Feature Plant: Barberry 'Royal Burgundy'

         Barberry 'Royal Burgundy' in bloom

A wonderful shrub for color in the landscape is Berberis thunbergil 'Royal Burgundy' (Royal Burgundy Barberry).  Out of all the barberries it is definitely one of the the most vibrant and maintenance free for your garden. Exhibiting deep burgundy velvety foliage, 'Royal Burgundy' holds its color all throughout the spring, summer and into fall until it turns blackish-red and defoliates for the winter.   Barberry 'Royal Burgundy' is deciduous, hardy in zones 4-8 and stays compact at a height of two to three feet at maturity. It prefers to be grown in full sun in a well-drained soil and requires little to no pruning.  It is  drought tolerant once established and is also deer resistant. 

Barberry produces tiny yellow flower clusters in spring and red fruit in fall. This photo above shows a rare treat that I encountered while walking through my gardens.  Usually the spring barberry flowers remain very insignificant but this one proved otherwise to my surprise! 

Barberry can be planted with companion plants such as juniper, gold mop cypress, spirea, knock out rose, fountain grass, daylily, coreopsis, salvia or sedum for a vibrant display of color.  I would definitely recommend this colorful and versatile plant for your landscape.

*Update (2015):  Barberry has been labeled as invasive in some states.  Alternatives for dwarf barberry are Dwarf Weigelia 'Spilled Wine', 'Wine and Roses', 'Midnight Wine', 'Dark Horse' or Fine Wine.  Alternatives for regular sized Barberry are Eastern Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) 'Summer Wine' or 'Diablo' or Smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria). 

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@ A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2012

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day April 2012-Spring At Last!

Magnolia 'Royal Star'

Welcome to my zone 7 northeastern garden in April for another Garden Blogger's Bloom Day.  It is spring at last and a very unusual spring it has been.  It was a winter where the ground never froze and only a few inches of snow graced the landscape.  It has been very warm with temperatures way above normal. The garden is in full speed ahead.  Let us take a look around to see what is blooming!

Korean Spice Vibernum (Vibernum carlesi)

The Magnolia 'Royal Star' is exceptionally beautiful this year with its mildly fragrant white blooms.  Vibernum carlesi (Korean Spice Vibernum) displays its pinkish-white blooms and its fragrance can be noticed across a distance.

Pink Weeping Cherry (Prunus subhirtella Pendula)

My Pink Weeping Cherry tree ( Prunus subhirtelli Pendula) highlights the corner of the property with its light pink blooms on cascading branches.

Grape Hyacinths

The grape hyacinths bloom in the warm of the sun.

Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow'

Old reliable Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow' has made it through the winter and is sprouting its new purple growth soon to be followed by bright royal blue flowers.  I just re-introduced myself to ajuga this past summer after past failed attempts.  I am really enjoying its vibrant color...success!

Daffodil

The daffodils are in bloom.

Thundercloud Plum blossoms

Here are the first blossoms on my new Thundercloud Plum.  We planted it last fall once an old maple tree had to be removed.  I always wanted one of these beautiful trees and am enjoying it already!

Kwanzan Cherry blossoms

The Cherry blossoms are lovely...just love the blooms in spring.

Nepeta 'Little Titch' (Miniature Nepeta)

As you can see here there are bright spring blooms on Nepeta 'Little Titch'  This is also a new addition to the garden from last year and it seems to start blooming even earlier than the fuller sized nepeta.  This variety stays petite at a height of about 6-8 inches.

Spring Garden-Magnolia 'Royal Star' and Spirea 'Gold Flame' in Bloom

The gardens are coming to life.  The gold mound spirea are getting their foliage and the lilies emerge from their winter sleep.

Forthysia

The forthysia show off their bright yellow display.

Hello Spring!

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

I hope you enjoyed the tour of my April garden.

Be sure to visit our hostess Carol at May Dreams Gardens and see what's blooming in other gardens.

As Always...Happy Garden Blogger's Bloom Day and Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@ A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2012

Weeping Pussy Willow: Feature Spring Blooming Tree

Salix caprea 'Pendula' (Weeping Pussy Willow)

Here in my zone 7 northeastern garden, one of my favorite trees for spring interest is Weeping Pussy Willow (Salix caprea 'Pendula'). In early spring Weeping Pussy Willow develops beautiful silvery-gray catkins that cover the tree and turn to bright yellow. The display continues for several weeks until the tree develops its beautiful light green foliage. Salix caprea 'Pendula' possesses a strong cascading nature that can be allowed to weep all the way to the ground. It looks great next to a patio area or as a stand alone piece in any garden. Weeping Pussy Willow prefers a slightly acidic moist soil in full sun and is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. Salix caprea 'Pendula' stays relatively small reaching a mature height of approximately 5-8 feet while spreading to a width of 4-5 feet. 

