Saturday, June 15, 2024

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up June: A Long Island Garden Brings Joy!

Welcome!
Welcome! I must say that a garden brings joy. My favorite way to start or end the day is to sit outside on the patio with a cup of tea and appreciate all that nature has to offer. My garden has been a labor of love all my life, but especially over the past 28 years since the time my design career blossomed. My love of gardening on my own property and passion to help others continues to grow. Join me for a tour of my Long Island garden!
The Welcoming Committee!
As the official start of summer approaches, daytime temperatures have now reached into the upper 70's to low 80's with a slight breeze off the water to keep the days comfortable. The garden is thriving as there have been frequent rains over the past two months to keep the blooms coming and the plants happy. 
Baptisia and Roses!
To start our stroll, along the back patio is Baptisia 'Lemon Meringue' (False Indigo) Since I planted it just two years ago, this vigorous North American native has grown into a three foot high by wide plant loaded with bright yellow blooms above blue-green foliage. It thrives in this garden bed alongside Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz'. 
Kousa Dogwood 'Greensleeves'
One of my favorite spring bloomers is Kousa Dogwood 'Greensleeves'. This less often seen cultivar produces an abundance of white blooms with a greenish tint every spring. I was fortunate to come across it in the nursery years ago and am so happy it went home with me!
Patio Border
Along the patio border, the newly planted Acer palmatum 'Twombly's Red Sentinel' columnar Japanese Maple is doing well in its second season. Newly added Spirea 'Candy Corn', a dwarf form of Spirea known for its magnificent color joins it. Lamb's Ear (Stachys) also joins the mix!
Double Knock Out Rose (Red)
Along the southern facing fence border, Double Red Knock Out Rose is in full bloom...
Double Knock Out Rose (Pink)
while Double Pink Knock Out Rose blooms join it across the way.
Daylily 'Stella D Oro'
An often seen species of Daylily is Daylily 'Stella D Oro' and the reason is for its longer lasting blooms. I keep my blooming through fall with deadheading and rejuvenation.
Pool Border
Along the pool border, groundcover sedum seems to be blooming ahead of schedule this year. This is Sedum 'Angelina' (Stonecrop) along with Hinoki Cypress, Blue Globe Spruce, Dwarf Maiden Grass and Weeping White Pine. A statue of a young girl and kitty look over the garden.
Rhode Island Bed Japanese Maple
Here, back around in the patio border is Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple and Osmanthus (False Holly) 'Goshiki'. 'Greensleeves' Kousa Dogwood and Gold Lace Juniper can be seen in the backdrop.
Pool Surround
In the pool surround (southern side) the Golden Oriental Spruce that I planted at just five feet tall now highlights the back area. Weeping Norway Spruce, Sky Pencil Holly, Rhododendron and Skip Laurel join in to form this evergreen section of the garden.
Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar & Coral Bells
A favorite combination of mine is Heuchera (Coral Bells) 'Palace Purple' and 'Caramel' along with Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar in the backyard garden bed. The little bit of shade supplied from the weeping tree is just enough to create the ideal environment for the Coral Bells to thrive.
A Little Garden Whimsy
Here is a statue I bought myself a few years back and it is one of my favorites. It can be seen as we make our way around the island bed in the backyard. You may recall a giant Crape Myrtle resides in this bed along with a collection of evergreens, flowering shrubs and perennials. We will revisit this area in late summer as the Hydrangea and Crape Myrtle bloom.
Southern Pool Border
Follow along with me around the bend to the southern section of the property where Viburnum 'Summer Snowflake' and Nepeta 'Walkers Low' are in bloom. Rhododendron, Steeds Holly, Variegated Boxwood and Golden Yew join the mix.
Viburnum 'Summer Snowflake'
Here are the blooms of the Viburnum up close!
Driveway Border (East)
As we exit the backyard and head towards the front, the driveway border has an assortment of evergreens including 'Skyland's' Golden Oriental Spruce, Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar, Hinoki Cypress, Dwarf Norway Spruce and Boxwood.  Weigela and Nepeta accompany the evergreens.
Driveway Border (West)
On the opposite side of the driveway border is Weeping Norway Spruce, joined by Spirea 'Magic Carpet', Japanese Garden Juniper, Salvia 'Caradonna' and Japanese Iris.
Front Island Bed
In another view is Coral Bark Maple, Boxwood, Hosta and Variegated Liriope (Lilyturf).
Spirea Double Play 'Big Bang'
In the front main island bed, Spirea Double Play 'Big Bang' is all in bloom...
Front Lawn
and here is another view with Osmanthus 'Goshiki', Weeping Norway Spruce, and Heuchera (Coral Bells) with Weeping Japanese Maple and Blue Atlas Cedar in the backdrop along the front lawn.
Japanese Iris
A few Japanese Iris remain for Bloom Day...
Itoh Peony 'Bartzella'
and here is Peony 'Bartzella' from just a couple of weeks ago. Its blooms are magnificent but only last a short time from the end of May through the beginning of June. I wouldn't give it up for the world though, as I love this plant! Even the foliage is nice to look at well into the fall months.
Thank you for Visiting!
I hope you enjoyed your visit to my June garden. I so appreciate you being here, look forward to your comments and look forward to seeing what you have growing in your area. 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. 

