This Month's Color in the Garden: January 2017-White for Moon Garden

White Flowers for Moon Garden 

The color white is considered neutral in the garden and often radiates a sense of peace, romance and elegance. White blooms and foliage offer contrast in the daytime garden and make other colors "pop", but as darkness approaches they take on yet another role. Plants with white blooms or silvery-white foliage have a tendency to become more prominent during the early dawn and evening hours, and have become quite popular in the design of moon, or night gardens. Moon gardens are designed with plants whose foliage and blooms cause them to stand out at night and can be planned to create a peaceful oasis. Many night-blooming plants, such as Moonflower (Ipomoea alba) have blooms that are white and extremely fragrant, while some blooms, such as petunia, release their fragrance at night. When using foliage plants such as such as Stachys (Lamb's Ear), Dusty Miller or Artemeisia in a moon garden, their silvery-white leaves appears to "glow" in the moonlight.

Moon gate Blithewood Mansion Rhode Island

Hardscape elements can also be added to highlight a moon garden. This rounded structure is known as a moon gate, named for its shape, but would look lovely as an entrance to your night time garden. White gravel paths and lighting can also enhance your space for viewing in darkness. When it comes to selecting plants, Spring blooming flowers with white blooms include Allium 'Mount Everest', Crocus, Hyacinth, Tulip, Lilly of the Valley, Candytuft and Snowdrops. Summer blooming white blooms include Cerastium tomentosum (Snow in Summer), Astilbe 'Visions White', Aruncus (Goat's Beard) and Oriental Lily Cassablanca. Late summer blooms include Dahlia, Montauk Daisy, Echinacea 'White Swan' and Clematis 'Sweet Autumn'. Shrubs with beautiful white blooms include Azalea 'Autumn Angel', Hydrangea 'Pee Gee', 'Limelight', 'Annabelle' and 'Blushing Bride', Viburnum 'Summer Snowflake' and Butterfly Bush 'White Profusion'. For silvery-white to white foliage try Dusty Miller, Lamb's Ear, Artemeisia or variegated plants such as 'Patriot' Hosta, with green and white variegated leaves. There are numerous plants to choose from. Here are some suggested plants with their descriptions. 

Allium Mount Everest Old Westbury Gardens, Long Island, N.Y. 
Plant Type: Bulb, Perennial

Hardiness Zones:  5-9

Height: 3-4' Tall

Lighting: Full Sun-Part Shade
Bloom Time: Late Spring

White Crocus Jeanne D'Arc 

Plant Type: Bulb, Perennial 
Hardiness Zones: 3-8 
Height: 4-6" Tall 
Lighting: Full Sun-Part Shade
Bloom Time: Late Spring

Cerastium tomentosum (Snow in Summer) 

Plant Type: Perennial 
Hardiness Zone: 3-7 
Height: 4-8" Tall 
Lighting:  Full Sun-Part Shade
Bloom Time: Late Spring-Early Summer

Aruncus dioicus (Goat's Beard)

Plant Type: Perennial

Hardiness Zones:  3-7

Height: 4-6' Tall

Lighting: Full Sun-Part Shade

Bloom Time: Early-Mid SummerOriental Lilly Casablanca

Plant Type: Bulb, Perennial 

Hardiness Zones:  4-9

Height: 3-4' Tall

Lighting: Full Sun

Bloom Time: Mid-Late SummerDahlia Garden Planting Fields Arboretum Long Island, N.Y.

Plant Type: Bulb (Variety: Brookside Snowball)

Hardiness Zones:  8-10

Height: 4-6' Tall

Lighting: Full Sun

Bloom Time: Late Summer

Nipponanthemum nipponicum (Montauk Daisy)

Plant Type: Perennial

Hardiness Zones:  5-9

Height: 24-36" Tall

Lighting: Full Sun-Part Shade

Bloom Time: Late Summer-Fall

Hosta 'Patriot'

Plant Type: Perennial

Hardiness Zones:  4-8

Height: 14-24" Tall
Lighting: Part-Full Shade

Bloom Time: Mid-Summer (Light Lavender Flowers)