Salix caprea 'Pendula' (Weeping Pussy Willow) spring catkins

Salix tolerates pruning well and can also be maintained in a more manicured manner. It is easy to maintain and gives enjoyment all season long. Catkins form on the growth of the previous season in late winter, so any pruning should wait until after bloom. Salix caprea 'Pendula' are often sold as grafted trees so they appear on a single trunk resembling an umbrella. Salix caprea 'Pendula' is reasonably disease resistant.

Visit 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...and 

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 2012

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day March 2012

Purple Crocus

Welcome to Garden Blogger's Bloom Day March 2012! This is the winter that wasn't here in my zone 7 northeast garden.  The temperatures were unusually mild with little to no snowfall.  The ground never even froze which was in such contrast to the cold snowy winter we had in 2011.  Spring is on its way in one week and the garden is in full speed ahead mode.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.   Come walk with me!

Baby birds already! (Listen to the Mockingbird...)

A rare treat for this early in the season and just in time for Bloom Day!  This mother bird guards her nest and she was even nice enough to let me get a picture.  We can already hear the chirping going on from the Weeping Pussy Willow tree right by our patio...so much fun! 
 

Daylily 'Stella D Oro'

The Stella D ' Oro Daylilies are much higher out of the ground compared to this time last year.   I am hoping for a banner year.

White Crocus

 The white crocus are also looking good all in bloom!   I love looking out into the garden and seeing them in March.  The whites are so pure and the purple...so bright!

  

Sedum 'Brilliant'

The Sedum 'Brilliant' is so perfectly shaped with its new rosette shaped foliage emerging from the ground.

Pink Hyacinths

Welcome Pink Hyacinths!

Viburnum Bud

And the Viburnum.  This is the fragrant variety.  Soon I will be able to walk out into the garden and enjoy the wonderful smell of perfume in the air.

Knock Out Rose New Growth

My Knock Out roses started sprouting new growth back in February this year so I had to resist the temptation to prune them.

Purple Hyacinth

Welcome Purple Hyacinth!

Spring Crocus & Hyacinth Blooms

Spring certainly is a wonderful time of the year in the garden with buds emerging on trees and green bursting out all over. I wait in anticipation for all that April and May have to bring.  It seems that the garden is off to a splendid start! 

Be sure to visit our hostess Carol at May Dreams Gardens and take a wonderful garden tour among the gardens of the world. 

As Always...Happy Garden Blogger's Bloom Day and Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@ A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2012

Landscaping with Japanese Maples

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Viridis' (Weeping Japanese Maple)

Japanese maples have been welcomed additions in the landscape for hundreds of years and are long admired for their delicate red or green foliage, beautifully structured trunks and striking fall color. 

Native to Japan, these beautiful trees have been cultivated since the 1800's.  When the first Japanese Maple specimen reached England in 1820 the name palmatum was given to the tree by botanist Carl Peter Thunberg after the characteristic palm-like feature of its leaves.

Basically there are two varieties of Japanese maple.  Dissectum refers to the weeping or lace leaf type of maple and palmatum refers to the upright or standard form.  The terminology is used interchangeably to describe the exact characteristics of each tree.  More known for the red variety, approximately sixty percent of the palmatum Japanese Maples are red and the remaining green.  I must point out however; that green variety, (pictured above) can be just as magnificent in the landscape.  Most Japanese Maples are cold hardy to zone 5 and prefer a moist but well-drained acidic soil.

Acer Palmatum dissectum 'Crimson Queen' (Weeping Japanese Maple)

When choosing a type of Japanese Maple it is important to consider the lighting requirement for your tree.  The lace leaf varieties have more delicate foliage and cannot tolerate direct sunlight or wind as well as the palmatum types.  I find that an eastern exposure works well for these trees so that they receive the morning sun and are shielded from the more direct afternoon rays.  Generally both varieties do best in non-direct filtered light and the green varieties can handle a little more sun, but again not direct.

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Red Select' (Weeping Japanese Maple)

This 'Red Select' Japanese Maple is known to be a little more sun tolerant than some of the other varieties.  This beauty keeps its vibrant "red" coloration throughout the entire season.  'Red Select' is hardy to USDA zone 5 and grows to a mature height of 5-6 feet and width of 6-10 feet.  'Crimson Queen' (above) grows a little taller at 6-10 feet in height at maturity.

