.

Double Knock Out Roses

For interest through the first frost, Double Red Knock Out Rose continues to bloom in the south facing garden. There have been some "raindrops on roses" this past week.

Kousa Dogwood 'Greensleeves'

The Kousa Dogwood is starting to lose its leaves as Hosta starts to yellow in front of Dwarf Black Eyed Susan.  Autumn is definitely in the air.

Baby Bunny Visitor

We've had some baby bunnies this season as one friendly visitor comes to say hello for Bloom Day! I must say they have been very respectful of the garden.

September Succulent Planter

Last, but not least is one of my favorite container plantings consisting of combinations of succulents in a strawberry planter. Succulents are drought tolerant, extremely low maintenance and colorful to look at. They even bloom in mid-late summer!

Sunflower Love!

Do you enjoy sunflowers? I have always had a fascination with sunflowers and every year we would ride past the fields out east here on Long Island. Each time, I had high hopes of stopping to take pictures with the beautiful flowers, but the farms were never open to the public. This year a local farmer opened up his land to visitors. As we spoke with the farmer, he never realized what an attraction the vast fields of sunflowers would create. I must say I was one happy camper because I finally got to achieve my dream!

My Motto!

I am signing off with a little gardening humor. Here is my new tea mug for morning wake-up and gazing out at the garden. Since I am referred to as the "Goddess of all Blooming Things" by some of my colleagues, it could not be more fitting! 

September 2018 Garden

I hope your visit to my September garden brightened your day. Please feel welcome to stay for a while and check out some of my other posts. 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 has hosted Foliage Follow-Up for all these years, a meme I will still continue to honor. I am also linking with some other wonderful hosts and hostesses at Floral Friday Fotos, Macro Monday 2, Nature Notes at Rambling Woods, Dishing It & Digging It on Sunday with Angie the Freckled Rose, Image-in-ing weekly photo share every Tuesday with NC Sue and Gardens Galore Link Up Party on the 17th with Everyday Living.

It's always a good time to plan a garden, so if you're looking for a little guidance and inspiration, you may be interested in checking out my two books! Click on the Amazon links below for a preview and more information.

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

Landscape Design Combinations

~As Always...Happy Gardening and Be Safe Everyone~

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