Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up February: A Snowy Winter Wonderland

Welcome to my Garden!

Welcome to my February Long Island garden! With record snowfall on the 25th-26th with over a foot of snow, another couple inches afterwards and temperatures below freezing and in the single digits for the following two weeks, the garden is settled in for winter. Now for the first time in weeks, the temperatures are finally rising above the freezing point and the snow is beginning to thaw. Join me for a tour of my zone 7b garden!

Welcoming Committee

First is the infamous welcoming committee! This time of year the beverage of choice is a cup of hot cocoa! Now, let's venture through the garden!   

Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple

Starting along the back patio area is Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple in winter mode. I am enjoying how its branches have a soft reddish glow against the evergreen variegated foliage of Osmanthus (False Holly).

Garden Gal!

In the same bed, Garden Gal, a statue I have had for as long as I can remember, carries her basket as she is nestled in the snow...

Patio Border

while the foliage of Nandina 'Obsession' seems to glow brightly against the deep green foliage of Weeping Norway Spruce and golden-green foliage of Dwarf Cryptomeria.

Patio Border South

Along the back patio border, the blue color of dwarf Blue Globe Spruce is even more pronounced against the snow.

"Secret Garden"

In the back "secret garden", as we venture around the bend and follow a short pathway, Weeping Norway Spruce can be seen. Four years ago, a major branch had broken off from the weight of the snow, so my arborist decided to "juice it up", as he would say. With some feeding the past few years, it has rebounded and grown another six feet taller! Other interest in the landscape this time of year are the berries of Nellie Steven's Holly.

Nellie Steven's Holly Berries

Pool Border

As the snow starts to melt, the outline of the pool border can just now be seen...

Pool Border

along with the snow covered branches of Weeping Norway Spruce.

Pool Border Northwest

Leucothoe 'Axillaris' displays its colorful foliage in the back bed along the western portion of the property, and is accompanied by Sky Pencil Holly. 

Feathered Friends!

The birds have been keeping me busy! Even with this new feeder, which holds two and half times the amount of food as the previous one, I am still refilling it every two to three days, as it is non-stop with visitors.

A Close Up View!

I will do anything to keep them fed, even if it means trenching out through a foot of snow in single digit temperatures. They watch from the nearby trees as I replenish their food, then tweet to express their gratitude!

Walkway Border

Follow along as we venture to the front. Here the Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar bordering the front walk can be seen, with the glowing red bark of Coral Bark Maple (Acer Sangu Kaku) in the distance. Skyland's Golden Spruce can be seen to the right and Weeping White Pine to the left, while at the driveway's end, the lamppost peaks out from under the drifting snow.

Driveway Border

Hellebore Buds from Last Month!

Here are the Hellebore (Lenten Rose) buds as they appeared last month...not to be seen now, but insulated by a blanket of snow...

The Latest in Footwear!

and here is the necessary foot gear for venturing out into the February garden. 

The Indoor Garden!

While the snow covers the landscape, the indoor garden is thriving and brings me joy, and the Thanksgiving Cactus is still blooming since the beginning of November! I recently read that the Old Farmer's Almanac is predicting a warmer and drier spring than usual for here in the northeast. Only time will tell!

Still Blooming!

Thanks for Visiting!

I hope you enjoyed your visit to my February 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, Image-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 🌼

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! 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!

Find me on Instagram at Northeastern Gardening and Facebook at A Guide to Northeastern Gardening Blog & Author Page.

Until we Meet Again...Happy Gardening!

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

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up: The Not So Hidden Inner Beauty of Winter

Welcome to my December Garden!

Welcome to my Long Island zone 7b December garden! As the temperatures plummet into the 30's and 40's by day and I venture outdoors, I search for the inner beauty of nature, especially now as the garden goes dormant. If you open your mind and allow your eyes to look deeply, it is possible to find beauty everywhere. There is mention of our first snow in the forecast, so I have been preparing. Join me as we venture out into the wintertime garden. 

Welcoming Committee!

As we start our tour, we first encounter the official welcoming committee and the Trombly’s Red Sentinel Japanese Maple that resides behind them. Now that the leaves have fallen, you can clearly see its inner structure of winding branches with a slight tint of burgundy.

Nellie Stevens Holly Berries

In the back garden the berries of Nellie Steven’s Holly are at their brightest red for the holiday season and are a delightful feast for the birds.

Back "Secret Garden"

Way in the back is the “secret garden”. Tucked away and only accessed through a path from the main lawn, a mature Weeping Norway Spruce can be seen along with Variegated Boxwood, Cherry Laurel and the remains of the caramel colored foliage of Coral Bells.

Leucothoe 'Axillaris'

To the south of the secret garden, evergreen Leucothoe ‘Axillaris’ has a burgundy tint to its foliage this time of year with flower buds setting for next year, adding interest to the back shade garden.

