Bloom Day October 2013: Colors of an Autumn Garden

 It's autumn in my northeastern Long Island garden and the landscape is bursting with color.  This has been a beautiful October with temperatures a little warmer than normal in the mid to upper 60's with many blooms still in sight.  As the cooler breeze starts to move in there is evidence of fall with changing colors of the garden turning to hues of burgundy, orange and gold.  It is time for another walk in the garden.

Blooms on Basil Ocimum basilicum (Mountain Magic)

First is this new variety of basil I picked up for the herb garden.  We have kept it clipped all summer but now it is going to seed with vibrant purple blooms that bring a burst of color to the fall garden and the sweet aroma of the basil is not bad either!

Blue Atlas Cedar Cones

In the front yard the stately Blue Atlas Cedar is producing an abundance of cones...hopefully not a sign of a harsh winter.

Crape Myrtle 'Sioux' Bark

The bark on my Crape Myrtle is a new treat in the garden.  The tree has reached maturity and the exfoliating bark is almost like artwork displaying an array of swirls and variations of multiple colors.  Even when this tree looses its foliage the bark is an interesting feature.

Coral Bark Maple (Acer palmatum 'Sangokaku')

The foliage of the Coral Bark Maple in the front yard is going into its fall color mode.  It will be turning a bright yellow within the next couple of weeks and the bark to a bright red by winter.



Back Island Bed

With morning tea viewing from my kitchen window the Pink Knock Out Roses are still in bloom along with my newest favorite addition.  This dwarf Butterfly Bush is still blooming and has been for months!  Along side it are Heuchera 'Caramel', Gold Mop Cypress. Barberry and Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar.  The colorful folaige of the new Heuchera 'Caramel' fits right into the fall motif!

Buddleia  Lo & Behold Blue Chip (Dwarf Butterfly Bush)

  Here is the Butterfly Bush close up...still lots of fragrant purple blooms.

Golden Oriental Spruce and Coral Bark Maple

At the end of the driveway the dwarf grasses are showing their plumes and changing to a more golden hue while the coreopsis and nepeta are still blooming.  In the background are Golden Oriental Spruce 'Skylands' (left) and Coral Bark Maple 'Sangokaku' (right).



Welcome Station!

 There is a new welcome area for the birds of the garden. I had spotted this granite bird bath out east over the summer only to walk over to it again on a second trip. After a third trip it came home with me and the birds love it. Every morning it is like a spa visit for the local feathered friends.

Green Japanese Maple in Fall

Now into the front yard the Japanese Maples are turning into their fall colors...

Red Japanese Maple Fall Color

and showing their fascinating sculptured trunks.

Dwarf Maiden Grass 'Yaku Jima'

Around to the backyard the Yaku Jima Maiden Grasses are at their full height now of about five feet and displaying their wispy plumes that are swaying in the breeze by the poolside.

Dwarf Maiden Grass and Sedum

One of my favorite things in autumn is when the grasses have their plumes and the Sedum 'Brilliant' is turning to a hue of orange-pink.

Montgomery Globe Spruce

Here is the back evergreen and perennial garden in autumn mode.  The Montogomery Blue Spruce in the center is about fifteen years old now and has grown to maturity.

Weeping Norway Spruce, Heuchera and Grasses

The Weeping Norway Spruce, grasses and heuchera have also filled in over the years.  In the autumn the foliage of Heuchera 'Palace Purple' (coral bells) turns to a rainbow of burgundy and burnt orange.

Fall Garden

Back around to the back this smaller bird bath is also a welcome spot for visitors.

Perennial Border

Moving along the Salvia 'Maynight' is sporting its last blooms for the season adding a little purple to the garden...

Walkway to Secret Garden

and the Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola') are at their prime.  A new addition this summer was this blue stone walkway leading into my secret garden.  It is tucked away and when I go back there nobody can find me...ahhh...peace!

Nandina 'Gulf Stream' Fall Berry

Nandina 'Gulf Stream' along the side fence displays its colorful fall berries that will brighten to a fiery red as winter approaches.

Fall Perennial Border

Here is more of the autumn perennial garden...

Fall Perennial Border

the colors getting brighter day by day.  Included in the garden is Lamb's Ear, Astilbe, Hosta, Salvia, Daylily, Heuchera and Aster with dwarf grasses and evergreens Blue star Juniper and Globe Blue Spruce. 

