Welcome to Landscape Design By Lee: A Guide To Northeastern Gardening

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow Up August: Welcome Late Summer Blooms!

Welcome to My Garden!

As the summer quickly passes by, the month of August brings an abundance of late summer blooms. The northeast has been fortunate weather-wise with temperatures mostly in the 80's with some "dog days of summer" thrown in, but there have been frequent enough rain showers to keep the garden thriving. While a cooler spring has delayed the blooms of Crape Myrtle, which is just starting to open its buds, the weather conditions have been ideal for Hydrangea. Following a seven week drought last season, and they are now in full bloom and showing all their glory! Welcome to my zone 7a Long Island garden. Join me for a stroll!
Hydrangea Limelight Prime
The highlight of the late summer garden this year are the Hydrangeas. This Hydrangea 'Limelight Prime' displays an array of changing color from pale green earlier in summer to bright white in mid-late summer, then to a deep pinkish-red as fall approaches, thus continuing the show! Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, 'Limelight Prime' prefers partial shade, grows to a mature height and width of 4-5 feet tall by wide and blooms on new wood.
Hydrangea Let's Dance 'Big Band'
Another beauty is Hydrangea Let's Dance 'Big Band'. I had this cultivar growing in a twenty-inch pot for three years and just transferred it into the northern garden. It is a compact enough (2-3 feet high by wide) to grow either in container or in ground, and it is thriving. This re-blooming variety is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and prefers more shade over sun.
Walkway Border
Follow me to the back patio border. Here the bluish-purple blooms of Platycodon 'Komachi' (Balloon Flower) blooming along with the white blooms of Abelia 'Kaleidoscope’, with Blue Globe Spruce in the backdrop. ‘Komachi’ is the only variety of Balloon Flower in which the flowers remain as "balloons", which can be popped once they dry out!
Platycodon grandiflorus 'Komachi' (Balloon Flower)
Here are the interesting blooms up close! They are always quite the conversation piece when visitors stroll the garden. 
Echinacea Pow Wow 'Wild Berry' (Coneflower)
Also along the walkway is Echinacea (Coneflower) Pow Wow 'Wild Berry', which continues to bloom since last month.
Back Northern Border Hosta 'Patriot’ and Black Eyed Susan
Along the back northern border, Hosta 'Patriot’ is showing its blooms along with the blooms of Dwarf Black Eyed Susan 'Little Goldstar'.
Rudbeckia 'Little Goldstar' (Dwarf Black Eyed Susan)
This variety of Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia 'Little Goldstar') remains in small clumps and does not spread like other varieties.
Hydrangea 'Endless Summer'
Also in the same garden is Hydrangea 'Endless Summer'. Due to the alkalinity of the soil in this location, the color of the blooms is pink, while on the other side of the property they are blue.
Buddleia 'Pugster Blue' (Dwarf Butterfly Bush)
I have always loved Dwarf Butterfly Bush due to its perfect compact size, but have not had the best of luck with them in our zone, where the winters can sometimes be harsh.  This dwarf variety 'Pugster Blue' seems to finally be happy in its spot. Fingers crossed as time will tell! 
Allium 'Millenium' 
Here is a perennial I have always admired in other gardens and finally purchased some for myself. I love how they bloom later in the season after the 'Globemaster' Allium bloom in springtime. The blooms also attract the pollinators! 'Millenium' grows 15-20 inches high by 10-15 inches wide and prefers full sun. They are hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Hydrangea 'Tardivia'
Walking along to the northern side of the property, this Hydrangea 'Tardivia' (hardy in USDA zone 3-8) produces massive fragrant panicle blooms in late summer on an 8-10 foot tree-sized plant.
Hydrangea 'Tardivia'
This one is about twenty years old and I look forward to its blooms every year.
Lilium 'Stargazer'
While the Lilium 'Stargazer' have already finished blooming, I had to include a view from just a week ago for Bloom Day! These bloom along the pool patio every summer and I can smell their fragrance across the yard when there is the slightest breeze.
Daylily 'Stella D Oro'
Continuing to bloom since June is Daylily 'Stella D Oro', which just keeps on giving. While I've been wanting to clean up the foliage, they just keep producing more buds, so I will need to be careful!
Pink Double Knock Out Rose
The Double Knock Out Roses continue to bloom as well. These pink ones exist along the northern side of the property with southern exposure. 
Hosta and Leucothoe 'Axillaris’