Dusty Miller

Plant Type: Annual

Hardiness Zones:  8-10

Height: 12-24" Tall

Lighting: Full Sun-Part Shade

Bloom Time: None-Foliage Silvery-White

Stachys (Lamb's Ear)

Plant Type: Perennial

Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Height: 8-12" Tall

Lighting:  Full Sun-Part Shade 

Bloom Time: Early Summer (Purplish-Pink Blooms)

 Summer Snowflake Viburnum

Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Shrub
Hardiness Zones:  5-8
Height: 6-8' Tall
Lighting: Full Sun-Part Shade
Bloom Time: Late Spring-Summer

 Annabelle Hydrangea

Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Shrub
Hardiness Zones:  4-9
Height: 3-5' Tall
Lighting: Part Shade
Bloom Time: Late Spring-Fall

Pee Gee Hydrangea

Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Shrub
Hardiness Zones:  3-8 
Height: 10-25' Tall 
Lighting:  Full Sun-Part Shade
  Bloom Time:  Mid-Late Summer

Old Westbury Gardens, Long Island, N.Y, Springtime White Azalea Blooms

Any combination of plants with the characteristics discussed can be used to help plan your moon garden and bring another dimension to your space. I hope you enjoyed This Month's Color in the Garden. Next up is Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up on the 15th. and Color Our World Round Up on the 30th.

Have you read my book, A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9, covering plants hardy in a range of zones from 3-9 and gardening techniques? Learn about landscape design principles, butterfly gardening, deer resistant plants, long blooming perennials, globe and weeping evergreens, flowering trees and shrubs, native plantings, shade gardening and more.  Come along on my journey into the world of gardening! To check out the preview at Amazon, simply click on the image or links for details! Also, watch for my second book, soon to be officially announced!

It's official as of January 13th! Read about the launching of my new book: Landscape Design Combinations

As Always...Happy Gardening! 

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2017. All rights reserved

2016 Long Island Garden: A Year in Review

January 2016 Garden

As 2016 comes to an close, it is time to reflect on the past year in the garden. The year started off with no snow and milder than normal temperatures in the mid-upper 40's, but "Mother Nature" works in mysterious ways, and decided to bring in winter towards the end of the month! On January 23rd, winter storm Jonas came our way and delivered 20.2 inches of snow, as the thermometer plummeted to daytime highs struggling to get out of the 30's. The once green landscape had been covered in a blanket of snow. 

February 2016 Garden

February arrived with remains of snow on the ground and an early show of spring weather was predicted by the infamous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil. More scientifically, the National Weather Service forecast had also called for the continuation of the "mild winter". It was mild, after all, all the way up to the first, with only one significant snow in January. After that news we were hit out of the blue with another snowfall, winter storm Lexi on the 5th, bringing seven inches of glistening white to cover the landscape. Another snowfall followed on the 8th and temperatures had plummeted into the 20's. As time went on in February, any remaining snow had melted and temperatures were back up into the mid-40's. 

March 2016 Garden

Despite the few snow falls we experienced, the winter of 2016 went down as the mildest winter on record since 2003. March came about with windy days and temperatures rising into the 50's and 60's. Blooms started appearing in the landscape as crocus and hyacinth bulbs emerged from their sleep. The arrival of spring had come early, like all the forecasters had predicted. March was so much different from the year before, as in 2015 the gardens were covered under a blanket of snow.  It seemed as if an "early spring" was to be expected.

April 2016 Garden

The start of April brought in an unexpected last snow of the season, as much to say it was the last hurrah. The white covering on the ground quickly melted within the same day to expose the spring bulbs that had been well under way. After an unusually mild winter, the temperatures were much lower than usual for April. The official start of spring surprisingly ended up being one of the coldest on record, along with prolonged periods of rain.

May 2016 Garden

After a very chilly April and start of May, the temperatures finally started getting back to normal with highs up into the 60's and 70's. Spring was on full speed ahead as Viburnum, Azalea, Rhododendron, Salvia and spirea were all in bloom. The new gardening season was well underway, and the month of May was fabulous with all its bursts of color throughout the landscape.