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Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2024. All rights reserved. 

Saturday, June 1, 2024

Feature Native Plant: Baptisia ‘Lemon Meringue’

This Month in the Garden

Welcome to This Month in the Garden! If you're looking for a plant that can add beauty, resilience, and a touch of whimsy to your garden, Baptisia (False Indigo) can do just that. Baptisia is a member of the Fabaceae family and is native to North America. Hardy in USDA zones 4-9, this variety, Decadence 'Lemon Meringue' grows to 2 to 3 feet, and tends to stay more compact when compared to other False Indigo. This characteristic along with its other attributes makes it an ideal candidate for growing in containers on patios, decks, or balconies or as an addition to a native or pollinator garden.  Hybrid False Indigo 'Lemon Meringue' is celebrated for its compact growth habit and striking lemon-yellow flowers, reminiscent of lemon meringue pie, followed by decorative seed pods in the fall. Not only is this perennial a visual treat, it is also a beneficial addition to your landscape.

Decadence 'Lemon Meringue' False Indigo

Besides blooms, Baptisia 'Lemon Meringue' displays attractive blue-green foliage. Leaves are trifoliate, giving them a unique texture and structure and the color of the foliage complements the yellow blooms perfectly. Like other members of the Baptisia genus, 'Lemon Meringue' is a favorite among pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its nectar-rich flowers attract beneficial insects, contributing to a thriving garden ecosystem. Baptisia 'Lemon Meringue' is not preferred by deer; however, where populations are large, deer have been occasionally known to nibble on the new growth or blooms of the plant.

Decadence 'Lemon Meringue' False Indigo

Plant 'Lemon Meringue' in a location with full sun and ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which can be detrimental to the plant. ‘Lemon Meringue' False Indigo is drought-tolerant once established; however, regular watering during dry spells promotes healthy growth and blooming. Minimal pruning and fertilization are usually sufficient to keep this plant healthy and vibrant. Applying a balanced fertilizer in spring can support vigorous growth and blooms while deadheading spent flowers helps to encourage continuous blooming and to maintain a tidier appearance. Pair with complementary plants for a harmonious and visually appealing display.

Decadence 'Lemon Meringue' False Indigo

Other varieties of Baptisia, include native Baptisia australis, the most common species, known for its tall spikes of blue-purple flowers in late spring to early summer which attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Baptisia 'Purple Smoke' displays smoky violet-purple flowers that bloom in early summer, Baptisia 'Solar Flare' has striking yellow flowers with orange highlights appearing in late spring to summer and Baptisia 'Carolina Moonlight' features soft yellow flowers and blooms produced in late spring to early summer.

False Indigo 'Lemon Meringue' is a charming and resilient perennial that brings sunshine and joy to your garden. With its striking blooms, compact growth habit, and low-maintenance nature, it is a must-have for gardeners seeking beauty and functionality in their landscapes. Add a touch of whimsy and elegance to your outdoor space with this delightful cultivar!

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! 

"As Always...Happy Gardening!" 

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2024. All rights reserved. 

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up May: Color, Color Everywhere!

