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!

🎕  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: 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!

 🎕 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. 

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up June: My Changing Long Island Garden!

Welcome Visitors!

Welcome to my garden! The official start of summer is just a few days away and the garden is alive and bursting with color. As we all know, a garden is always evolving and there have been some exciting renovations going on in my own garden this spring. After some unusually warm temperatures for the month of May, June brings temperatures mostly in the mid-70's, which are comfortable weather wise for planting. Join me for a tour of my Long Island garden to revisit some familiar sights and explore some new beginnings. 

Back Perimeter Garden

We begin at the back perimeter garden which faces south. These Double Red Knock Out Roses are a sincere delight year after year and bloom on and off throughout the summer and into fall. In the foreground is the new Weeping Norway Spruce, which was planted last spring.

Double Pink Knock Out Roses

Along that same garden bed are Double Pink Knock Out Roses, which also bring so much joy!

Kousa Dogwood 'Greensleeves'

Here is Kousa Dogwood 'Greensleeves', which is now in full bloom. This variety displays greenish-white blooms that last for several weeks, followed by large red edible fruit that appears near fall.

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar

On the same south facing side, Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar joins the mix, surrounded by Heuchera 'Palace Purple'  (Purple Coral Bells).

Back Pool Garden Western View

On the western side of the property is the foliage of Sedum 'Brilliant', the bluish-purple blooms of Nepeta 'Walkers Low', Variegated Boxwood, Spirea Goldmound, Rhododendron 'Roseum Elegans' and the pure white blooms of Viburnum 'Summer Snowflake', accompanied by Kwanzan Cherry in the corner of the garden.

Viburnum Summer Snowflake Blooming!

A hidden birdbath lies in the distance behind the Kwanzan Cherry and Viburnum.

Hemerocallis Stella D' Oro (Daylily)

It is also Daylily season, and the Stella D' Oro Daylilies are blooming!

Patio Surround

Following along to the patio surround, Salvia 'May Night' is in full bloom along with Peony.  The Peony blooms are just about done now, but the Salvia will keep on going through July, until it needs to be deadheaded. Another round of blooms will follow into fall.

Back Pool Garden Southern Side

Spirea 'Goldmound' is blooming in the back pool garden, giving a show with its beautiful pink blooms and golden foliage.

New Pool Makeover with Weeping Norway Spruce

There has been a lot going on in the back pool waterfall area. I finally took the plunge and removed an old yew which had been losing its needles since the drought of last summer and the three days of 10 degree temperatures this past winter. I also had the crew rebuild the waterfall with extra moss rock to extend it from side to side and replanted the whole area. 

Pool Makeover Northern View

We had to move the large Weeping Norway Spruce to the top of the waterfall with a skid steer with just two feet of space between the patio and pool. I held my breath until the tree was in place, then took a deep sigh of relief.  The mission had been accomplished.

Pool Makeover Southern View

I added some Variegated Upright Boxwood on each side of the main focal point and Cherry Laurel 'Otto Luyken' to the left. Some New Wave Petunias were added for color. Later this season or next season, I may add some perennials as well, but for now I am just enjoying the new look. I am also looking forward to when the Green Giant Arborvitae in the back drop push out some new foliage and the new plantings grow to fill in some of the gaps left by the gigantic Yew that had been there for so many years.

Pool Surround

In front of Rhododendron 'Roseum Elegans' and Coral Bells (Heuchera 'Caramel'), Sky Pencil Holly adds some dimension to the garden. I enjoy their upright stature.

Perennial Border

In the perennial border, Lamb's Ear is already starting to get its blooms, which is earlier than usual. Astilbe 'Fanal' joins in with its pink blooms, which will last into July.

Sedum Groundcover

The groundcover mix of Sedum also seems to be about two weeks ahead of schedule this year with blooms already forming. The main species in this mix is Sedum 'Angelina'.

Perennial Border

Back to the perennial border, the tall foliage of Balloon Flower (front left), will lead to large blue balloon-shaped blooms later in the summer around the end of July or beginning of August. The blooms of Echinacea will follow around the same time.

Spirea Double Play 'Big Bang'

Moving along to the front yard is Spirea Big Bang 'Double Play'. The Double Play series displays  vibrant pink blooms which are larger than those of other species of Spirea, and the foliage is nice too!

Spirea Double Play 'Big Bang' Bloom Up Close

Here are the blooms up close! I followed a bumble bee around trying to capture a photo shoot, but he was camera shy! The Spirea is a great pollinator magnet.

Driveway Border

The new addition along the driveway border are these Dwarf Norway Spruce, with replaced the coreopsis. It was time for a neater look and less maintenance.

Entrance Walkway 

Along the front walkway, the heart-shaped foliage of Weeping Eastern Redbud is a delight...

Front Island Bed

and the Hosta's are in full swing on the front island bed. Accompanying them are Sedum 'Pure Joy', which will bloom later in the summer.

Thanks for Visiting!

The month of June has certainly been a busy one, with so many changes going on in my Long Island garden. As I put it...A garden is a work of art, a thing of beauty that constantly changes, and can be enjoyed for a lifetime.

June Garden

I hope you enjoyed the stroll. I appreciate you being here, look forward to your comments and enjoy seeing what you have blooming where you live! 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 spring with gardens that thrive!

🎕 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

"As Always...Happy Gardening!" 

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