June 2016 Garden

June came along with more colorful displays of blooms, as temperatures rose up into the mid to upper 70's with some days in the 80's. The perennials seemed to be bigger and brighter than usual after the snowfall in January and chilly spring. At this time, some of my favorites in the garden, including giant Allium, Knock Out Roses and Peony Bartella were all in bloom, and life was good!

July 2016 Garden

With July came a succession of more colorful blooms throughout the landscape. While June temperatures had remained in the upper 70's to lower 80's, the month of July brought a warming trend with some days reaching into the upper 80's and low 90's. The perennial borders had a continuous array of color, along with the arrival of new blooms daily. The month of July went by with some record temperatures and little rainfall.

August 2016 Garden

The month of August was a transitional time for the garden. There were subtle signs of fall approaching, as the early summer blooms had faded; however, a whole new wave of blooms and color were arriving for late summer interest. Heat waves came and went as temperatures lingered in the upper 80's and 90's for days, then slowly returned to what was normal for that time of year.

September 2016 Garden

September arrived as Hurricane Hermine was lingering off the eastern coastline. We were thankful that we had been spared from the storm making landfall, and the effects had brought the much needed rainfall that we have been waiting for. The temperatures had finally gone back down into the 80's and the rains brought relief, revitalizing the garden.

October 2016 Garden

The month of October arrived as the temperatures declined into the 60's, and there was a refreshing chill in the air, but still warm enough for the garden to keep on thriving. An array of both new and established blooms continued on in the garden, as roses, lilies, butterfly bush and viburnum continued to flower, joined by chrysanthemums, liriope and daisies. 

November 2016 Garden

As the temperatures dipped into the 50's, November brought many changes as foliage that was once green turned to hues of orange and gold. I remember it being a lot colder in November growing up as a child, so temperatures in the 50's were not all that bad, and still warm enough to be outside and enjoy the garden.

December 2016 Garden

December on Long Island brought in normal temperatures for the time of year in the 30's and 40's with a week or so in the 20's, which felt much colder because we had been fortunate to have pretty mild temperatures all winter. With a lack of snow, except for one dusting, I could still go out into the garden and do some cutting back of perennials and weeding. It seems as if the gardening season gets longer every year, and this gardener does not mind a bit!

Overall, it was a wonderful year in the garden and now that winter has finally set in, my love of gardening moves indoors as I resume my writing. It keeps the mind fresh during the winter months and after publishing my first book last year, the desire to write is within me. As a matter of fact, my second book is actually nearing completion! During writing about my passion, I do take that occasional walk outdoors into my own garden and plan for those days ahead when the landscape awakens from its winters sleep. After all...as Marie Huston put it..."The gardening season officially begins on January 1st, and ends on December 31"...so I go with that thought and garden on!

As 2016 comes to a close, I wish all of you a very Happy and Healthy 2017! Happy New Year! 😊

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2017. All rights reserved

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up December 2016: Winter Garden Color!

December 2016 Garden

Well, the weather outside is frightful, but our gardens are still delightful. The winter crops we can sow...til it snows, til it snows, til it snows! December on Long Island has been bringing frigid temperatures in the 30's and 40's, which are more normal for this time of year, but the temperature for Bloom Day is in the 20's, with a chance of snow flurries showing in the forecast! I took this venture outside wearing three layers of clothing to keep warm and was delighted to see that there is still a lot going on in the December garden. Come along with me. Better bundle up!

Azalea Foliage December

As an avid gardener and designer, and now very determined photographer, I am constantly inspired by the beauty of the garden, no matter what the time of year. I have come to appreciate that there is always something amazing lurking around the corner and when there are no blooms, it is important to look deeper. As Albert Camus once said, "In the depths of winter I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer."

Nandina domestica Berries & Foliage

Speaking of finding the inner beauty of the garden in winter, one of my favorite plants for this time of year is Nandina. Its evergreen foliage turns to hues of pink and yellow in the colder temperatures, while bright red berries form and grow more intense as the winter progresses. 