Hydrangea 'Tardivia'

Last but not least are the fragrant blooms of Hydrangea 'Tardivia' turning from pure white to a gentle pink for the days of autumn.


The garden is a changing palette with each season has something to look forward to.  Thank you for visiting.  Drop a note to let me know you've been here and I will be sure to visit you as well.  Also please visit our hostesses Carol at May Dreams Gardens to see what is blooming for October Garden Blogger's Bloom Day and Pam at Digging for Foliage Follow Up.

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

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2013. All rights reserved

 

The Fall Garden-Fall Blooming Perennials & Shrubs

Fall Garden

Autumn has arrived in the northeast and as daytime temperatures decline there are still a variety of fall blooms that can brighten and add longevity to your landscape.  As many of the summer blooms start to fade fall blooming perennials and shrubs such as Sedum, Aster, Liriope, Goldenrod, Butterfly Bush and dwarf grasses among others can add interest to your late summer-fall garden and bring you enjoyment late into the planting season.  The varieties of shrubs and perennials mentioned below have proven to be hardy and reliable in my zone 7 northeastern garden and will be sure to add delight to your outdoor space.

Variegated Liriope (Lillyturf)
Zones 6-11
Sun-Part Shade-Full Shade
Height 8-16", Width 8-12 "

Variegated Liriope or Lillyturf is a wonderful perennial for all summer long with interesting texture and grass-like variegated foliage followed by vibrant eye-catching spikes of purple blooms in late summer and fall.  It fits nicely into either a formal or informal landscape and lasts into winter.  At this time of year it is at its peak and is spectacular!

Sedum 'Brilliant'
Zones 4-8
Full Sun to Part Shade
Height 18-24", Width 18-24 "

Sedum 'Brilliant' is a more compact form of sedum which stays upright while other varieties such as 'Autumn Joy' tend to get top heavy and fall over.   'Brilliant' displays vibrant deep pink blooms that turn orange in fall on top of succulent-like clumping foliage.  Planted along with dwarf grasses it makes a nice fall statement.  I have plenty of these on my own property and they always add wonderful interest to the fall garden.

Aster Michaelmas Daisies (Pink)
Zones 5-9
Full Sun
Height 12-24", Width 12-18"

Asters are a known sign of autumn and are commonly seen in perennial borders or in container plantings.  They add an eye-catching display of color to the garden.

Aster Michaelmas Daisies (Purple)
Zones 5-9
Full Sun
Height 12-24", Width 12-18"

Asters come in a variety of colors including pink, purple, red, blue and white and serve nicely in a cut bouquet or as dried flowers.

Solidago sphacelata 'Golden Fleece'  (Goldenrod)
Zones 4-9
Full Sun - Part Shade
Height 18-24", Width 18-24"

Goldenrod is a bright fall perennial that displays golden-yellow flowers on arching branches and is popular in the New England cottage garden. Do not confuse it with Ragweed which blooms about the same time and is an allergen to many! Goldenrod comes in a number of varieties ranging in size from two to six feet. 'Golden Fleece' (above) stays at a more compact height of only two feet.

Hydrangea 'Tardivia'
Zones 3-8
Full Sun-Partial Shade
Height 3-6', Width 3-6'
 

Hydrangea 'Tardivia' is a beautiful long blooming variety of hydrangea that lasts well into fall with large elongated white blooms on dark green foliage. While other varieties of hydrangea have completed their bloom season 'Tardivia' steps up to the plate and lasts well into the first frost.   The gently fragrant blooms are an added wonderful delight as one passes by.

Dwarf Fountain Grass
Zones 4-9
Full Sun -Part Shade
Height 2-3', Width 2-3'

Dwarf fountain grasses are a popular addition to the garden due to their wispy silvery bottle brush plumes produced in fall.  Fountain grasses add interest and movement in the garden throughout the season and provide winter interest as well. The variety pictured above is 'Hameln' which stays as a compact 2-3 foot plant and serves well in just about any type of garden.

Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' (Purple Coneflower)
Zones 4-9
Full Sun
Height 24-36",  Width18-24" Wide

Echinacea or Coneflower forms showy upright clumps of vibrant blooms from late summer into fall that are a feeding station to many species of butterfly. There are many varieties of this beautiful perennial ranging from pink to yellow to white and they serve beautifully in a perennial border, cottage or prairie garden.

Rudbeckia
Zones 3-9
Full Sun-Partial Shade
Height 2-3'. Width 18-24"

Rudbeckia or "Black Eyed Susan" is a popular perennial in cottage, woodland  and prairie gardens and blooms from late summer throughout fall into the first frost.  Bright golden-yellow petals surround a darker central portion that pop in the garden.  Rudbeckia spreads freely and serves nicely as a mass planting in sun or part shade.  Rudbeckia and Echinacea complement one another beautifully.

Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz'

Zones 5-10

Full Sun
Height 3-4, Width 3-4'

 

Knock Out Roses are an excellent addition to the garden since they produce continuous blooms from summer throughout fall.  The above variety 'Radrazz' puts on a show of vibrant pinkish-red fragrant blooms all the way until frost and is a favorite of garden enthusiasts.   This one is also a personal favorite of mine right along with Pink and Red Double Knock Outs. 

Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage)
Zones 4-9
Full Sun
Height 3-4', Width 2-3'

Russian sage produces bushy upright stalks of grayish leaves that are lacy and fragrant.  Spikes of violet-blue blooms appear in late summer and last well into fall.  The open informal habit of Perovskia makes it a great filler in the backdrop of a cottage style perennial garden or border.

Chelone lyonii 'Hot Lips' (Turtlehead)
Zones 3-8
 Sun-Part Shade-Full Shade

Height 24-30",  Width 18-24"

I recently discovered Chelone (Turtlehead) in a friend's garden this fall.  Turtlehead are native wildflowers that adapt easily to garden conditions.  Showy and long-lived they are a magnet to bumblebees and butterflies and bring nature to the garden.  They serve nicely in an informal perennial border. 

Chrysanthemum morifolium (Hardy Garden Mum)
Zones 5-9
Full Sun-Part Shade
Height 1-2', Width 2-3'

Last but not least is the traditional fall flower..the hardy Garden Mum.  Mums come in a vast variety of colors and last well into the first frost.  They are often planted in containers for a fall punch of color or can be placed in the garden for autumn blooms. 

The arrival of Autumn does not mean the end of the gardening season. By simply adding one or more of these selections to your landscape your garden blooms will be prolonged well into fall and bring extended enjoyment to your outdoor space.

What's blooming in your garden?

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2013. All rights reserved

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day: The September Garden

As the summer season comes to an end the gardens are showing signs of fall with bright pink blooms of sedum and plumes of dwarf fountain grass swaying in the breeze. The temperatures are now stabilizing in the 70's and in the evenings there is a nip in the air. It is time for look into the garden for another Garden Blogger's Bloom Day. Come take a walk with me and let's see what is blooming in my Long Island garden. 

September Perennial Garden

The perennial garden on the west side of the patio is showing dried spikes of astilbe against the white fuzzy foliage of the Lamb's Ear and bright blues of the Juniperus 'Blue Star'. A hint of remaining purple pokes through from the Salvia 'Maynight' and plumes from the fountain grass can be seen in the backdrop.

Variegated Liriope (Lillyturf)

At this time of year Variegated Liriope is at its peak displaying vibrant purple spikes of color above variegated green and white foliage...

Sedum 'Brilliant'

and Sedum 'Brilliant' is at its height with bright deep pink blooms.

Fountain Grass
 

Around the front of the driveway the plumes of the fountain grasses sway gently in the breeze...

Mockingbird

while the Mockingbird watches me take photos from below. I have been trying to get some close ups of this feathered friend all summer long and have finally gotten used to the zoom on my new camera while the Mockingbird was nice enough to sit and let me take his picture!  He visits the garden everyday and is such a joy.

Hydrangea 'Endless Summer'

Along the back fence the hydrangeas are now at the end of their bloom and the flower heads are a lovely shade of pink getting ready for fall.

Dwarf Butterfly Bush

One of my new favorites in the garden is Dwarf Butterfly Bush Lo & Behold 'Blue Chip'.  I purchased this variety of butterfly bush two years ago and recently planted three more in the front yard. They bloom profusely throughout August and September and draw an array of butterflies to their fragrant purple blooms...definitely one of the highlights of the September garden.



