June in the Garden

"I wonder what it would be like to live in a world where it was always June." - L. M. Montgomery

Today is the summer solstice here in the northeast.  This is the longest day of the year when the sun is highest in the sky and the garden is in all its wonderful glory. 

It is the start of new beginnings in the garden as new buds open day after day and continue until fall.  It is a time for getting the hands dirty and not caring as long as you're in the garden.  It is a time for dreaming of the next addition and how it will give so much joy. 

I can stay in the garden for hours without even realizing the time that has gone by. It is a time of relaxation and solitude.  It is a time of satisfaction. 

It is really the most wonderful time of the year here for the gardener.  There is so much to look forward to.  Enjoy your garden for it will bring you joy.

"Then followed that beautiful season... Summer.... Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood."
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Happy Summer and Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2011. All rights reserved

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day June 2011

Inspired by the quote, “We can have flowers nearly every month of the year.” by Elizabeth Lawrence, Carol at May Dreams Gardens hosts Garden Blogger's Bloom Day. On the 15th of every month gardeners from all over the world walk out into their gardens to note what is currently blooming. It is June in the northeast and like the song says "June is busting out all over!"


As I walk the garden the 'Rosy Glow' Barberry at their peak with lovely tips of pink on burgundy stems.  The 'May Night' Salvia and Nepeta 'Walker's Low' are also at their peak bloom.  In the very front of the garden is my brand new miniature butterfly bush 'Lo and Behold'.  It should be starting its bloom soon and I wait with much anticipation!


One of my newest favorite additions to the garden this year are the Double Pink and Double Red Knock Out roses you see here.

The color of these roses against the purple-blue of the nepeta is so breathtaking that I just can't stop looking at them. I love this new addition and will enjoy the blooms throughout the entire summer.

The Japanese iris has had its bloom and just ended one week ago but was definitely a welcome start to June.  Their vibrant purple blooms were in all their glory this year.  This bed of iris has been here way before the rest of the yard evolved and have formed a sea of blooms along the side fence.  I am happy to have captured this moment.

Next are the Rhododendrons and Azaleas. They too have just completed their showing and serve as backdrop in the garden behind Boxwood, Weeping Norway and Astilbe.

The blooms were exceptionally vibrant this year and I was glad to take a moment to admire and appreciate their beauty.  

Next we move onto the patio area garden. The peony and salvia are a sight to behold at this time of year.  Even though the peony has a short- lived bloom they are worth every bit of the beforehand anticipation.  Peony in bloom is a sure sign that June has arrived in this garden and I await the event all winter and spring long.  They are truly beautiful.

Now to the other side of the garden.

The daylily and spirea are also in full bloom proudly displaying their lovely foliage and bright flowers.

Out of all the months of the year in the northeast the month of June is certainly the most magnificent.  Each day another bloom emerges from its bud and brings forth even more joy to the garden.  I have been a gardener for a long time but thanks to Garden Blogger's Bloom Day I have looked forward to each month of the year like never before to see what new and exciting blooms are in store. 

Visit Carol at May Dreams Gardens for more June photos from inspiring gardeners around the world and join all of us in celebrating our true passion and love of gardening.  Happy GGBD and Happy Gardening!

When gardeners garden, it is not just plants that grow, but the gardeners themselves. - Ken Druse

Author: Lee @A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2011. All Rights Reserved.

Container Gardening-The Perfect Patio Planter

If you are looking for the perfect combination of foliage and blooms for your container garden, then this is the one for you.  This is a planter idea that I came up with several summers ago, which I have been using ever since. It was the perfect combination, which lasted well into the fall, one that I have to share!

This design can fit to any planter size. I used a 16- inch diameter planter the first time around and increased the size to a 20-inch planter for the following season. It is important to use a good lightweight potting mix meant for containers, and be sure to have good drainage in the bottom. This can be achieved by placing pebbles at the bottom of your container. For a central focal point, I used Asparagus Fern for a wispy appearance. Around the fern is an alternating pattern of five potato vines, three purple and two green. In between the fern and potato vines are pockets of various types of coleus.

I liked the combination of colorful foliage so much last year that I used the same mix again, only switching up the types of coleus for even more color! There are numerous varieties of Coleus to choose from, ranging in color from bright green to shades of orange, yellow, burgundy and deep purple, with many exhibiting striking, variegated foliage.

This combination will add a burst of color and interest to a shady spot, such as under an overhang, and will last all summer long and into fall. Coleus can be pinched back to maintain fullness or be allowed to flower, in which large purple spikes of blooms will rise above the brightly colored leaves. Your planter will be sure to receive lots of attention, and in this case...it's all about the foliage!