For some foliage, here is Leucothoe 'Axillaris' with the blooms of Hosta in the foreground. It makes for some interest in the shade border...
Front Walkway Foliage Combinations
and along the front walkway are the large heart-shaped leaves of Weeping Eastern Redbud 'Lavender Twist'. Weeping White Pine follows, with 'Skylands' Oriental Spruce in the back center and Coral Bark Maple to the back left. 
Front Garden Berm
In the front garden berm are various cultivars of blue and gold blooming Hosta along with variegated evergreen Osmanthus 'Goshiki' and perennial Sedum 'Pure Joy', which will be blooming next month.
Hosta Blooming!
Another variety of Hosta in the garden is Shadowland ‘Etched Glass’. I enjoy its combination of lime green and golden highlights.
Pink Dipladenia  
Last, but not least are the vibrant blooms of  tropical Dipladenia, which sits right by the back entry where I get to see it everyday. I am going to try overwintering this beauty inside near a window to see if I can get another season out of it. Similar to Mandevilla which is a climbing vine, this species tends to be more shrub-like.
Sedum 'Brilliant' Future Blooms!
That is it for our stroll. There is always something to look forward to in the garden, and there will be more blooms to see next month!
Thank you for Stopping By!
I hope you enjoyed your visit to my August garden. I so appreciate you being here, look forward to your comments and look forward to seeing what you have blooming in your neck of the woods! 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, Friday Bliss at Floral Passions, Macro Monday 2, Mosaic Monday at Letting Go of the Bay Leaf, Nature Notes at Rambling Woods, Image-in-ing weekly photo share every Tuesday with NC Sue and Gardens Galore Link Up Party every other Monday with Everyday Living. I am also happy to join the Weekly Photo Link-Up at My Corner of the World on Wednesdays and Garden Affair at Jaipur Garden. Wishing all with gardens that thrive!

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Location: Long Island, NY 11782, USA

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

This Month in the Garden: St. John's Wort

Feature Flowering Shrub: St. John's Wort
Welcome to This Month in the Garden. This month we feature St. John's Wort. Hardy in USDA zones 5-8, St. John's Wort a semi-evergreen flowering shrub that comes in a variety of cultivars ranging in size from 2-3 feet tall by wide up to 6 feet tall with a spread of 3-6 feet in width. In its native form, Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) is renowned for its medicinal properties and contains various active compounds, including hypericin, hyperforin and flavonoids, which are believed to possess unique antidepressant and anti-inflammatory qualities. As a topical, it is used to treat wounds, burns, muscle ache and bruising. St. John's Wort has been used throughout European medicine as far back as the ancient Greeks to treat a variety of conditions, including insomnia, depression, anxiety reduction, and nerve related pain. 
Hypericum x inodorum 'Magical Universe' (St. John's Wort) Summer
While the seeds and berries are considered toxic, the flowers, leaves and stems of the plant are typically harvested during the height of the bloom season. At that time they are dried thoroughly to remove moisture, extracted and infused in a solvent, such as alcohol or olive oil, then further filtered to obtain a clear liquid extract, which is then prepared as an herbal tea, tincture, capsule or tablet form. The final product is stored in dark glass bottles to protect the herb from light and preserve its medicinal properties.
Hypericum x inodorum 'Magical Universe' (St. John's Wort) Late-Summer
Today's feature variety, 'Magical Universe' is a hybrid, dwarf cultivar with deep green foliage and small, bright yellow blooms starting in June, followed by fruit that deepens to deep red in fall. Staying at a more compact size of 2-3 feet tall by wide, St. John's Wort 'Magical Universe' prefers a location with full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil with moderate watering. A location with bright morning sun and late afternoon shade is ideal. While this form of St. John's Wort is not considered medicinal, its lovely bright yellow blooms and red ornamental berries bring interest to the landscape throughout the seasons. As its foliage turns to a deeper burgundy in fall and the red berries dry, the plant adds a decorative touch even into winter. St. John's Wort is known to be drought tolerant once established, able to withstand a variety of soil types and is deer resistant. Other varieties of St. John's Wort include, but are not limited to, Hypericum 'Hidcote', 'Magical Midnight Glow' and 'Blue Velvet'.
Hypericum x inodorum 'Magical Universe' (St. John's Wort) Autumn

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden for the month of August. Be sure to stop by on the 1st. and 15th. of each month as I continue to share gardening tips, information and horticultural adventures! Also, be sure to check out my author page and books, as I share a lifetime passion of gardening! 


Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2023. All rights reserved. 
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Saturday, July 15, 2023

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up July: Welcome: "It's Into the Garden I Go!"