Young's Weeping Birch Bark

Even the bark of some trees can provide winter interest. The beautiful white bark of birch trees becomes more noticeable as the foliage disappears.

Blue Globe Montgomery Spruce

Montgomery Globe Spruce continues to shine with its bright blue foliage, that is even more prominent in winter...

Coral Bells & Sedge

and evergreen perennials highlight the garden with their contrasting colors. This is a combination of Caramel Coral Bells with Japanese Golden Sedge.

Nandina domestica Berries

Here is Nandina once again but with a closer view...and Hellebores, as they set their buds for winter bloom.

Hellebore 'Shooting Star'

  I added these Hellebore 'Shooting Star' to the garden two winters ago and get so much enjoyment from them. The foliage stays evergreen all year long and large creamy white blooms with pink highlights start in late December and continue through early spring.

Spirea Foliage December

Even though the cold has set in, the fall season has been warmer in the past couple of years, resulting in continuing foliage on these spirea through December.  This is the foliage of Spirea 'Lemon Princess' still holding on with its deep orange hue.

Frosty Heuchera

Here we see frost on Coral Bells as the temperatures plummet...

Nellie Stevens Holly Berries

and Nellie Steven's Holly forms its berries for winter.

Sedum 'Brilliant' Seed Head

Sedum 'Brilliant' extends the season with its interesting seed heads, which are also looking a little frosty right now. I try to leave these in the garden for as long as possible, for they add interest, plus the birds enjoy the seeds.

'Yaku Jima' Grass December

Here is Dwarf Maiden Grass.  Its plumes glow in the sunlight in the December garden.

Skyland's Spruce and Coral Bark Maple December

Over the years the number of evergreens in my garden has grown, as well as plants that provide winter interest. This Golden 'Skyland's Oriental Spruce was planted in 2008 as a memorial tree for my mom and has grown into a magnificent specimen. The Coral Bark Maple behind it is starting to show its reddening winter bark.

Rainbow Leucothoe December

Leucothoe also adds nice interest to the winter garden with its multi-colored foliage...

Japanese Golden Sedge December

while golden sedge continues to add color and whimsy to the garden with its spiky evergreen foliage.

Weeping White Pine

Here is Weeping White Pine with its cascading branches...

Weeping White Pine Cone

and large pine cones that form at this time of year.

Weeping Norway Spruce

I rescued this Weeping Norway Spruce from a client years ago whom no longer wanted it.  It was thin and pretty much left for dead, but I took it on and gave it lots of tender loving care. This is the tree today after years of believing in it. It is thriving and has become one of my favorites in the back garden!

Weeping Pussy Willow Catkin December

It's mid December and this is a rare sight for right now. The Weeping Pussy Willow usually sets its buds at this time of year, but it is not usual for the catkins to be popping. 

Knock Out Rose December!

While catkins are fooled by a milder fall until now, reminders of summer still linger as Knock Out Roses continue to bloom...

Rhododendron Buds December

and signs of future spring are present as Rhododendrons set their buds.

Winter Visitors

There have been many more bird visitors since the cold set in, as they enjoy their favorite seed...

December Trying to Keep Warm

and seek shelter in the trees away from the chilling winds.

In A Vase on Monday (Spreading Yew, Gold Lace Juniper, Dwarf Maiden Grass plumes, Rosy Glow Barberry, Sedum seed heads and Knock Out Rose buds)

Some of the garden is brought inside to enjoy...

Winter Bear!

 and new Winter Bear watches over the garden, as Adirondack Bear hibernates away for the winter months.

December Garden 2016

  I hope you enjoyed your stroll through my December garden. Special thanks go out to our hostesses 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 and Pam at Digging for hosting Foliage Follow-Up.  I am also linking with some other wonderful hosts and hostesses at Today's Flowers, Floral Fridays, Macro Monday 2, and Nature Notes at Rambling Woods. Also check out What's Blooming This Week Garden Update, In a Vase on Monday at Rambling in the Garden, Garden Bloggers' Foliage Day and Saturday's Critters.

