Garden Blogger's Bloom Day November 2011: The Colors Of A Fall Garden

Acer 'Sango Kaku'

The colors of fall grace the landscape on this November Garden Blogger's Bloom Day. For this Bloom day I started with my trusty camera strolling through my own gardens then ventured down the street to the local pond for some more fall beauty.  Come stroll with me through my gardens and beyond.




The colors of fall are an infusion of reds, yellows, oranges and browns and the view is amazing this year. Here the 'Sango Kaku' or Coral Bark Maple displays an array of golden to orange foliage.

It is absolutely amazing how something as simple as a hosta leaf going into dormancy can be so beautiful. 

Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow'

Or a glimpse of the colors of Ajuga and fallen leaves ...

Miniature Fountain Grass 'Little Bunny'

The grasses are lovely in the fall.  The delicate plumes of the 'Little Bunny' fountain grass are even more vibrant now against the deep color of the 'Blue Star' Juniper.

Stachys (Lamb's Ear)

Stachys (Lamb's Ear) is what I refer to as "old reliable" in the garden.  Some plants have the unbelievable ability to come around full circle.  Once the spent flowers of Lamb's Ear are removed it sparks new soft growth that makes a wonderful contrast with the fall colors behind it.

Sedum 'Brilliant'

Sedum 'Brilliant' is another candidate for putting on a show for several months.  The large vibrant deep pink flowers fade to a rich autumn orange as seen here. 

'Rosy Glow' Barberry, Weeping 'Blue Atlas' Cedar, 'Gold Mop'
Cypress

The Barberry 'Rosy Glow' is starting its fall show as its foliage turns to a fiery orange-red.  In the forefront is one of my newest additions to the garden this year, Buddleia 'Lo and Behold', still displaying its lovely purple fragrant blooms.

Barberry 'Rosy Glow'

Wow is the only word that can describe this...I am at a loss for words.

Knock Out Rose

Another new addition this year is the Double Knock Out Rose.  This beauty just keeps on blooming and blooming and adds so much new excitement to the garden.

Hydrangea 'Tardivia'

Hydrangea 'Tardivia' is still displaying its beautiful blooms.

Maiden Grass 'Yaku Jima' and Sedum

Fall is busting out all over with the whimsical plumes of the 'Yaku Jima' Maiden Grass against the lemon-lime foliage and deep orange blooms of Sedum. 

and the colorful display of the 'Star' Magnolia...

It was been such a wonderful day for a walk in the garden that I decided to venture down to the local pond to take in some more fall color.

So peaceful and serene...

Moss really does grow on the north side of the tree.

Fall blooms by the lake...nature at its best...                 

More fall color and the end of the tour...

I hope you have enjoyed the tour of the fall garden. I like to think of fall as a time of renewal as well as transition.  As the trees lose their leaves and go into dormancy they are also preparing for spring and a new rush of growth to start the cycle over again. I also like to think that the part of the beauty of a garden is that it is "forever changing". 

For more gardens from around the world please visit our hostess Carol at May Dreams Gardens who has made every month of the year a wonder.   Embrace the beauty of November. 

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."- Albert Camus

Happy GGBD and Happy Gardening!

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

Fall and Winter Gardening: Some Helpful Tips

As winter approaches there are some basic gardening tips that can be followed to ensure the health and vitality of your landscape plants.  I have discussed each of these separately in past articles and have decided to put them all into one list for easier reference. 

Watering During Fall & Winter: It is important that prior to winter that there is significant moisture around your plants. Once the ground freezes it is difficult for water to percolate down to the roots.  Deciduous trees go dormant but evergreens remain somewhat active and need moisture to the roots.  Water as much as possible before the ground freezes, especially if you have new plantings.  A well watered tree will over winter far better than a thirsty one and will not be as susceptible to winter frost damage and drying.

Pruning Ornamental Grasses: Here's a helpful tip for pruning your ornamental grasses such as 'Miscanthus sinensis' Maiden Grass or Dwarf Fountain Grass 'Hameln'. Winter cold can harm the center of grasses causing them to "hollow out". It is best to cut your grasses back in late March to early April in order to protect the roots. If your grasses become a bit unruly by the end of the fall then just cut back the plumes and leave the rest for early spring. Another trick is to wrap a bungee cord about half way up around the center and let the grasses drape over keeping them upright and in place. Ornamental grasses can add much interest to the winter landscape and be enjoyed all winter long. For more information visit: Fall-Garden-Maintenance-Pruning-&-Dividing-Ornamental-Grasses-and-Perennials

Anti-Desiccant Spray:  When the daytime temperatures start falling below 50 degrees it is time to apply an anti-desiccant spray to your broad leaf evergreens such as holly, rhododendron, cherry laurel, skip laurel, mountain laurel, Japanese skimmia, leucothoe, aucuba and boxwood. These plants can be subject to severe winter burn due to water loss from the leaves by transpiration. Apply when the temperatures are above freezing and there is no threat of rain or frost within 24 hours. (This tip applies to areas going into their winter season-temperatures dropping below freezing: 0 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit.) If there is a prolonged thaw in mid-winter it may be time to re-apply anti-desiccant spray to your broad leaf evergreens, especially if there are more prolonged freezing temperatures on the way. For more detailed information go to: Winterizing-Evergreens-Anti-Desiccant-Spray

Frost Heaving:  In freezing temperatures soil around your plants may be subject to frost heaving. This is when ice forms underneath the soil and expands upwards from the ground causing plants such as perennials to push upwards exposing the crown. Heuchera (Coral Bells) and Liriope are especially prone to this type of damage. As a preventive measure apply mulch finishing to your garden beds. To remedy, slightly tap the soil back down, and brush the mulch back around the exposed crown of the plant.

Ice Damage to Branches:  As winter progresses there is an increased threat of snow and ice build up on the branches of trees and shrubs in the landscape. If snow piles up on your evergreens try to carefully brush it away removing the excess weight from the branches. If the snow does not remove easily do not shake the branches. This can cause breakage and damage. If the tree or shrub is covered with ice permit nature to take its course and allow the ice to melt naturally. If your landscape does suffer any damage from winter storms it is recommended to remove any broken limbs to avoid stress and disease to the plant. This can be done when the weather allows.

I am hoping that you find these tips to be helpful. Gardening does continue throughout fall and winter and some simple preparation can go a long way especially in areas where winters are harsh.  I for one have found these techniques to be very worthwhile and productive over the years. For further reading you can also visit Winter Gardening:  12 Helpful Tips.
 
                                               As Always...Happy Gardening!


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

Weeping Evergreens in the Landscape

Weeping Norway Spruce (Picea abies 'Pendula')

Weeping evergreens are beautiful and graceful trees that can add much interest in the landscape. Often acting as a focal point, there are a variety of pendulous trees to choose from, each unique in its own way. An important characteristic of these trees is that several specimens from the same cultivar can range in size, shape and form.  Since no two trees are identical they can become quite the conversation piece in the garden. 

Weeping Norway Spruce (Picea abies 'Pendula') is hardy in USDA zones 2-8 and exhibits dark green cascading branches.  Picea prefers a moderately moist well-drained soil and will tolerate a range of soil pH from strongly acidic to mildly alkaline. Weeping Norway Spruce will tolerate some partial shade but does best in full sunlight. This tree makes a beautiful specimen in the landscape and it also deer resistant. Weeping Norway Spruce is one of the more compact varieties of pendulous trees and ranges in height and width from 4-15 feet. The tree is quite versatile in that the branches can be trained while young to any desired stature, thus making it possible to use in smaller spaces.

Weeping White Pine (Pinus strobus 'Pendula')

Weeping White Pine  (Pinus  strobus' Pendula') is a larger weeping evergreen in the conifer family displaying graceful soft blue-green needles on cascading branches. This tree thrives best in full sun and is hardy in USDA zones 3-8. Weeping White Pine prefers to be grown in a slightly acidic, moderately moist, well-drained soil. Height at maturity varies from 5-10 feet and width from 4-10 feet. Candles may be pruned in spring to keep this tree compact. This tree fits nicely into a variety of landscape styles ranging from foundation plantings to informal woodland settings. 

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica 'Pendula')

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica 'Pendula') is a favorite member of the conifer family displaying powdery blue-needles on graceful cascading branches. Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar is hardy in USDA zones 6-9 and does best in full sun in a well-drained soil. They can reach a mature height of approximately 10 feet tall and can span in width to 15-20 feet. Plant this tree where it is shielded from strong winter winds and give it plenty of space to grow for it will become a magnificent specimen and favorite in your garden.

Weeping Alaskan Cedar
(Chamaecyparis nookatensis 'Pendula')

Weeping Alaskan Cedar (Chamaecyparis nookatensis 'Pendula') is a "false" cedar of the genus cypress with graceful hanging dark green foliage on descending branches.  Weeping Alaskan Cedar is hardy in USDA zones 4-8 and prefers a moist, well-drained, acidic soil.   It thrives best in full sun to light shade and prefers moderate humidity. Weeping Alaskan Cedar can reach a mature height of 20-40 feet and width of 15 feet. This majestic evergreen serves well as a screening tree or stand-alone piece in the landscape and develops into a beautiful specimen in its maturity. 

Weeping evergreens can supply lasting color and form to any landscape and even look beautiful in winter as their cascading branches are graced with snow. Their range of form and color makes them very versatile in the landscape and they are reasonably easy to grow once established. If you are able to incorporate one of these majestic weeping evergreens into your landscape, you will not be disappointed. Each one is so unique and elegant that it will quickly become a favorite conversation piece and greatly admired focal point. For more ideas on gardening and design, visit my Author Page.