Welcome to my July Garden!
There is a wonderful saying which describes me to a tee. "It's into the garden I go to lose my mind and find my soul." July is a perfect time for a stroll in the garden to find peace and tranquility during the heat of the summer. After a very cool June and the first spring like conditions we have experienced in a long time, July is here with an onset of higher more summer like temperatures in the 80's and low 90's. The garden is my refuge and brings me joy. I hope it brings you joy too!
Welcome!
We start our stroll as we enter the backyard along the patio. This is a place where I spend much of my time sitting under the overhang and gazing out into the garden, that is until I see a branch out of place, a weed to be pulled, or some other item that needs tending to, which will get me out there into my happy place. There is something about a garden that allows one to clear the mind, and simply be happy.
Patio Perennial Border
Let's get onto a tour of my Long Island garden. We start with a greeting party of two frogs hanging out with a cup of tea, surrounded by the developing blooms of Hosta. It is the view I have each morning from my patio and find it to be quite entertaining.
Back Northern Perimeter!
Looking out to the north perimeter of the property is a combination of Emerald Green and Green Giant 'Virescens' Arborvitae, along with Gold Lace Juniper, Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar, Double Knock Out Roses and a Kousa 'Greensleeves' Dogwood, which was filled with greenish-white blooms in spring. Soon its bright red fruit will form, which is a treat for the birds.
Knock Out Rose
The Double Knock Out Roses are in full bloom. Here is a closer view!
Pool Garden
If you visited last month, I had just completed the pool waterfall/planting renovation along the back of the property. The Weeping Norway Spruce, Upright Variegated Boxwood, and other plantings are adjusting nicely to their new home, and there is New Wave Petunia adding some color for now, with perhaps some long blooming perennials to be be added in the future. It is still a work in progress.
Allium 'Globemaster' Dried Flowers
Here are the dried seed heads of Allium 'Globemaster' which bloomed during  late spring. Every time visitors come to the garden they are intrigued by the dried remains, so I leave the stalks as a conversation piece until they are at the point which they can be pulled easily out of the ground.
Shade Garden
In the shadier side of the garden, the spotted foliage of Pulmonaria can be seen along with Heuchera 'Caramel' Coral Bells, which are now producing their dainty flowers rising above the plant.
Sunny Pool Border!
On the sunnier side of the pool border is a combination of Sedum 'Angelina', 'Dragon's Blood', 'Coral Carpet' and 'Blue Spruce, with Encore Azalea in the backdrop.
Sedum Groundcover Mix
I enjoy the various blooms of the Sedum and it just keeps on giving!
Pool Border Western Side
Towards the western side of the property is this combination of Sky Pencil Holly with Rhododendron and Coral Bells and a semi hidden statue of children playing in the background, which can seen through the Coral Bells as passers go by.
'Low Glow' Red Pine
Around to the back patio area is a view of the light green foliage of 'Low Glow' Red Pine against the darker green foliage of Peony. This variety of red pine got its name from its beautiful "candles", which almost glow in the sunlight.
Echinacea (Coneflower) 'Cheyenne Spirit'
Along the pool border is a personal favorite of mine,  Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit', a form of Coneflower which displays multiple colors of blooms on the same plant. Here is a close up of some of its golden colored blooms...
Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit'
and two colors right next to each other on the same plant!
Perennial Border
Along the perennial border is the new addition of Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' with its multi-colored foliage and white blooms, which are now appearing.
Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' Bloom
The blooms will continue throughout summer into fall, adding interest to the perennial/patio border.
Perennial Border: Echibeckia
Also in the perennial/patio border is Echibeckia, a combination hybrid between Echinacea and Rudbeckia, which I found at the local farm stand three years ago. It has become a favorite, producing blooms throughout summer, while supplying a bounty of color.
Salvia 'May Night'
Perfect for pollinators, Salvia 'May Night' draws a lot of activity during the summer months and continues to do so every year.  I deadhead it to keep the blooms coming for the bumble bees. 
Hosta 'Golden Tiara' Blooms
The pollinators also enjoy the tubular blooms of Hosta 'Golden Tiara', and I am hoping the hummingbirds find them too, as they have visited in the past!
Perennial Border: Lamb's Ear and Coneflower
For a little bit of pinkish-white blooms above white foliage, here is Lamb's Ear along with Echinacea Pow Wow 'Wild Berry' in the perennial border...
St. John's Wort 'Magical Universe'
while St. John's Wort 'Magical Universe' displays deep green to burgundy foliage, bright yellow blooms and ornamental red berries in the back garden.
Hydrangea 'Tokyo Delight'
Winding down the tour, it just wouldn't be the same without some blooms of Hydrangea. These are both varieties of old fashioned hydrangea that I have had in the garden for as long as I can remember. Above is Hydrangea 'Tokyo Delight', a lace cap variety and below is 'Nikko Blue'. 
Hydrangea 'Nikko Blue'
Even though this old fashioned Mophead Hydrangea blooms on old wood, I think I am partial to the richness of it's deep blue blooms!
Front Walkway
As our stroll comes to an end, along the front walkway is the large heart-shaped foliage of Weeping Eastern Redbud 'Lavender Twist', with Weeping White Pine in the backdrop and a mix of Variegated Liriope and Juniper...
Thank you for Visiting!
and a little garden whimsy to bid farewell...unit we meet again.
Thank you for Visiting!
I hope you enjoyed the stroll through my July garden. I so appreciate you being here, look forward to your comments and look forward to seeing what you have blooming in your neck of the woods! 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, Friday Bliss at Floral Passions, Macro Monday 2, Mosaic Monday at Letting Go of the Bay Leaf, Nature Notes at Rambling Woods, Image-in-ing weekly photo share every Tuesday with NC Sue and Gardens Galore Link Up Party every other Monday with Everyday Living. I am also happy to join the Weekly Photo Link-Up at My Corner of the World on Wednesdays and Garden Affair at Jaipur Garden. Wishing all a wonderful summer with gardens that thrive!