Heuchera & Potato Vine

If you are looking for a patio-hanging planter that does not have to be changed from year to year, try using a wire basket with Sphagnum moss and fill it with Heuchera (coral bells). Add a potato vine or some other vine for an added twist. Your hanging basket will re-bloom for several years without having to change it. I have had this basket now for several years and it is virtually maintenance free, except for watering and an occasional feeding with a water soluble plant food. 

MY BOOKS ON AMAZON:

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 2011. All rights reserved.

Knock Out Rose-A New Favorite in the Garden

Knock Out Rose Double Pink

There is a new addition to my gardens this year-the Knock Out Rose.  Developed by Wisconsin rose breeder William Radler in 2000, Knock Out Rose is hardy to USDA zone 5 and has a bloom cycle that starts in spring and lasts well into frost. 


Knock Out Roses grow to 3-4 feet high by wide and should be grown in full sun in a well-drained soil.   Knock Out Rose do not require any special care but can be pruned in early spring after the threat of frost is gone to keep them full.  They do not require deadheading but if desired you can remove spent blooms to encourage more blooms. They are the most disease resistant roses on the market and are not susceptible to black-spot fungal disease.  They are virtually "care-free".

Knock Out Rose Double Red

I have always loved roses and have wanted roses in my garden for years but did not want the maintenance of a regular rose.  These are wonderful and I am already getting so much enjoyment from them.  If you want a rose that is carefree, disease-resistant and that blooms all summer then this is the beauty for you!  There is an added plus-it is also deer-resistant. 



After 20 years in the making the first introduction of Knock Out Rose was the Red Knock Out in 2000.  After that in 2004, Blushing (light pink) and Pink (deep pink) were introduced.  In 2005 Double Red Knock Out came about and then in 2007, Rainbow Knock Out (pink/yellow center) and Sunny Knock Out (yellow) were brought into the market. 


I introduced three double pink Knock-Outs into my gardens in Mid-May and just added three Double Reds.   They are in full bloom and are the first shrub I go to when walking out into the garden.  Each day there are more and more blooms to look forward to.  I am already looking for a place to put the yellow variety.   These are truly a winner and after all these years there are finally roses in this designer's garden.


Happy Gardening!


Author:  Lee@ A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2011

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day May 2011

Pink Tulip

Inspired by the quote, “We can have flowers nearly every month of the year.” by Elizabeth Lawrence, Carol at May Dreams Gardens hosts Garden Blogger's Bloom Day. On the 15th of every month gardeners from all over the world walk out into their gardens to note what is currently blooming. It's May in the northeast and the gardens are alive with color.  I gaze in awe at what appears before me.



Perennial Garden

The perennial garden is alive with delicate red and pink tulips, Astilbe, Lamb's Ear, Heuchera, Hosta and Daylily. The variety of textures and color complement one another beautifully.

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar, Daylily & Crimson Azalea

The Stella d Oro Daylily is displaying vibrant green foliage against the blue of the Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar and the Crimson Azalea is in full bloom. Soon there will be blooms of yellow that will last throughout the summer.

Wisteria

The Wisteria is a sight to behold with its magnificent lavender panicle blooms. One can also smell the fragrance of sweet perfume. Under the canopy of the Wisteria  are Hosta ' Patriot' and 'Minuteman'  to add brightness to the garden.  In the backdrop are Heuchera 'Palace Purple' and Endless Summer Hydrangea.

Heuchera 'Caramel'

Heuchera 'Caramel', a new addition to the garden this year has an interesting foliage that cannot be beat. Heuchera 'Caramel' is said to be very hardy in zone 7 and will tolerate sun as well as shade. I am giving this beauty a test run!

Nepeta 'Little Titch'

Also new to the garden this year is a miniature version of nepeta. It is Nepeta 'Little Titch'. It displays beautiful blue flowers all summer long on much more compact silvery green foliage and is also hardy in zone 7.

Sedum 'Aurea'

The sedum 'Aurea' that I planted two seasons ago in between the crevices of the moss rock boulders of the waterfall are finally starting to flourish. They are planted along side Daylily and Blue Pacific Juniper to add color and a natural look. 

Montgomery Blue Spruce & Heuchera 'Palace Purple'

Behind the Montogomery Blue Spruce is Heuchera 'Palace Purple'. and Hinoki Cypress 'Aurea'.  The color combination of the blue, burgundy and gold is striking at this time of year.  

 

Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow'

Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow' makes its spring appearance as it emerges along side a boulder in the garden and forms a lovely mat of purple spiked groundcover.  This is also a debut for this plant in my garden. Planted last fall it has made it through the winter and is now thriving.

Spirea 'Gold Flame'

Spirea 'Gold Flame' is an all time favorite in the garden for its firey glowing foliage in early spring. Named for its color the foliage resembles a golden flame. Soon this shrub will be covered in pink blooms that will last throughout the entire summer. 