Crape Myrtle 'Sioux' and Platycodon (Balloon Flower)

Another favorite is Crape Myrtle.  This one viewed from the back patio is still in full bloom after three months.  In the foreground is Platycodon (Balloon Flower) which is also still in bloom at this time of year.  Even though spring and summer are my favorite months, I look forward to these two blooms as the cooler temperatures approach.

Sedum and Heuchera

In the backyard these two plants, Sedum and Heuchera thrive next to one another even though they are known to grow in different conditions.  The area gets just the right combination of sun and water for each and the burgundy and pink complement one another.  Another interesting combination is Barberry with Sedum, which you will see a few pictures down.

Garden Whimsy

For a little bit of garden whimsy I recently purchased this bird bath from a local nursery out east and I love how the two little birds sit nestled on the edge.  The local birds are enjoying the new addition as well each time they visit the garden.

Sedum 'Brilliant' against Barberry 'Royal Burgundy'

Here is the combo of the Sedum and Barberry I mentioned earlier...
and here is Garden Gal.

Garden Gal
  The Palace Purple Coral Bells are very large this time of year so Garden Gal is peeking out from among them playing a game of peek a boo.

Hydrangea 'Tardivia'

Hydrangea 'Tardivia' blooms later in the summer once the other hydrangea are through their bloom cycle.  This one is located on the side of the house so it is fun to take a tour in my own yard to see the blooms.

Stella D Oro Daylily

And last but not least is Daylily Stella D Oro.  With regular deadheading this wonderful bright yellow daylily blooms throughout the entire summer and into fall and I can always rely on it to give me a burst of color.  It is definitely a stable in the garden.



Hope you enjoyed the tour and thank you for visiting my Long Island September garden.  Be sure to also visit our Bloom Day hostess Carol at May Dreams Gardens to see what is blooming in other gardens around the world.   As summer comes to an end and fall approaches there is anticipation in the air as I look forward to the changing colors of the garden once more.

As Always...Happy Bloom Day and Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2013. All rights reserved

 

Green Animals Topiary Garden Rhode Island

Green Animals Topiary Garden

During a recent visit to Rhode Island I had the pleasure of visiting the Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth.  This small country estate consisting of seven acres of land overlooks Narragansett Bay and was purchased by Thomas E. Brayton in 1872.  Mr. Brayton was the treasurer for the Union Cotton Manufacturing Company in Fall River, Massachusetts from 1879 to 1920.  He hired Joseph Carreiro who was responsible for creating and maintaining the topiary garden.  Carrero's son-in-law took over and continued to develop new topiary upon Mr. Carreiro's death in 1945. Upon Mr. Brayton's death in 1940 his daughter Alice inherited the estate and resided there until her death in 1972. Alice Brayton known for her love of horticulture named the estate after its unique sculptured green topiary.  Green Animals Topiary Garden was left to the Preservation Society of Newport County and remains today under their care as a historic landmark. 

There are more that 80 pieces of topiary throughout the gardens and one of my favorites were these two teddy bears made of yew (Taxus).  The topiary animals are made of California privet and yew while the geometric figures are from California privet and English boxwood.

Here is the mighty lion made of California privet and surrounded by annuals. The beds are planted with annuals that change with each growing season.

Gardener Joe Carreiro designed these driveway arches as an entry to the garden.

The garden houses two arbors, one draped with Magnolia x soulangeana and on this arbor with  Grape (Vitus vinifera).

 A beautiful perennial border garden shows the colors of late summer.  This area was re-designed and replanted in the fall of 2004.  

This beautiful Dahlia Display garden is a joint project between the Preservation Society of Newport County and the Rhode Island Dahlia Society.  Blooms from this garden are entered into the Dahlia Society's annual show in early September...

and you can see why. 

Here is the full garden to give you an idea of the size.

The framework of the garden is made of boxwood and privet hedge.

The topiaries were started in 1901 in a nursery then moved to their present location in 1912. 

Every year Green Animals hosts several events and is visited daily by tourists.  I truly enjoyed visiting these wonderful gardens along with the mansions of Rhode Island.  I hope you enjoyed the virtual tour as well.

 

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2013. All rights reserved