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Saturday, July 1, 2023

This Month in the Garden: Seasonal Planters

Seasonal Planters

Welcome to This Month in the Garden! While traditional garden beds offer a more permanent option, seasonal garden planters have become increasingly popular due to their versatility, mobility, and ability to be altered with different displays throughout the growing season. Based on the time of year, plant choices can be combined for an ever evolving display of color and foliage, from robust blooms in springtime, to colorful foliage and autumn-like colors to bring in fall, and perhaps evergreens to carry on through wintertime. Seasonal planters play an important role in the garden and provide additional interest even beyond landscaping. 
Spring/Summer Planter Combination
We often hear the terms, "thriller", "filler" and "spiller" used in container gardening. A "thriller" is defined as the main central focal point in your planter (usually taller), surrounded by the medium-sized "fillers", which take up the majority of space in the planter, to the "spillers', which can create a dramatic effect by trailing over the sides of the container for added interest. For starters, this spring/summer arrangement consists of the variegated foliage of Canna Lily Indica Tropicana 'Mactro Gold' as the center "thriller", or focal point, four assorted Coleus and four New Wave Petunia as a second layer, or "fillers" and four Sweet Potato Vine (Purple and Gold) with four Tradescanthia Pistachio White, as "spillers", which will cascade over the rim of the planter as the season progresses.
Summer Planter Combination
Container options come in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials and can be aesthetically pleasing, adding interest to your arrangement. Several options are available, including cement, resin, ceramic, terracotta, or perhaps boxes or barrels constructed of wood. For areas of limited space and changing sunlight, portable planters give you the flexibility to rearrange your garden and create interest. When planning your arrangement, be sure to use a good lightweight all purpose potting soil mix containing a balanced blend of organic matter, such as compost, peat moss or coconut coir, drainage and aeration materials such as perlite or pumice, pH adjusters and a source of nutrients for healthy growth. A container with drainage holes is best, but if not possible, be sure to use a layer of  a course material, such as gravel or pebbles in the bottom of the planter to allow excess water to drain away from the plant's roots. This cement urn is the ideal candidate for a combination of two varieties of flowering New Wave Petunia and Sweet Potato Vine for all-summer interest. River rocks were placed in the bottom (more narrow) section of the urn for drainage purposes. 
Shade Foliage Planter Combination
For a shady location, try a combination of miniature Hosta, variegated liriope and Black Mondo Grass for a striking display of foliage. This birdbath, turned planter, is tucked away in the garden as a hidden surprise. Helpful Tip: Be sure to choose plantings which share similar lighting and water requirements to ensure success!
Shade Patio Planter Combination

Another shade combination for under a covered patio is a combination of Coleus and Sweet Potato Vine. Try combining Coleus varieties of different heights and colors to create a layered look and add the Sweet Potato Vine as a "spiller" to cascade over the edges of the planter. This is just one example and the possibilities are numerous. Maintenance Tip: Once the Coleus starts to flower, I keep the plant deadheaded to prevent it from going to seed, thus extending its season into fall.
Full Sun Succulent Planter
For an area with full sun, you can get adventurous and choose a selection of succulents which appeal to the senses. I enjoy using the terracotta strawberry planters for aesthetics and use combinations of groundcover such as Sedum 'Blue Spruce' (blue-green), 'Angelina' (yellow), Sedum 'Tricolor' (green and pink), and 'Dragon's Blood' (deep purple). There is an endless supply of interesting succulents, so just have fun!
Full Sun Succulent Planter
So what are you waiting for? Add some planters to your garden this season and enjoy exploring new selections, including annuals, tropical species, evergreens and succulents and create the perfect combination to suit your taste and style. Seasonal planters are the ideal addition to your space and bring charm, versatility, and adaptability to your garden throughout the seasons!

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden for the month of July. Be sure to stop by on the 1st. and 15th. of each month as I continue to share gardening tips, information and horticultural adventures! Also, be sure to check out my author page and books for gardening information and helpful advice, all based on my 27 years of experience as a landscape designer and ongoing involvement in the horticultural field. Until we meet again...Happy Gardening!


Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2023. All rights reserved. 
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Location: Long Island, NY 11782, USA
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