Patio Border

Along the patio border is a smaller Weeping Norway Spruce, which is accompanied by the bronzing wintertime color of Dwarf Cryptomeria and a dwarf form of Nandina called ‘Obsession’. This newer cultivar of Nandina stays evergreen in zone 7b, has been grown to not produce berries (which are believed to be harmful to birds) and it is non-invasive as compared to its original counterpart. It also gets this fiery pinkish-orange color in wintertime, which is a plus!

Northern Border

Here along the northern border, the foliage of Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar seems to be even more prominent in winter. Heuchera ‘Caramel’ lives beneath it along a moss rock border.

Stachys (Lamb' Ear) Wintertime

If you are looking for a touch of white in the garden, Lamb’s Ear fits the bill. Its fuzzy white foliage can be seen throughout the entire year and it gets stalks of pink blooms mid-way through the summer season.

Rose Hip Wintertime

As the Knock Out Roses go dormant for the winter months, the remaining rose hips bring some fun and interest to the landscape…

Weeping White Pine Seed Cone

while the seed cones of white pine add some interest too!

Winter Beauty

As I had mentioned earlier, if you look deeply enough you will see beauty everywhere. I find something as simple as the dried flowers of Hydrangea to catch the eye!

Front Raised  Bed

As we venture around to the front of the property you will notice another Weeping Norway Spruce along with the variegated foliage of Osmanthus 'Goshiki', deep green needles of Dwarf Norway Spruce and dwarf Cryptomeria way to the left. In the backdrop is a very mature Blue Atlas Cedar and two Weeping Japanese Maples.

Raised Bed Front Lawn-A New Look!

Here is the newest renovation of the raised bed. When a huge Beech Tree on the corner recently had met its demise and had to come down, I decided to add something new...a moss rock decorative wall. I am enjoying how it came out as it adds some interest and has given the bed a finished look. In the springtime, the existing perennials along the rock will fill in the gaps.

Driveway Border

It is December, so the branches of the Coral Bark Maple ‘Sangu Kaku’ are starting to develop their slightly coral-pink tinge. As the temperatures lower and as the possibility of snow arrives, the color of the branches will get only get deeper. The Maple is accompanied  by Golden ‘Skylands’ Oriental Spruce, which was planted back in 2008, and now towers to approximately 25 feet tall.

Container Planting

I have gotten into more container planting over the years and have created these all-season planters with mixtures of cold hardy evergreens. This one has a combination of Dwarf Alberta Spruce, Whipcord Arborvitae and Boxwood.

Awaiting Winter Blooms!

Just when most of the blooms have gone dormant for wintertime, there is always Hellebore (Lenten Rose) with its evergreen foliage and colorful bracts. This one is called ‘Shooting Star’ and will start blooming in January.

Our First Winter Snow

And what a difference a day makes! Just like that...on the morning of the 14th as we awoke, the weather predictions had became true. The snow had arrived and the once green landscape has turned into a snowy winter wonderland with six inches plus of snowfall. It is official...it is the largest December snowfall we have had in years.

Winter Wonderland

For now, I am staying inside warm and cozy and admiring the view from the window. The words, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” are going through my mind as the sound of snow plows can be heard in the street. Since this is the last post for 2025, I want to thank you, my readers, for being here each month. It means the world to me and whatever you celebrate, I wish you and yours all the best for a wonderful and happy holiday season!

The Indoor Garden!

While the weather outside is frightful (sorry, could not resist!) the blooms inside are delightful! Here is my favorite color of Thanksgiving Cactus blooming away. I also have red, light pink and salmon colored varieties and love them all! Some of them start blooming in October and just keep on going! Here is a little hint: Removing faded blooms right away and pinching back extra long branches will keep the plant fuller and the blooms coming!

Indoor Garden

The back room is what I call my jungle and I enjoy it all year long, but even more so in the wintertime. Here is ‘Golden Crocodile’ Philodendron and ‘Ring of Fire’ Philodendron. They are quite happy with their new grow light.

Indoor Garden

I got on a ‘Thai Constellation’ Monstera kick for the simple reason that it is a rare plant to find, so I was on a mission to find it. Well, I did and these two plants started off in four inch pots. They have grown into mature plants in little time and are very happy a couple of feet from the southern exposure window. 

Hope you Enjoyed the Visit!

I hope you enjoyed your visit to my December 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, Image-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 🌼

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! 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 and receive monthly updates right into your inbox!

Find me on Instagram at Northeastern Gardening and Facebook at A Guide to Northeastern Gardening Blog & Author Page.

Until we Meet Again...Wishing you a happy holiday season and Happy Gardening!

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

Landscape Plant Care in Freezing Temperatures

This Month in the Garden

Winter can be a challenging season for outdoor plants. Freezing temperatures, frost, and harsh winds can harm or even kill your garden’s greenery if not properly protected. However, with some planning and care, you can ensure your plants survive through the cold months. Here’s how to give your outdoor plants the preventive care they need during freezing weather.

1. Plant Hardiness: Understanding the hardiness of your plants is the first step. Some plants, like pansies and evergreens, are naturally cold-tolerant, while others are more vulnerable. Use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to determine which plants are best suited for your region and which need extra protection during winter. By the way, here on Long Island we are in hardiness zone 7b. Also, when choosing plants, try to choose those that are cold hardy one to two zones colder than where you live.