Welcome!
Welcome to my May garden! I am happy to see you here! Here on Long Island, as everywhere else, the weather patterns have been erratic. From summer like temperatures pushing into the high 70's in the beginning of the month to days in the 50's and now a series of repeating rain events, the spring of 2024 has certainly been interesting. The garden does adjust though and there is new growth and lots of blooms to see. Join me for a tour of my Long Island zone 7b garden.
Patio Border
Our first stop is at the patio border where Weeping Norway Spruce is accompanied by Nandina 'Obsession' and Ajuga 'Black Scallop'. Nandina 'Obsesssion' is an evergreen, non-invasive species and stays at a compact size of just two to three feet over time. Ajuga 'Black Scallop' displays deep greenish-black foliage with purple blooms in springtime. 
Backyard Island Bed Western Side
In the back island bed, Variegated Weigela is forming buds which will soon become pink flowers and is joined by Coral Bells 'Palace Purple', Hydrangea Limelight and evergreens Mugo Pine and Hinoki Cypress 'Compacta'. 
Shade Garden
In the back shade garden is Heuchera (Coral Bells) 'Caramel' joined by Pulmonaria (Lungwort) with its polka dot foliage and deep purple blooms.
Azalea Season!
As the Azalea are blooming, Rhododendron buds are getting ready to open within a couple of weeks. A Skyland's Oriental Spruce joins the mix in the backdrop.
Perennial Border Renovation
I have been revamping the perennial border as it was time for a change and planted this Trombly's 'Red Sentinel' columnar Japanese Maple as the focal point last fall. Just a week ago I added three Spirea 'Candy Corn' behind it while keeping the existing Lamb's Ear and Astilbe. The goal is to achieve a lower maintenance garden. 

May is Ajuga Time!
Here are the blooms of Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow' in the raised island bed...
Welcoming Committee!
and here is the welcoming committee to greet you! It just would not be the same without them!
Patio Border
Along the opposite section of the newly renovated patio garden is Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple and Salvia 'Blue by You'. This cultivar of perennial Salvia is supposed to be longer blooming. We shall see!
Patio Border
Along the patio border, Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' is doing well after the winter and is displaying its continuous array of golden color with white trumpet-shaped blooms to follow in summer.
Azalea 'Girard's Crimson'
Here is Azalea 'Girard's Fuschia' all in bloom. If you are looking for an Azalea that catches the eye, give this one a try. The color of its blooms are amazing!
Backyard Island Bed Northern Side
This combination of Hinoki Cypress, Mugo Pine, dwarf Butterfly Bush 'Pugster Blue', Caramel Coral Bells, Gold Lace Juniper and Dwarf Japanese Andromeda 'Cavatine' resides in the back raised island bed. A mature Crape Myrtle is in the backdrop. Stay tuned for blooms in July! 
Pool Border
Following along to the pool border, reblooming Encore Azalea is joined by Sedum 'Angelina'. The Azalea will repeat bloom later towards fall while the sedum will produce spikes of yellow blooms in summer.
Kwanzan Cherry
Springtime means it's Cherry blossom season and here is the amazing Kwanzan Cherry. It seems that the blooms started a little earlier this year, so I am enjoying them while they last.
Allium Globemaster
While awaiting the blooms of Allium 'Globemaster', Weeping Eastern Redbud 'Lavender Twist' is showing off its delicate lavender blooms in the front garden. 
Weeping Eastern Redbud
Large heart-shaped foliage will start to emerge soon. 
Driveway Border
Along the driveway border garden, Dwarf Norway Spruce is accompanied by golden Skyland's Oriental Spruce, Hinoki Cypress, Coral Bark Maple, Spilled Wine Weigela and Nepeta 'Walker's Low'..
Driveway Border
  while Spirea 'Magic Carpet'  prepares for its dramatic blooms!
Front Island Bed & Lawn
As the tour comes to an end, let's venture around to the front corner island bed with a combination of evergreens, flowering shrubs and perennials and lawn where two mature Weeping Japanese Maple reside.
Front Lawn
I admire them every season of the year both structurally and for their foliage. Nature sure does work its magic!
Thanks for Visiting!
I hope you enjoyed your visit to my May garden. I so appreciate you being here, look forward to your comments and look forward to seeing what you have growing in your area. 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. 

 Are you an avid gardener or wanting to learn?  My books can help you!