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Viridis' (Weeping Japanese Maple)

One must also consider the mature size of the tree for its space.  Sizes do vary considerably for each individual type so be sure to do your research accordingly or ask an expert.  Japanese Maples can be selectively pruned to keep them more compact and to preserve their beautiful cascading rounded shape.  The best time to prune a weeping Japanese maple is in the early springtime.  Pruning is somewhat of an art but if you take your time your tree will become even more magnificent as it matures. Always make clean cuts flush to the trunk and just outside the branch collar.  Systematically clip branches that are cascading to the ground around the perimeter of the tree until you reach the desired height.  There are basically two types of appearances, one exposing the trunk to view the form of the tree or that of a more cascading nature.  The nature of these trees is that they resemble a cascading waterfall, making them a graceful and beautiful focal point in the landscape.

Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku' (Upright Japanese Maple)

One of my favorite upright varieties of Japanese Maple is Coral Bark Maple or Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku'. Known for its striking red bark in the fall and winter, this specimen makes an excellent single piece in the landscape. The foliage of 'Sango Kaku' varies from a pinkish-green in the spring to medium green in summer, then turning to a bright yellow in fall. During the winter months the vivid coral-red color of the branches contrast beautifully against the snow, hence the name Coral Bark Maple. Coral Bark Maple is hardy to USDA zone 5 and is classified as a medium sized tree, reaching to a mature height and width of approximately15-20 feet.

Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira’ (Upright Japanese Maple)

A more exotic and rare and species of upright Japanese Maple is that of  Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira’ or "Lion's Mane" Japanese Maple. 'Shishigashira' is in a class of its own unlike any other Japanese maple in the world.  It's leaves are curled and more densely arranged unlike other maples and its deep green color lasts into the fall before it transforms into the most fiery-red foliage you ever did see, resembling a lion's mane.  'Shishigashira' is extremely slow growing reaching a mature height of 15 feet and is hardy in zones 5-9.  Due to its slow growth this tree is also well known for its use as bonsai.  This tree is mostly used as a single specimen and will surely be a conversation piece in the garden.  It's show of changing color will supply interest in the landscape all season long and for many years to come.

Japanese Maple Types (Summary Chart)

Japanese Maples are known for their long time history and will add constant beauty and grace to your outdoor space.  Find the perfect location for these beauties and they will be sure to supply you with many years of color, interesting foliage and enjoyment!

Visit my Author Page and Books on Amazon:

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

Dream, Garden, Grow!

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author:Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2012. All Rights Reserved

A Guide To Northeastern Gardening: Two Year Anniversary-The Story Behind the Blog

It has been two years since I started writing this blog and it has brought more enjoyment to my life than I could have possibly imagined.  My love of gardening goes back as far as when I was five years old, growing marigolds in pretty planters on our old brick barbecue in the backyard, and possessing a love to dig in the soil with my toy shovel.  I guess that is where it all started.  I have always had a passion for anything green and realized by 1996 that I should make this passion more than just a hobby.  With the encouragement of family and friends I went back to school, furthered my education and started up a landscape design business.  Now I can share my lifelong passion and enjoy working with others and their gardens...who could ask for more!  After seeing the movie "Julia and Julie"  in 2009 I set out on the Internet on a quest for garden blogs and was surprised to find a whole new world out there.  I wondered if I wrote about gardening if anyone would come to read it so I started "A Guide To Northeastern Gardening" February of 2010.  Since then I have met a wealth of garden blogging friends who are such a joy to know and share ideas with.  I can say that blogging has truly enriched my life.  To celebrate two years of blogging here are some of my favorite gardening photos that I would like to share.  I hope you enjoy them!

Swallowtail Butterfly on Butterfly Bush

Spring Splender

Cottage Garden

Lillium Stargazer

Backyard Raised Garden

Rose Garden

Front Border Garden

Evergreen & Perennial Garden

Daylilly Stella D Oro

Perennial Garden

Knock Out Rose

Waterfall

Dragonfly on Buddleia

Lampost Garden

Tropical Flower from Aruba Garden-Allamanda cathartica 'Sunee'
 (Dwarf Allamanda )

Hosta Garden

Garden Love

I hope you continue to stop by and visit and share your love of gardening with me.  It has truly been a pleasure and I love hearing your comments and reading about your ongoing gardening adventures.   One could say that garden blogging is "chicken soup for the soul!"

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author:Lee@ A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2012. All Rights Reserved