Planning your garden for next spring, looking for some winter reading or perhaps a gift for the gardener in you life?  Check out my book, A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer (Gardening in Zones 3-9). It covers a wide range of information on garden design, tips, maintenance and more! If you have read my book and found it to be helpful, please consider leaving a short review on Amazon. Reviews are vital in getting a book noticed and your help would be very much appreciated! Click on the photo or links for details!

As Always...Happy Gardening and Happy Holidays!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2016. All rights reserved

This Month's Color in the Garden: December 2016-The Power of Red in the Landscape

The Power of Red in the Garden Clockwise Left to Right: Dahlia, Landscape Architectural Element, Dahlia, Winterberry and Knock Out Rose (center)

In landscape design and architecture, the color red tends to dominate when compared to other colors. Red tends to make a strong, dramatic statement and creates an illusion of boldness and depth. Red can be used to brighten a space in all seasons, including winter, with the incorporation of architectural elements or perhaps some berry producing shrubs in the garden against a white snowy background. Red foliage creates striking contrast in spring throughout fall, and red flowers, especially tubular-shaped ones, are an attraction to hummingbirds and other pollinators. The color red will have a lot more impact in your garden when used sparingly, and is nicely complemented by the the color green, which is considered neutral.

Nandina domestica berries

Examples of red blooms in the landscape include Red Knock Out Rose, Tulips, Peony, Zinnia, Dahlia and Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal flower). Red berry producing plants include Nandina domestica, Winterberry, Holly, Skimmia and some varieties of viburnum. Plants exhibiting red or maroon foliage include Heuchera ‘Palace Purple' (Coral Bells), Weigela Spilled Wine, and annuals such as Coleus, Impatiens and Begonia. The most prominent red in the garden that keeps coming to mind is that of the traditional red rose.

Red Knock Out Rose 'Radrazz'

Roses have been grown throughout civilization and are a timeless tradition, speaking the language of love, beauty, courage and respect. Historical evidence shows they were grown in China about 5,000 years ago, and have carried their special meaning ever since. A deep red rose can be used to convey heartfelt regret and sorrow. or twelve red roses conveys "Be mine" and "I love you. The red rose began its history during Greek and Roman times, where it was tied to Aphrodite, or Venus, the mythical goddess of love, who was often seen with roses around her head and covering her feet and neck. The red rose throughout time has symbolized an immortal love that could never fade, even through time or death. In early Christianity, the rose became associated with the virtue of Virgin Mary and in the Tarot it has been considered a symbol of balance, promise, new beginnings, and hope. In Shakespeare's writings, roses had become a poetic standard throughout his works. Throughout its history, the red rose continues to hold its status as the ultimate symbol of affection. Other flowers and their meanings include red Amaryllis, a statement of splendid beauty and pride, red aster which symbolizes patience, Anthurium symbolizing happiness and hospitality and poinsettia symbolizing good cheer and success. 

Architectural Elements Old Westbury Mansion Long Island

In landscape architecture the color red is often used to draw attention or create a focal point, as in the use of red brick for walkways, labyrinths, benches or perhaps some red Adirondack chairs to highlight a sitting area. Estate gardens are known for their mass plantings of red tulips, dahlias and rose covered arbors. In color theory, red tends to make a space look smaller and can be used to make a large space seem more intimate. Red brick also brings to mind thoughts of mansions from colonial time, and can be implemented in modern day to create an old world feel. 

Clockwise Left to Right: Red Knock Out Rose, Dahlia, Tulips, Nandina 'domestica', Amaryllis (center)

Do you have any design or architectural elements in your space that are red and if you do, when and where are they most prominent? I invite you to share whatever shades of red you have going on in your garden in the comments below, whether it be in the form of plants or otherwise. I hope you enjoyed "This Month's Color in the Garden". I'm already thinking about next month's theme, which is the color white! Next up is Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up on the 15th. and Color Our World Round Up on the 30th. 

For more on Garden Design-My Books on Amazon:

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening
Landscape Design Combinations

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2016. All rights reserved.