Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up October: Autumnal Blooms & Views

Welcome!

Welcome to Garden Blogger's Bloom Day (and Foliage Follow-Up) for October! Autumn like temperatures have arrived suddenly as daytime temperatures turned from 80 degrees one day for the last hooray, now moderating into the steady 60's  The skies are mostly clear with a slight chill in the air, which makes one feel alive, and the surrounding landscape is transitioning into what soon will be an array of changing colors. Join me in my Long Island garden for some autumnal blooms and views!

Seasonal Planter

The first view is of a planter that I had to own once I had passed it at the local farm stand. It just called to me...if you know what I mean! The combination of ornamental grasses and Rudbeckia should hopefully last for some time!

Montauk Daisy

Along the back walkway are Montauk Daisies, which bloom every October. I had always admired them from across the street and decided to add some to my own garden a number of years back. It was one of my neighbor's favorite plants and they remind me of him whenever I look at them. He was like a family member to me as I had known him my entire life.

Hydrangea 'Limelight Prime'

This Hydrangea 'Limelight Prime' joined the garden three years ago and has been a wonderful addition for summer and fall interest. Its' greenish-white blooms turn to a deep pink as the temperatures cool.

Kousa Japanese Dogwood

Along the northern side of the property is the bright red fruit of Japanese Kousa Dogwood which highlights the tree in autumn. Although the fruit has a bitter taste, the birds love to eat it and it can be sweetened into a tasty jelly.

Kousa Dogwood Fruit

Here is the interesting pattern on the fruit close up!

Allium 'Millenium' Seed Head

New to the garden this year is Allium 'Millenium'. Besides its purple blooms in later summer, I am loving its flowers dried!

Dried Peony Seed Head

In the perennial border, this seed head of Peony 'Bartzella' just exploded wide open, making for an excellent autumn display! I love to admire nature's artwork, especially during this time of year.

Perennial Border Autumn-Lamb's Ear and Astilbe

In the perennial border is the soft fuzzy white foliage of Lamb's Ear with the dried flower stalks of Astilbe Pumila...

Dwarf Maiden Grass 'Yaku Jima' Autumn

while along the pool border, Dwarf Maiden Grass 'Yaku Jima' is displaying its plumes against the greenery of Weeping White Pine.

Sedum 'Brilliant' Autumn

Here are the dried flower heads of Sedum 'Brilliant' once the pink blooms fade following a late summer bloom.

Patio Border

I am happy to share the latest new addition to the patio border! It was time for the Weeping Pussy Willow to go after many years of enjoyment, but trees do have their life span. It gave me the opportunity to revamp the space, which we all know is one of my favorite things to do. After much thought, I decided on a Rhode Island Red Dwarf Japanese Maple, which I had my sights on after including one in a design at one of my client's properties. This specimen tree has slightly larger burgundy leaves and maintains a more rounded compact shape, reaching a mature height and width of just 6 feet tall by wide over many years, making it very low maintenance.

New Addition-Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple

I am in the process of including additional dwarf evergreens, transitioning this space into a dwarf conifer-specimen garden.

Double Red Knock Out Rose

Now onto some blooms. Double Red Knock Out Rose is a stable in the perimeter garden as it continues to bloom throughout summer into the first frost of autumn... 

Dwarf Rudbeckia 'Little Goldstar'

and Rudbeckia 'Little Goldstar' still hangs on as it refuses to stop blooming, for now anyway!

Dwarf Butterfly Bush 'Pugster Blue'

Dwarf Butterfly Bush 'Pugster Blue' never ceases to amaze me as it too does not want to give up blooming. Just when I think it is done for the season, it sports another pop of color to admire!

'Stella D Oro' Daylily

'Stella D Oro' Daylily is another candidate that never disappoints. I deadhead and rejuvenate it in late summer and it comes back strong into fall while producing more blooms...

Abelia 'Kaleidoscope'

and along the back walkway, Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' has been blooming since last month with its delicate trumpet-like flowers. 

Weeping White Pine Seed Cone

Other fall interest in the garden are the seed cones of various evergreens. The Weeping White Pine is producing an abundance of them this year. I am wondering if this is the tree's way of preparing for a rough winter.

Mugo Pine Seed Cone

The pine cones on Mugo Pine are interesting as well and there seems to be quite a few of them.

Spirea 'Limemound' and Weeping Norway Spruce

Some foliage combinations for fall include the yellow-green foliage of Spirea 'Limemound' against the deeper green foliage of Weeping Norway Spruce... 

Front Walkway with Weeping Eastern Redbud

and the large heart-shaped leaves of Weeping Eastern Redbud 'Lavender twist' against the foliage of Weeping White Pine, Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar and Coral Bark Maple (far left), which should soon be putting on a colorful show!