Bloom Day is a wonderful day of the month to be more aware of the changes going on in the garden. It is a great way to take inventory of what is growing in your garden and to view gardens of other gardening enthusiasts from around the world.  Be sure to visit our hostess May Dreams Gardens and check out all the other wonderful blooms that are emerging.

"In my garden there is a large place for sentiment. My garden of flowers is also my garden of thoughts and dreams. The thoughts grow as freely as the flowers, and the dreams are as beautiful." ~ Abram L. Urban



Happy GBBD.  Happy Gardening!

A Walk In the Garden

One of my favorite things to do is to sit in a chair on the outdoor patio with a cup of tea in hand gazing out on the garden.   The best time is in the morning or in the later afternoon when you can hear the sounds of the birds rustling in the trees and see the sure signs of spring as the first robin appears. 

It is a time to think and reflect on life and the mind will sometimes tend to wander.  It is a time of joy and serenity.  It is amazing just how much a garden can bring joy and contentment to our lives and this Mother's Day seemed to be the perfect time to take a stroll and checkout all the beauty that the garden has to offer. A gardener nurtures the garden to make it grow and thrive adding tender loving care along the way similar to the way a mother would care for and nurture a child.  One could say, "A Garden is Grown with Love". 

At this time of year the gardens are changing dramatically.  The azaleas are now in bloom adding much color and life to the garden.   The lavender panicles of the Wisteria gracefully cascade downwards from the magnificent arching branches and the wonderful sweet fragrance of the blooms lingers throughout the yard.  I take it all in.

 

 

The foliage of the hosta emerges above the soil like a slow motion movie and I am convinced they are growing before my very eyes. As I walk throughout the gardens I just gaze in awe at all that nature has to offer.

Back at the porch it is time to gaze and ponder some more enjoying the beauty of the day. There is a well-known saying about taking time to smell the roses and today for a brief moment in time I did just that.

Gardening is a love and a passion. It brings so much to life.  Maybe I will take some time to "smell the roses" again tomorrow.

Happy Gardening and a Happy Mother's Day!  Also a thank you to my mom who gave me the encouragement to pursue the passion of gardening that was within me.

The Landscape Design Process

So you're looking to change the look of your property, give it a re-vamping or start from scratch.  A common question is "What does the process of landscape design involve and what happens from here?"  The process of landscape design is just that, a process that involves a good communication between client and designer and yes...time.  
The shows on television where the complete planning, design and implementation of a major landscape project happen in one weekend are quite unreal.  It is purely for the sake of cramming the entire process into a quick one-hour segment, but in reality the process one is viewing really took weeks to even months to complete.  These shows are great for showing the "process" but one must emphasize-the "process" does take time and does not happen overnight! 

When you are ready to start your project provide the designer with a survey of the property and take an inventory of the site. Try to decide what you would like the function of your site to be and think about any existing features that you would either want to keep or get rid of. The designer can help you with these decisions. Also you should be aware of your budget. Keep in mind that the project does not have to be installed all at once. Installing your landscape in phases allows you to spread out the expenses and the amount of time you commit to the project. The big picture provided by the design plan will help you prioritize the project.


The Design Process:

 Site Analysis:

The design process begins with an initial meeting with the client. The property is walked viewing the areas to be designed discussing factors such as desired function of the site, hardscape, existing plantings, lighting, watering, slope and location of utilities. The client can view samples of work so that the designer can get an idea for the style of landscape desired whether it is formal, informal, cottage style, contemporary or perhaps a combination of styles for different areas. After careful consideration of wants and needs for the location, digital photographs and careful measurements are taken of the site. The designer then gathers all the information needed for the plan through several site visits and creates a conceptual plan.

Conceptual Plan:


The designer will meet with you to review the conceptual plan. This plan will provide an overview of the project and will include a layout of functional areas, planting areas and hardscape. At this time you can further discuss any ideas you may have with your designer.


Master Plan:

Upon approval of the conceptual plan, the designer will then prepare a scaled to size master plan (or blueprint) that will show the layout of plantings and hardscape as well as a listing of plant material, sizes and quantities and specifications. Computer rendered imaging of your design may also be supplied so that you can see what your installed landscape will look like beforehand.

Implementation:

At this point you may proceed with installing your project. You may decide to hire out all or some of the elements of your project and your designer can help you with this.   The master plan will show you the overall picture so that there is no guesswork when you decide to proceed with your project. 


Home improvements should be a fun and enjoyable experience and planning ahead can take the stress out of your project.  While every designer may not follow these exact steps this article will hopefully help to give an explanation of how the process works and what one can expect.    The better the communication between you and your designer the smoother and more enjoyable your project will flow.  Enjoy planning and happy gardening!


Lee@ A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved.