Garden Bloggers Bloom Day January 2012

The weather has been pretty mild so far but we are now feeling the cold as the temperature plummets to a chilly 27 degrees.   My zone 7 Long Island garden is in winter mode and just the bare bones are present.  One of the nice elements of winter is that the season supplies some down time to walk around the garden and take inventory.   I am already getting ideas for next season and the imagination is running wild.  It's only January and this gardener is already looking forward to next season with great enthusiasm.  As many a gardener may agree... gardening can go on all year....plan all winter and embellish all spring, summer and fall!

Winter is  a very good time to plan  the "foundation" of the landscape.  While gazing out my window on a cold winter's day a few years ago I came up with the idea for this crab orchard walkway.  It replaced an old cement pathway leading up to the front doorway that had lost its charm and did not have as many curves as the new updated version.  The new walkway gives a little element of surprise as it winds around the garden bends on the way to the front door.

Our stone walkway is surrounded by evergreen shrubs and sedges along with clusters of yellow, purple and pink perennials that bloom in the spring.  On the right there is a Weeping White Birch and down a way is a Weeping White Pine along with more evergreen shrubs.                             

Montgomery Globe Spruce

One aspect that I really do enjoy about gardening is incorporating many colorful evergreens. They are especially appreciated in the winter months when other shrubs and perennials become dormant. Here is one of my favorites...a Montgomery Globe Spruce.  


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Montgomery Globe Spruce is a dwarf conifer that grows only to two to three feet in diameter and keeps its vibrant silvery-blue color all year round.  There are so many beautiful evergreens that are not at all green that can be brought into the garden. 

Some of the other evergreens that I enjoy are Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar, Weeping White Pine, Gold Spot Euonymus and Boxwood 'Wintergem' (pictured here).  I also have a special affection for my Picea orientalis 'Skyland' Yellow Oriental Spruce  (first photograph above front left) and Golden Hinoki Cypress (first photograph above front right).  Their golden hue is even more prominent in winter.


The berry producing plants such as holly, viburnum and this Nandina domestica (heavenly bamboo) are interesting at this time of year and the foliage stays evergreen as well.  I have had this Nandina domestica 'Gulf Stream' for many years now and it just keeps getting more interesting year after year.

Here in the backyard along my patio is a Weeping Pussy Willow along with Gold Mop Cypress, Blue Star Juniper, 'Repandens'  Spreading Yew and Barberry.   The crab orchard stone path leads from the patio to the back lawn.  In the summertime I like to sit out on my patio and gaze at this particular part of the garden.  For now I'll just dream about the peony, daylilies and purple salvia that will emerge in spring but at least there are my evergreens.

                                        




It wouldn't be the same if garden gal wasn't in the picture so here she is enjoying her mondo grass planter.

I found Garden gal in the local nursery years ago and she has been my whimsey in the garden ever since.  When I was about five I wore a hat just like hers and probably carried the basket of flowers to match.  She reminds me of myself...always a gardener at heart.


                                       

Pictured here is our pool covered up for winter and surrounding gardens. Again just the "bare bones" but the evergreens give something to look at through the back window.  I have  a feeling that it won't be long now until this poolscape is covered in snow since the temperatures are dropping. 


The back perennial garden sleeps.  When April arrives there will be various blooming bulbs including crocus, tulips and hyancinths.  Perennials such as coral bells, daylilies and balloon flower along with ornamental grasses and  evergreens will emerge later on.

Here the 'Star' Magnolia is forming its soft white flower buds for spring...

and the graceful Weeping Japanese Maple is showing its artistic framework...

As the sun lowers towards the horizon another day has passed, and the garden rests.

Much thanks to our hostess Carol at May Dreams Gardens for another Garden Blogger's Bloom Day. I hope you have enjoyed my January garden. Please be sure to stop by and visit our hostess for more January blooms around the world.   As always...Happy Gardening!


One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides. ~W.E. Johns

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

Gardening 2011: A Year in Review

2011 Gardening Year in Review

Welcome and happy new year! Another year has gone by and as we look back at the 2011 gardening season we can start to plan ahead for 2012. Overall it was a great year for my Long Island zone 7 northeastern garden with many new and exciting additions to both the shade and sun areas of the garden. With just the right amount of rainfall and sun the new additions got a wonderful start and the garden flourished to its full capacity.



Buddleia Lo & Behold 'Blue Chip' (Dwarf Butterfly Bush)
Full Sun

Out of all the additions I think the dwarf butterfly bush, Knock Out roses and heuchera are my top favorites. 

 

Double Pink Knock Out Rose

The double Knock Out roses in red and pink have bloomed the entire summer non-stop and are a constant show.  The dwarf butterfly bush has attracted more butterflies to the garden than I have ever seen and the heuchera...well they have just added so much color to the shade garden with their new shades of amber and lime.  I own five varieties of heuchera to date which include 'Palace Purple', 'Caramel', 'Solar Eclipse', 'Citronelle' and 'Plum Pudding'. 

Heuchera 'Citronelle'-Partial Shade/Indirect Sun

I have especially enjoyed how my newest addition, 'Citronelle' has added so much brightness to the shadier part of the garden.  You cannot go wrong with heuchera.  It adds such wonderful color and texture to the landscape and supplies interest even throughout most of the winter months.  I plan to add even more to my garden bed borders next season so keep the new varieties coming!


Heuchera 'Caramel'-Partial Shade/Indirect Sun

Also shown  is Heuchera 'Caramel' which looks great along with evergreens .  This variety seems to do well in a northeastern exposure and is adapting well to full sun or shade.  This is Heuchera 'Solar Eclipse', one of the newest members to the garden with its interesting variegated foliage. It prefers partial to full shade. 





Heuchera 'Solar Eclipse' -Shade

The 'Burgundy Glow' Ajuga has also added a lot of interest this season.  Even now in winter it displays a vibrant purple foliage that shows up magnificently against the green of the hollies behind them.

Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow'-Shade/Partial Sun

I must also mention my new favorite Endless Summer Hydrangea 'Twist & Shout'.    Its beautiful lace cap flowers are so delicate and breathtaking that I await in anticipation to see it bloom again next summer.  Every time I think they cannot develop a better hydrangea another variety is introduced that is just as alluring.

 

Hydrangea 'Twist & Shout' (Lacecap Variety)-Partial Shade

Looking back at 2011 it was a very productive year in the garden.  A garden certainly is a thing of beauty that constantly changes and that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.  I can wholeheartedly say that my garden has been such an important part of my life over all these years and it has provided me with more enjoyment than I could have ever possibly imagined.   I can also say the same about being a garden blog writer. I started writing almost two years ago and it too has brought so much joy to my life.  It has opened up a whole new avenue in communicating with fellow gardeners who share my passion.  It has also helped me to realize that gardening really can go on all twelve months of the year. 



Pink Lace Tulip-Full Sun

Thank you for sharing your love of gardening with me and I hope you enjoy viewing the photos.  Please share your own experiences as well.  I know I am already planning for the 2012 garden! 

Here are some more of this years newest additions.  

Double Red Knock Out Rose-Full Sun
 

These new additions have brought lots of color and joy to my 2011 gardens and I have also enjoyed writing about them. Now the 2012 gardening season is underway! Happy New Year and Happy 2012!

 

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day December 2011

Nandina domestica (Heavenly Bamboo) berries

The temperatures are plummeting in the Northeast and the garden goes into sleep mode for the winter months.  Thanks to Carol at May Dreams Gardens I take my trusty camera and venture out into the garden to appreciate what it has to offer.  The focus now is on structure.   Evergreens with interesting foliage in shades of deep green, gold and blue grace the landscape on this December day.  Shades of purple and gold contrast against the background of evergreens and berries develop on branches of Nandina and Holly.   Seed pods can be seen throughout the garden in preparation for when spring emerges.   I have come to appreciate the December garden.

Picea pungens 'Montgomery' Globe Spruce

Globe Blue Spruce Picea pungens 'Montgomery' offers handsome brush-like blue-green foliage all year round that is especially appreciated in winter. This evergreen grows to two to three feet and possesses a compact form that is excellent for small spaces. The rich silvery-blue color remains vibrant all year long. 

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Gold Mop'

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Gold Mop' displays weeping golden foliage.  More compact than 'Gold Thread' Cypress this species grows to two to three feet.   Chamaecyparis along with Montgomery Spruce offer varying color and texture in the garden.

Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow' (Left) and Golden Sedge (Right)

Seen here is the 'Burgundy Glow' Ajuga that I just planted this year next to Golden Sedge.  Ajuga has been stubborn in my gardens in the past but this year it has really taken off.  I finally found the perfect spot for it in dappled shade and with northeastern exposure. 

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar with Barberry (Right) and Gold Mop Cypress (Left)

Here is the Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar that has had much growth this summer.  In the backdrop is Cryptomeria japonica 'Angelica' along with 'Gold Mop' Cypress  (left) and Barberry 'Rosy Glow' (right).  The Barberry is starting to form some of its vibrant red berries that look beautiful throughout winter.

Berries on Upright Japanese Holly 'Chesapeake'

At this time of year the 'Chesapeake' hollies produce clusters of plump black berries.  I really enjoy this added December interest in the garden...so much fun!  The vibrant red berries of Nandina domestica (photo above) are also a sight to behold!

Crape Myrtle Seed  Heads

This Crape Myrtle is one of my favorite trees in the garden. It even draws interest in winter with its spent blooms and interesting seed heads. When the blossoms fade clusters of greenish berries darken as they dry out. These seed heads attract birds to the winter landscape and provide a welcomed food source for our feathered friends. 



Stachys (Lamb's Ear)

The Lambs Ear is still looking good even in December.This plant is just amazing in that its foliage really adds interest for many months throughout the year. 








Dwarf Mugo Pine Against Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar and Moss Rock

These are the moss rock boulders that I added for some impact last summer. I am really enjoying the dimension that they add to the garden. Soon the winter snow will cover them to add some additional interest.

Blue Atlas Cedar

Here is a photo of my Blue Atlas Cedar that I drove home in the front to back seat of a Ford Probe about eight years ago.  It started off as a "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree and this is what is has become!

December Sky

I took this photo of the beautiful blue December sky against the still and dormant landscape.  December days can be so peaceful.

I hope you enjoyed the tour of my December garden.  Please visit Carol at May Dreams Gardens for more December blooms around the world.

"Nature has undoubtedly mastered the art of winter gardening and even the most experienced gardener can learn from the unrestrained beauty around them." ~Vincent A. Simeone ("Wonders of the Winter Landscape")

"The gardening season officially begins on January 1st, and ends on December 31."

- Marie Huston

 As Always... Happy Gardening and a Happy GBBD!


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

Gifts For Gardeners- A Suggested List!

The holidays are around the corner and if you know anyone who is an avid gardener they would surely appreciate a thoughtful gardening gift.  

Friends ask me all the time "What can I get for someone who is a gardener?"  I always have so much fun helping them out that I figured I'd share some ideas.  Here is a list of gifts a gardener could love! 

If you can think of any others please add them along!   Let's see how many we can come up with!

Also check out the wonderful poem that I just ran across.  Written by MARIANNE BINETTI it is every gardener's dream!  Thank you Marianne!



HERE WE GO...GIFTS FOR GARDENERS
Gardening Book-Dirr's or American Horticultual Society are Excellent!
Gardening Tool Kit
Gardening T-Shirt/Sweatshirt
Holiday Plant (Christmas Cactus, Paperwhites, Amaryllis)
Gardening Gloves
Gardening Clogs or Boots
Basket of Gardening Supplies
A Garden Doll
Garden Art
Table Top or Outdoor Fountain
Gardening Related Jewelry
Loppers! (different types)

MORE...
More Loppers...can't have enough!
Prunning Shears
Garden Statue
Hummingbird Feeder
Subscription to a Gardening Magazine  
Plant of the Month (Plant Delivered Each Month of Year)  
Porcupine Boot Brush
Kneeling Pad
Plant Markers
Chia Pet!
Gardening Ornament

See...shopping for gardeners can be fun and easy!  I am sure there are other items out there that I don't have on the list.  If you have any other suggestions I would love to hear from you. Also check out this great poem.

By MARIANNE BINETTI
Bonney Lake-Sumner Courier-Herald Columnist
December 13, 2010 · 12:21 PM

(After writing this column for more than 25 years, this is still the most requested reprint, so as a gift each year I repeat this tradition and offer the column so it can be used and shared copyright-free).

‘Twas the week before Christmas, and all through the yard,
not a gift was given, not even a card.
The tools were all hung, in the carport with care,
with hopes that St. Nicholas soon would repair,

The shovel with blade all rusty and cracked,
the pitchfork still shiny, but handle it lacked.
When out on my lawn, (it’s brown and abused)
I could see poor old Santa, looking confused.

No list had been left for Santa to see,
no gardening gifts were under the tree.
But wait there’s still time, it’s not Christmas yet,
and gardening gifts are the quickest to get.

You can forget the silk tie, the fluffy new sweater,
give something to make the garden grow better.
If she wants a gift shiny, then don’t be a fool,
it’s not a dumb diamond, but a sparkling new tool.

If fragrance is listed you can forget French perfume,
it’s a pile of manure that’ll make gardeners swoon.
Give night crawlers, not nightgowns, the type of hose that gives water.
(Anything for the kitchen is not worth the bother.)

Give a great gift that digs in the dirt,
it’s better than any designer-brand shirt.
Now look quick at Santa, this guy’s not so dumb,
under his glove, he hides a green thumb.

His knees are so dirty, his back how it aches,
his boots stomp on slugs (he gives them no breaks).
Santa only works winter,
you can surely see why,
The rest of the year
it’s a gardening high.

Elves plant in the spring,
pull weeds merrily all summer,
in fall they all harvest,
but winter’s a bummer.

And so Christmas gives Santa a part-time employment,
Till spring when the blooms are his real life enjoyment.
So ask the big guy for garden gifts this year,
Seeds, plants and tools, Santa holds them all dear.

You see malls may be crowded,
vendors hawking their ware,               
but visit a nursery,
stress-free shopping is there.

Now Santa’s flown off,
to the nursery he goes,
and his voice fills the night
with loud Hoe! Hoe! Hoes!

~ MARIANNE BINETTI

 

As Always...Happy Gardening!

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

When to Prune Flowering Trees & Shrubs

Crape Myrtle 'Muskogee'

When is the proper time of pruning for flowering trees and shrubs? Part of the answer depends on whether the time of flowering is in the early spring or later in the season. As a general rule of thumb, prune flowering trees and shrubs immediately after flowering. 

Pruning correctly is important in maintaining the health and vigor of your landscape plants. Proper pruning helps to maintain the shape and form of your plants, helps to remove any unwanted growth, allows for the removal of any diseased or broken branches and helps to stimulate new growth and better flowering.   Not all trees and shrubs require regular pruning but if implemented it should be done correctly and at the right time of year (See Listing Below).

Pink Flowering Dogwood

Early spring bloomers formed their buds in early fall the season before on old wood. Pruning these plants before flowering in spring will result in cutting off the buds and decreased bloom.  Varieties of trees and shrubs that bloom earlier in the season (prior to the end of June) should be pruned immediately after flowering in late spring/summer. These plants include:  Flowering Dogwood, Forthysia, Flowering Crabapple, Flowering Cherry, Flowering Plum, Vibernum, Weigela, Magnolia, Wisteria, Mock Orange, Lilac, Rhododendron, Azalea and Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla).

Trees and shrubs that flower after the end of June develop their buds on the new wood of the season and should be pruned in late winter to early spring (late March-early April). During this time the trees are dormant and it is easier to see before new growth starts.  Since these varieties form buds on the new wood of the season they can be pruned before buds set.   Examples of flowering shrubs that should be pruned while still dormant include:  Crape Myrtle, Bradford Pear, Buddleia (Butterfly Bush), Knock Out Roses, Stewartia  Abelia, Spirea (except Bridal Wreath) and some varieties of Hydrangea such as Peegee (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’) and Endless Summer Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bailmer').  'Annabelle' also blooms on new wood and can be pruned in early spring.

Often hardwood trees will sprout straight vertical branches from the base of the plant or roots called "suckers" or "water sprouts" that can interfere with the growth of other parts of the tree.  I often find it to be much easier to prune off these shoots while the tree is still dormant and the framework of the tree is visible.  This procedure is best done in late winter/early spring (late March).   If done later than November or December, pruning could spark the  tree to develop new growth that would not have enough time to "harden off" before winter.   Crape Myrtles and Magnolias are two trees that do not require much routine pruning but frequently send up "water sprouts".  Even though you may be tempted to prune these growths in late fall, resist the temptation and wait until late winter/early spring when it is healthier for the tree.

Rhododendron

PRUNE IN LATE SPRING (After Bloom):

Flowering Dogwood
Forthysia
Flowering Crabapple
Flowering Cherry
Thundercloud Flowering Plum
Vibernum
Weigela
Magnolia
Wisteria
Mock Orange
Lilac
Rhododendron
Azalea

PRUNE IN SUMMER (After Bloom):

Hydrangea 'Nikko Blue'

Bigleaf Hydrangea 'Nikko Blue'
Miniature Hydrangea 'Pia'

Hydrangea 'Peegee'

PRUNE IN LATE WINTER /EARLY SPRING (While Dormant):

Crape Myrtle
Bradford or Cleveland Select Pear
Butterfly Bush
Knock Out Roses
Stewartia
Abelia
Spirea (except 'Bridal Wreath')
'Peegee' Hydrangea
'Endless Summer ' Hydrangea
'Annabelle' Hydrangea



Flowering trees and shrubs are a wonderful asset to have in your garden and with proper maintenance they will continue to add years of bloom and color to your landscape.

As Always...Happy Gardening!


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