Thanks for Stopping By!

I hope you enjoyed your visit to my October 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!

 Plan your Garden for Next Spring: Purchase My 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 

Gardening by Month: A Monthly Guide to Planning the Northeastern & Mid-Atlantic Garden

and my newest addition,

Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

"As Always...Happy Gardening!" 

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

This Month in the Garden: Autumn Interest

Welcome!

Welcome to This Month in the Garden! Autumn has arrived and the landscape is transiting into an array of color with each passing day. Starting with subtle hints, the garden becomes more of a work of art with color everywhere as the days grow shorter. In the words of Albert Camus, "Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." I couldn't agree more as the garden always keeps me anticipating the next wonder. Here are a few selections to incorporate into the landscape for interest during the fall season.

Coral Bark Maple 'Sangu Kaku' Autumn Color

The first, Coral Bark Maple, provides striking color in autumn, which is difficult to beat. As the temperatures cool, light green foliage turns to yellow then orange before the leaves drop. Afterwards, the newer growth of branches glows a bright coral-red in winter. Coral Bark Maple grows to a height and width of 20 feet tall by 15 feet wide and prefers full sun to partial shade.

Dwarf Maiden Grass 'Yaku Jima' 

Next is Miscanthus 'Yaku Jima', a dwarf variety of Maiden Grass that maintains a more compact, upright habit, which is perfect for smaller spaces. Displaying attractive fall plumes, this variety grows to a height and width of 3-4 foot tall by wide and is hardy in USDA zones 5-9. A similar variety is Miscanthus 'Adagio'. Note: The clumping nature and more compact size of these varieties make them less likely to be invasive.  It is best to leave grasses in winter to protect the roots from cold and to cut back in early spring just before new growth appears.

Montauk Daisy October

Next, and hardy in USDA zones 5-9, the white blooms and yellow centers of Montauk Daisy welcome fall. Montauk Daisy grows to a mature height and width of 2-3 feet and prefers full sun and a well-drained soil. Maintenance Tip: To promote fullness and to keep the plant more compact, it is recommended to prune back foliage tips in June.

Callicarpa (American Beautyberry) Autumn

Known for its beautiful purple berries that cover the plant in fall, Callicarpa, also known as Beauty Bush or American Beautyberry, provides a food source for birds and deer. American Beautyberry is hardy in USDA zones 7-11 and grows 3-5 feet tall by wide. Grow in full sun to partial shade.

Nellie Stevens Holly Berries Autumn

For attractive deep green glossy leaves and bright red berries in autumn, Nellie Stevens Holly (Ilex Nellie Stevens) is a large growing broad-leaved evergreen, which reaches 15-20 feet tall by 8-15 feet wide. Note: While the berries are attractive to the eye, they are edible for birds, but not humans or pets. Nellie Stevens Holly is hardy in USDA zones 6-9 and prefers a location with full sun to partial shade and a well-drained soil.

Japanese Kousa Dogwood Fruit Autumn

Japanese Kousa Dogwood is a beautiful small specimen tree for smaller spaces, displaying lovely white blooms in springtime-early summer, followed by bright red edible fruit in the fall, which can be made into jelly. Hardy in USDA zones 5-8, Kousa Dogwood reaches a height and width of 15-25 feet and prefers a location with full sun to partial shade. Maintenance Tip: Prune after bloom to maintain a more compact shape.

Echinacea (Coneflower) Seed Heads

A familiar sight in fall are the seed heads of perennials. Echinacea displays colorful blooms late summer into fall and provides an important food source for birds once it goes to seed. The seed heads also add interest to the fall landscape.

 Sedum 'Brilliant'

This more dwarf version of Sedum does not flop over like the taller varieties. The flowers also provide late season attraction for pollinators. Sedum is known to grow in zones 3-11 and prefers full sun, but will also grow in some shade. A nice combination for autumn is that of Dwarf Maiden Grass and Sedum 'Brilliant'.

Variegated Liriope (Lilyturf)

Known for its brilliant purple blooms in fall is Liriope. Hardy in USDA zones 4-10. Liriope grows best in partial shade or full sun with afternoon shade and reaches a height and width of 10-18 inches. Maintenance Tip: For best results, allow the foliage to remain during winter and prune back in early spring.

Lamb's Ear (Stachys)

For all season interest, Lamb's Ear displays soft grayish-white foliage that serves nicely along a perennial border. Hardy in USDA zone 4-8, Stachys (Lamb's Ear) grows to 6-8 inches tall, prefers full sun and a well-drained soil. The foliage can last into winter as the plant can tolerate temperatures below freezing. Spikes of pink blooms rise above the foliage in mid-late summer.