For more gardening tips: 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

Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

As Always...Happy gardening!

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

Planting Fields Arboretum Long Island, NY

Planting Fields Arboretum Late August

I recently experienced some of the most beautiful gardens I have ever seen.  The Planting Fields is a 409-acre public arboretum and historic site that is one of the few remaining famous Gold Coast estates located on the north shore of Long Island.  Located in the town of Oyster Bay, the estate including a mansion and meticulously kept grounds, was the former home of William Robertson Coe and his wife Mary (Mai) Huttleston Coe in 1913.   Planting Fields retains its original historic buildings and landscapes and can be visited year round.

Coe Hall Planting Fields

The property's first mansion burned down to the ground in 1918 and the present Coe Hall, a 65 room Tudor Revival seen here was constructed between 1918 and 1921.  William and Mai Coe had an interest in collecting rare species of plants that formed the gardens existing on the grounds of the estate.  Mr. Coe sold his estate to the State of New York in 1949 for a sum of $1 so that the site could become a historical landmark and arboretum for visitors to enjoy.

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar Living Arbor

Beautiful mature evergreens such as this single Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar are the pride of the property. Four trees were trained to form an arbor leading to one of the greenhouses on the estate.

Dahlia Garden (late August)

A walk to the Dahlia garden on the other side of the estate proved to be quite rewarding.  Dahlias of almost every variety imaginable grace this plot and are in full bloom at summer's end.  There were so many that it was difficult to choose a select few to show here. Their beauty is indescribable. William Coe had admired Dahlias because of their variety of texture and bold colors.  The present day garden constructed in 1998 is maintained by the Mid Island Dahlia Society and is one of the largest and most spectacular dahlia gardens in the northeast.  I am thrilled that it is here on Long Island.  Over 400 varieties of dahlia are tended to and Dahlia Society members donate over 2000 hours a year maintaining the gardens.

  

Main Greenhouse

This is the main greenhouse on the premises housing tropical plants such as hibiscus, orchards, ferns, bromeliads, Bird of Paradise, Banana trees and succulents nestled in a tropical gardener's paradise. 

The 'Italian Garden'

This is one of the reflecting pools on the estate known as the Italian Garden. Mai Rogers Coe originally created the site back in 1913 as one of her favorite places to stroll.  There are over 40 varieties of perennials that bloom sequentially throughout the year to produce a vibrant display of color.

Camellia Greenhouse

This is the Camellia Greenhouse constructed in 1917 that houses the largest collection of camellias in the northeast with over 300 plants on display. In the center of the greenhouse is a beautiful reflecting pool and fountain and in the backdrop is a miniature grotto.

This was certainly a special day for an overly exuberant gardener.  It turns out that while on our August Sunday drive we ended up here at the arboretum on a whim and it became a day to remember.  I did not have my camera so being a very determined gardener I used my cell phone to take these photographs.  I will be sure to visit Planting Fields again next summer and will bring the good camera so that I can engage in some better photography.  If you are ever on Long Island and would like to see these magnificent gardens you will not be disappointed.  They are a welcome sight for the gardening enthusiast or for anyone who appreciates the beauty of nature along with a little bit of local history!

                                                As Always...Happy Gardening!

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

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day October 2011

The northeastern garden is beautiful in the fall with plumes arising above grasses and shades of gold, crimson and tan emerging in the landscape. It is a transition from summer to winter. The air has a crispness and freshness about it and there are sights and sounds of busy insects and wildlife preparing for the colder months. Thanks to Carol at May Dreams Gardens we are here again to appreciate all that nature has to offer. Come with me as we take a tour of my northeast zone 7 October garden.  

Montgomery Globe Spruce, Hosta and Grasses

The reason I am a gardener is because the garden is constantly changing and there is always something to look forward to. As we walk along the perennial garden the once green foliage of the hosta has turned to amber and the grasses display their delicate wispy plumes against the blue of the Montgomery Spruce in the backdrop.

Salvia 'Maynight' and Visitor

A busy bumblebee gathers pollen from the last of the salvia.







Sedum 'Brilliant'

The Sedum 'Brilliant has turned from bright pink to orange which is a nice touch for fall.



Stachys (Lambs Ear)

After pruning off the spent flowers of the Lamb's Ear its soft white foliage has rejuvenated which adds interest to the perennial bed border. In the backdrop the brilliant golds and reds from the Gold Flame Spirea shine through.   

Perennial Garden in fall

Here is a combination of grasses, hosta, astilbe and lamb's ear along with Montgomery Blue Spruce, Spirea and Blue Star Juniper. It is really starting to look Fall-like.

Hosta Flower and Spirea 'Gold Flame'

A lone hosta flower emerges in front of the Gold Flame Spirea in the garden. 







Heuchera 'Caramel'

The Heuchera 'Caramel' is showing a display of new fall foliage.  'Caramel' is a new addition to my garden this year and is definitely a favorite!

Crape Myrtle in fall

The flower of the Crape Myrtle is done for the season but the beauty of this tree continues as it produces perfectly shaped seed pods on its branches.  The Crape Myrtle keeps its leaves longer than most other trees and soon they will be a vibrant fiery red.

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar, Rosy Glow Barberry, Gold Mop Cypress

This section of the garden has a blend of of gold, crimson and blue. The arching branches of the Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar are really starting to cascade like a waterfall over the Gold Mop Cypress.

Dwarf Fountain Grass 'Hameln'

Here is a close up of a 'Hameln' fountain grass plume...so delicate. The ornamental grasses really make October a time to look forward to.  They are so whimsical in the garden.

Cherry Laurel and Hakonechloa Grass
The rain and mild weather here has sparked some blooms on the Cherry Laurel for an unexpected surprise.

Fall Color:  Grasses, Sedum and Weeping Norway Spruce

More fun with macros with my camera.  This is a close up of grasses and sedum in front of a Weeping Norway Spruce.

Weeping Birch in Fall

The Weeping Birch (Betula pendula 'Youngii') has a delicate weeping habit and its white bark adds interest in all seasons.  This one is already going into fall mode but the branches will display a nice framework in winter.

Blue Star Juniper, Heuchera and Sedum

Here are blue star juniper, sedum and heuchera.  This garden is visible from my outside patio and there are subtle changes each day as the seasons change.

 

Hydrangea 'Endless Summer'

Last but not least is the 'Endless Summer' Hydrangea.  There are many varieties and each one has its own uniqueness.  The blooms even look nice well into the fall.  They surely add a highlight to this gardener's day!

I hope you have enjoyed the tour of my garden and will come back to visit.   Thank you for stopping by and please be sure to visit our hostess Carol at May Dreams Gardens who has made Garden Blogger's Bloom Day possible on the 15th of every month throughout the year.   I am also thrilled to be celebrating my 50th blog post on this wonderful Garden Blogger's Bloom Day! 

Happy GBBD and Happy Gardening!

Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all."- Stanley Horowitz



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





Labyrinth in the Landscape - Story of A Prayer Garden

Labyrinths have become popular in the design of landscapes in recent modern times.  The history of labyrinth goes back thousands of years as a symbol of salvation and enlightenment.  It is a one way path leading to the center and back again where one can find solitude and peace within.  It is a place for prayer.    As a landscape designer I had the opportunity to design a prayer garden for a local church and it was one of  the most enjoyable and fulfilling projects I have  ever done.  Here is the story of the labyrinth.

I was approached back in 2010 to design a memorial prayer garden where parishioners could go to meditate and pray and enjoy the beauty of nature all in one place.  At the start of the project, I encountered an empty slate of lawn area with a gazebo in the center surrounded by a group of walkways.  The area ended up being the perfect fit for a 30 foot round labyrinth and the gazebo was able to be reused as an additional sitting area on the left corner.   I also felt it was important that the design included benches for guests who would prefer to have a place to rest and partake in prayer.  Once the design was completed it was time to build the labyrinth.  The structure modeled after the Labyrinth of the Cathedral of Chartres in France was constructed out of grey and charcoal Euro circle pavers with sections of different colored stone as areas of accent along the perimeter.  Bluestone treads were placed from the entrance of the labyrinth to the surrounding walkways that were able to stay intact.

Memorialized seat walls and bricks were added to the the labyrinth for visitors to visit, meditate or pray.  Gardens of colorful, fragrant and drought tolerant shrubs and perennials such as viburnum and lavender will  surround the labyrinth on all sides.

The story of the labyrinth traces back to history thousands of years ago.  The sacred geometry of the labyrinth focuses on the numbers four, seven and twelve, each emerging from separate paths.  The central portion of the labyrinth represents a cross surrounded by four sections representing the four gospels and seven is the number of 180 turns there are in each quarter of the labyrinth, also representing the seven liberal arts of medieval education.  Twelve is the number of paths going to the center of the labyrinth representing the twelve month calendar.  As one walks the labyrinth it is meant to be the path of life...a journey to the center of oneself and back out into the world.  Walking into the center of the labyrinth is a symbol for realization and "letting go". Time in the center symbolizes clarity, insight and illumination. Finally, the journey out symbolizes union, initiative and taking control of one's life.  The labyrinth in all is a metaphor for "life's journey".

It has been such a wonderful experience being involved in such a project and seeing the results go from a drafted design to the completed project has been very rewarding.  One can say the whole experience has been both spiritual and enlightening and I know the labyrinth will bring fulfillment to the lives of all those who encounter it.  I know it has certainly brought fulfillment to mine.


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