2. Monitor Weather Forecasts: Stay informed about upcoming freezes, frost warnings, and temperature drops. Quick action such as covering plants or moving containers can make all the difference in preventing damage. It is the extreme temperature fluctuations that are most detrimental to your outdoor plants.

3. Mulch for Insulation: Adding a layer of organic mulch such as wood chips, straw, or shredded leaves can help insulate the soil and roots from extreme temperature fluctuations. Mulch acts like a blanket, retaining warmth in the ground and preventing frost heaving, where repeated freezing and thawing push roots out of the soil. Apply a 2–4 inch layer around the base of your plants but keep it away from the stem to avoid rot.

4. Anti-Desiccants: Some broadleaved evergreens such as Rhododendron, Azalea, Aucuba, Skip and Cherry Laurel, Holly and Leucothoe (to name a few) lose excessive moisture through their leaves in winter. Applying an anti-desiccant spray can help prevent water loss and protect foliage from drying winds. Anti-desiccant should be sprayed in the late fall/early winter as a preventive before freezing temperatures occur. Follow the instructions on the product label and do not apply when temperatures are going below freezing, as this can do more harm than good and put the plant at risk. With the temperature extremes we have been having, and popularity of certain tropical-like plants such as palms and banana trees increasing in outdoor spaces, anti-desiccant can be a helpful preventive.

Thermonasty: During frigid days when temperatures reach below 20 degrees, certain broad-leaved evergreens such as Rhododendron, display a unique trait known as thermonasty. This adaptation causes the leaves of the plant to act as a natural thermometer. When temperatures dip below freezing, leaf margins curl inward causing the leaf to roll up and droop. This process reduces the surface area of the leaves, thereby reducing water loss. Also, the narrow, drooping, needle-like leaves help to shed snow, which would otherwise accumulate and break branches.

5. Keep your Plants Hydrated: Hydration is crucial for plants in winter, but overwatering can be just as harmful as dehydration. Before a freeze, give your sensitive plants a deep watering to ensure the roots are well-hydrated. This helps the soil retain warmth and protects the roots from freezing. Avoid watering during freezing temperatures, as it can lead to ice damage. Watering before a deep freeze works well with outdoor container gardens and should be done before covering the plant.

6. Frost Heaving: Certain perennials such as Heuchera (Coral Bells) are subject to frost heaving during extreme temperatures. This occurs as the ground freezes, then thaws, then freezes again, causing the roots of the plant to uplift. When this occurs, gently push the crown of the root back into the soil with your foot. If possible, push some extra mulching around the plant for further protection. The mulch will help keep the plants roots and crown in contact with the insulating soil.

7. Relocate/Cover and Protect Plants: Plants in containers are more susceptible to cold weather because their roots are less insulated. Move pots to a sheltered location, such as a garage, porch, or greenhouse. If relocating isn’t an option, frost cloths, burlap, or even old bed sheets can shield your plants from freezing temperatures. Cover delicate plants, such as citrus trees or young or tender shrubs, when frost is predicted. Make sure the cover extends to the ground to trap heat from the soil, and secure it with stakes or rocks to prevent it from blowing away. Avoid using plastic directly on plants, as it can trap moisture and cause more harm.

8. Avoid Pruning in Winter: While it’s tempting to prune during winter, avoid heavy cutting as it can stimulate new growth that’s vulnerable to frost. Instead, wait until late winter or early spring when the risk of freezing has passed. For now, remove only dead or damaged limbs to prevent disease. An additional note is to not try to remove frozen ice from the plant. It is best to allow the plant to thaw naturally, as not to damage/break any branches.

9. Build Wind Barriers: Strong winter winds can dry out plants and cause damage, especially in areas located near water. Create windbreaks using fences, screens, or even stacks of straw bales to shield your garden. Place these barriers on the side of your plants that faces the prevailing wind to minimize exposure. 

10. Build Cold Frames & Cloches: Cold frames and cloches are great for protecting tender plants or seedlings from frost. A cold frame is essentially a mini greenhouse, while cloches are dome-shaped covers placed over individual plants. These structures help to extend the gardening season by  trapping heat and creating a microclimate that helps plants survive harsh conditions. Each method captures the daytime solar energy; thus, heating the surrounding air and the soil floor, while helping to insulate plants. Try to place your cold frame in a sheltered location (as near a structure) and away from strong winds.

Winter doesn’t have to mean the end of your garden’s beauty. By preparing your outdoor plants for freezing weather, you can protect their health and enjoy a thriving landscape come spring. With proper insulation, hydration, and care, your plants will emerge stronger and ready for the growing season.

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! Catch up on posts and other news with my newsletter, Northeastern Gardening News. Subscribe for free to receive monthly updates. 

My Author Page & 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

Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

The Houseplant Guide: How to Easily Select & Maintain Indoor Plants

As Always...Happy Gardening!

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