Hydrangea 'Tardivia'

For blooms later in the season, Hydrangea 'Tardivia' (hardy in USDA zone 3-8) produces massive fragrant panicle blooms in late summer which last in to fall. This 8-10 foot tree-sized shrub prefers an area of full sun to partial shade, as in an eastern exposure. 

Hydrangea 'Limelight Prime'

Another variety of late blooming hydrangea is 'Limelight Prime'. Hydrangea 'Limelight Prime' produces stunning greenish-white blooms that turn to pure white and then to a pinkish hue as they age in fall. This variety stays smaller than 'Limelight', growing to a maximum of 4-6 feet high by wide and is hardy in USDA zone 3-8.

St. John's Wort Berries 

Displaying interesting fruit after yellow blooms is St. John's Wort. Hardy in USDA zones 4-9, St. John's Wort grows 2-3 feet tall by wide, prefers full sun to partial shade and is known for its medicinal qualities. This plant provides several seasons of interest.

'Summer Snowflake' Viburnum Blooms in Autumn

Just when you think its blooms are done for the season, 'Summer Snowflake' Viburnum will shoot out a last round of interest. Hardy in USDA zones 5-8, 'Summer Snowflake' Viburnum reaches 5-6 feet high by wide, and prefers full sun to partial shade. The blooms resemble snowflakes, hence the name.

Monarch Butterfly Enjoying Fall Blooms

Autumn is also a time for Chrysanthemum and Dwarf Butterfly Bush blooms...

North Fork Sunflower Maze Autumn-Long Island

and of course sunflowers, as they bloom against the deep blue sky.

Thank You for Visiting!

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden for the month of October. 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, Check out my 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 

Gardening by Month: A Monthly Guide to Planning the Northeastern & Mid-Atlantic Garden

and my newest addition,

Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up September: Late Summer Foliage & Blooms

Welcome to my Garden!

It is mid-September and the garden is starting to slowly transition into fall mode with a stillness in the air and colors changing throughout the landscape. While we had some of the highest temperatures of the summer just a week ago in the mid-90's, with a heat index of 105 one day,  the seasons are now changing with more comfortable days bringing 70 degree temperatures to move ahead. It is a time of reflection and appreciation for all that nature has to offer. Join me for a tour of my Long Island garden.

My Garden-A Place of Solitude and Peace

As the caption says, my garden is a place of solitude and peace. At this time of year I can easily get lost in the garden for hours at a time, as it is truly my happy place. There is always time for reflection, evaluation and planning for the next possible addition!

Back Island Bed: Crape Myrtle 'Sioux'

A sight I enjoy every late summer is Crape Myrtle. This cultivar is 'Sioux' with deep pink blooms that last for several months, starting at the end of July/early August and continuing throughout September. Along the walkway is Abelia 'Kaleidoscope', just planted this season, with its delicate white blooms, along with the remaining blue blooms of Platycodon 'Komachi' (Balloon Flower).

Back Island Bed-Dwarf Butterfly Bush, Sedum and Heuchera

In the back island bed are Dwarf Butterfly Bush 'Pugster Blue', Sedum 'Brilliant' and Heuchera 'Caramel' (Coral Bells). The 'Pugster Blue' and Sedum are pollinator magnets this time of year!

Dwarf Butterfly Bush 'Pugster Blue'

Here are the vibrant and fragrant purple blooms of 'Pugster Blue' up close.

Back Island Bed-Weigela and Hydrangea

On the opposite side of the island bed is Dwarf Mugo Pine, Variegated Weigela 'My Monet' and Hydrangea 'Limelight Prime', with its panicle-shaped blooms changing from white to pink as fall approaches. 

Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit'

In the pool surround, Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit' is still producing blooms of various colors on the same plant, while the seed heads are enjoyed by birds.

Back Shade Border

Liriope (Lilyturf) 'Big Blue' is displaying its vibrant purple blooms for late summer along with the foliage of Variegated Boxwood and Leucothoe 'Axillaris'.

Liriope 'Big Blue' (Lilyturf)

I always enjoy the pop of color as I round the corner to the shade garden this time of year.

Back Northern Pool Border

There have been some additional changes going on in the garden. The large Magnolia tree which stood in this spot had been suffering for some time and sadly had to be removed. It did give me the opportunity to revamp the area with these three 'Sky Pencil' Holly, which are the perfect fit for adding some height and dimension, while separating the pool area from the back "secret garden".

Back Northern Perimeter

Along the northern border, Hosta 'Patriot' goes into fall mode with its changing colors and Japanese Dogwood starts to form its red berries...

Endless Summer Hydrangea

while the Endless Summer Hydrangea continues to display its blooms, which are fading but still worth the view!

Pool Border Late Summer Blooms

Alongside Spirea 'Limemound', Sedum 'Thundercloud' are blooming...

Dwarf Maiden Grass 'Yaku Jima' and Sedum

and Sedum 'Brilliant' are blooming alongside Dwarf Maiden Grass 'Yaku Jima', with its wispy plumes.

Pink Double Knock Out Rose Late Summer

Along the fence line, Double Pink Knock Out Rose continues to produce its blooms and will do so until the first frost.

Patio & Pool Surround

For some foliage, here is Osmanthus 'Goshiki' with its changing variegated leaves along with Golden Variegated Sedge. In the distance is a view of the pool area and summer renovation of the waterfall and planting.

Red Double Knock Out Rose Late Summer

Following around the bend are more roses to be seen, this time Double Red Knock Outs still blooming away!

Patio Border-Weeping Norway Spruce & Sedum 'Pure Joy'

Sedum 'Pure Joy', a smaller dwarf version of Sedum is blooming alongside Weeping Norway Spruce...

Patio Perennial Garden

and along the perennial border these are still the remaining blooms of Salvia 'May Night', Echibeckia and Balloon Flower along with the white foliage of Lamb's Ear.

Pinus densiflora 'Low Glow' (Japanese Red Pine)

Here is Japanese Red Pine 'Low Glow'. I have been enjoying this newer addition for the past three years with its pretty foliage along the patio border. It is considered a miniature conifer and will get 3-4 foot tall by wide in 10 years, but can get up to 6 feet in maturity, so I trim the candles in springtime.

Driveway Border

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar adds a touch of color along the driveway with Coral Bark Maple and Skyland's Oriental Spruce in the backdrop.

Lirope Variegata (Variegated Lilyturf)

Venturing to the front yard, here is Variegated Lilyturf along the front walkway displaying its vibrant purple blooms. I enjoy this perennial all season long for its foliage alone, but the blooms are just fabulous late summer into fall! Care Tip:  To protect Liriope from winter damage, leave the foliage of this perennial over winter and prune it back in early spring as new growth emerges.

Hydrangea 'Tardivia'

For later blooms than most hydrangea, Hydrangea 'Tardivia' blooms late summer with highly scented large while panicle flowers that last into fall. The flowers also look nice in a vase to bring inside.

Front Lawn Weeping Japanese Maple 'Viridis'

On the front lawn, Weeping Japanese Maple 'Viridis' is already displaying more fall-like colors...

Front Walkway Entry

and here along the front walkway is a closer view of 'Skylands' Oriental Spruce, Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar and Mugo Pine, with Coral Bark Maple to the far left.

Front Island Bed & Lawn

The front island bed is starting to look a little bit like fall as well, with the changing colors of foliage. The garden continues to change.

Thank you for Visiting!

I hope you enjoyed your visit to my September 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!

🎕  My Author Page & Purchase My 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 

Gardening by Month: A Monthly Guide to Planning the Northeastern & Mid-Atlantic Garden

and my newest addition,

Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

"As Always...Happy Gardening!" 

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

This Month in the Garden: Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil'

This Month in the Garden: Feature Shrub: 'Sky Pencil' Holly

Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil' (Sky Pencil Holly)

Welcome to This Month in the Garden. For the month of September, we feature Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil', a versatile selection which adds dimension and intermediate height to the garden. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9, 'Sky Pencil' Holly displays a narrow, columnar habit with dark green evergreen foliage which adds interest throughout the year. In springtime, insignificant small white flowers that attract pollinators lead to small purple berries in fall, if a male holly is nearby. Growing to just 2-3 feet wide by 6-8 feet in height, this shrub adds a dramatic vertical accent to the landscape. 

Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil' (Sky Pencil Holly)

Plant 'Sky Pencil' Holly in full sun to partial shade (in warmer climates) and water when the top two inches of soil is dry. Ideally, a location with morning sun and afternoon shade is best. Holly are best if watered at the base of  the roots rather than from above and prefer a moderately moist, well-drained soil. If leaves yellow, it is most likely an indication of too much moisture. The height of this broad-leaved evergreen can be easily maintained by pruning in springtime after new growth pushes out and again in late summer if desired, as this selection grows approximately six to twelve inches a year when conditions are ideal. Since this is a broad-leaved evergreen, it is recommended to mulch around the base of the plant to protect it from temperature changes and to spray the foliage with an anti-desiccant in late autumn to protect the leaves from winter drying. 

Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil' (Sky Pencil Holly)

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden for the month of September. 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! 

 🎕 Check Out My Author Page/Purchase My 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 

Gardening by Month: A Monthly Guide to Planning the Northeastern & Mid-Atlantic Garden

and my newest addition,

Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

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