Garden Bloggers Bloom Day March 2012

Purple Crocus

Welcome to Garden Blogger's Bloom Day March 2012! This is the winter that wasn't here in my zone 7 northeast garden.  The temperatures were unusually mild with little to no snowfall.  The ground never even froze which was in such contrast to the cold snowy winter we had in 2011.  Spring is on its way in one week and the garden is in full speed ahead mode.Inspired by the quote, “We can have flowers nearly every month of the year.” by Elizabeth Lawrence, Carol at May Dreams Gardens hosts Garden Blogger's Bloom Day. On the 15th of every month gardeners from all over the world walk out into their gardens to note what is currently blooming.   Come walk with me!

Baby birds already! (Listen to the Mockingbird...)

A rare treat for this early in the season and just in time for Bloom Day!  This mother bird guards her nest and she was even nice enough to let me get a picture.  We can already hear the chirping going on from the Weeping Pussy Willow tree right by our patio...so much fun! 
 

Daylily 'Stella D Oro'

The Stella D ' Oro Daylilies are much higher out of the ground compared to this time last year.   I am hoping for a banner year.

White Crocus

 The white crocus are also looking good all in bloom!   I love looking out into the garden and seeing them in March.  The whites are so pure and the purple...so bright!

  

Sedum 'Brilliant'

The Sedum 'Brilliant' is so perfectly shaped with its new rosette shaped foliage emerging from the ground.

Pink Hyacinths

Welcome Pink Hyacinths!

Viburnum Bud

And the Viburnum.  This is the fragrant variety.  Soon I will be able to walk out into the garden and enjoy the wonderful smell of perfume in the air.

Knock Out Rose New Growth

My Knock Out roses started sprouting new growth back in February this year so I had to resist the temptation to prune them.

Purple Hyacinth

Welcome Purple Hyacinth!

Spring Crocus & Hyacinth Blooms

Spring certainly is a wonderful time of the year in the garden with buds emerging on trees and green bursting out all over. I wait in anticipation for all that April and May have to bring.  It seems that the garden is off to a splendid start! 

Be sure to visit our hostess Carol at May Dreams Gardens and take a wonderful garden tour among the gardens of the world. 

As Always...Happy Garden Blogger's Bloom Day and Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@ A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2012

Landscaping with Japanese Maples

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Viridis' (Weeping Japanese Maple)

Japanese maples have been welcomed additions in the landscape for hundreds of years and are long admired for their delicate red or green foliage, beautifully structured trunks and striking fall color. 

Native to Japan, these beautiful trees have been cultivated since the 1800's.  When the first Japanese Maple specimen reached England in 1820 the name palmatum was given to the tree by botanist Carl Peter Thunberg after the characteristic palm-like feature of its leaves.

Basically there are two varieties of Japanese maple.  Dissectum refers to the weeping or lace leaf type of maple and palmatum refers to the upright or standard form.  The terminology is used interchangeably to describe the exact characteristics of each tree.  More known for the red variety, approximately sixty percent of the palmatum Japanese Maples are red and the remaining green.  I must point out however; that green variety, (pictured above) can be just as magnificent in the landscape.  Most Japanese Maples are cold hardy to zone 5 and prefer a moist but well-drained acidic soil.

Acer Palmatum dissectum 'Crimson Queen' (Weeping Japanese Maple)

When choosing a type of Japanese Maple it is important to consider the lighting requirement for your tree.  The lace leaf varieties have more delicate foliage and cannot tolerate direct sunlight or wind as well as the palmatum types.  I find that an eastern exposure works well for these trees so that they receive the morning sun and are shielded from the more direct afternoon rays.  Generally both varieties do best in non-direct filtered light and the green varieties can handle a little more sun, but again not direct.

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Red Select' (Weeping Japanese Maple)

This 'Red Select' Japanese Maple is known to be a little more sun tolerant than some of the other varieties.  This beauty keeps its vibrant "red" coloration throughout the entire season.  'Red Select' is hardy to USDA zone 5 and grows to a mature height of 5-6 feet and width of 6-10 feet.  'Crimson Queen' (above) grows a little taller at 6-10 feet in height at maturity.

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Viridis' (Weeping Japanese Maple)

One must also consider the mature size of the tree for its space.  Sizes do vary considerably for each individual type so be sure to do your research accordingly or ask an expert.  Japanese Maples can be selectively pruned to keep them more compact and to preserve their beautiful cascading rounded shape.  The best time to prune a weeping Japanese maple is in the early springtime.  Pruning is somewhat of an art but if you take your time your tree will become even more magnificent as it matures. Always make clean cuts flush to the trunk and just outside the branch collar.  Systematically clip branches that are cascading to the ground around the perimeter of the tree until you reach the desired height.  There are basically two types of appearances, one exposing the trunk to view the form of the tree or that of a more cascading nature.  The nature of these trees is that they resemble a cascading waterfall, making them a graceful and beautiful focal point in the landscape.

Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku' (Upright Japanese Maple)

One of my favorite upright varieties of Japanese Maple is Coral Bark Maple or Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku'. Known for its striking red bark in the fall and winter, this specimen makes an excellent single piece in the landscape. The foliage of 'Sango Kaku' varies from a pinkish-green in the spring to medium green in summer, then turning to a bright yellow in fall. During the winter months the vivid coral-red color of the branches contrast beautifully against the snow, hence the name Coral Bark Maple. Coral Bark Maple is hardy to USDA zone 5 and is classified as a medium sized tree, reaching to a mature height and width of approximately15-20 feet.

Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira’ (Upright Japanese Maple)

A more exotic and rare and species of upright Japanese Maple is that of  Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira’ or "Lion's Mane" Japanese Maple. 'Shishigashira' is in a class of its own unlike any other Japanese maple in the world.  It's leaves are curled and more densely arranged unlike other maples and its deep green color lasts into the fall before it transforms into the most fiery-red foliage you ever did see, resembling a lion's mane.  'Shishigashira' is extremely slow growing reaching a mature height of 15 feet and is hardy in zones 5-9.  Due to its slow growth this tree is also well known for its use as bonsai.  This tree is mostly used as a single specimen and will surely be a conversation piece in the garden.  It's show of changing color will supply interest in the landscape all season long and for many years to come.

Japanese Maple Types (Summary Chart)

Japanese Maples are known for their long time history and will add constant beauty and grace to your outdoor space.  Find the perfect location for these beauties and they will be sure to supply you with many years of color, interesting foliage and enjoyment!

Visit my Author Page and Books on Amazon:

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9 
Landscape Design Combinations

Dream, Garden, Grow!

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author:Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2012. All Rights Reserved

A Guide To Northeastern Gardening: Two Year Anniversary-The Story Behind the Blog

It has been two years since I started writing this blog and it has brought more enjoyment to my life than I could have possibly imagined.  My love of gardening goes back as far as when I was five years old, growing marigolds in pretty planters on our old brick barbecue in the backyard, and possessing a love to dig in the soil with my toy shovel.  I guess that is where it all started.  I have always had a passion for anything green and realized by 1996 that I should make this passion more than just a hobby.  With the encouragement of family and friends I went back to school, furthered my education and started up a landscape design business.  Now I can share my lifelong passion and enjoy working with others and their gardens...who could ask for more!  After seeing the movie "Julia and Julie"  in 2009 I set out on the Internet on a quest for garden blogs and was surprised to find a whole new world out there.  I wondered if I wrote about gardening if anyone would come to read it so I started "A Guide To Northeastern Gardening" February of 2010.  Since then I have met a wealth of garden blogging friends who are such a joy to know and share ideas with.  I can say that blogging has truly enriched my life.  To celebrate two years of blogging here are some of my favorite gardening photos that I would like to share.  I hope you enjoy them!

Swallowtail Butterfly on Butterfly Bush

Spring Splender

Cottage Garden

Lillium Stargazer

Backyard Raised Garden

Rose Garden

Front Border Garden

Evergreen & Perennial Garden

Daylilly Stella D Oro

Perennial Garden

Knock Out Rose

Waterfall

Dragonfly on Buddleia

Lampost Garden

Tropical Flower from Aruba Garden-Allamanda cathartica 'Sunee'
 (Dwarf Allamanda )

Hosta Garden

Garden Love

I hope you continue to stop by and visit and share your love of gardening with me.  It has truly been a pleasure and I love hearing your comments and reading about your ongoing gardening adventures.   One could say that garden blogging is "chicken soup for the soul!"

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author:Lee@ A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2012. All Rights Reserved

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day February 2012

Juniperus 'Lime Glow', Dwarf Mugo Pine and Golden Hinoki Cypress

It has been an exceptionally mild winter here in the northeast in my Long Island garden except for a couple of dusting's of snow that vanished as quickly as they came.    Foliage perennials have wintered beautifully not changing to their usual dormant look and the hyacinths, tulips and roses are starting to push out growth. Some trees such as my Weeping Pussy Willow that were sporting catkins at this time last year  are behaving differently this year showing no signs of spring. Last year at this time we were finally seeing some ground under a blanket of snow and this year...well hardly any snow at all. It is amazing how two years in a row can be so different. The view of winter colors is indeed magnificent this year with hues of gold and bronze and red throughout the garden. It almost looks like fall and needless to say the plants are a little confused! It has been a most unusual winter. Thanks to Carol at May Dreams Gardens it is time to take another walk in the garden to see what is blooming and to see if there are any signs of spring. 
     

Heuchera 'Citronelle'

Heuchera 'Citronelle' still looking good even in February.  This is one of my new favorite additions to the garden this year.

Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow' and Golden Sedge

Love the deep purple color of the Ajuga against the Golden Sedge in winter.

Lamb's Ear pushing out some new growth

The Lamb's Ear is showing some early signs of spring with some new growth emerging.

Coral Bark Maple

The red bark of the Coral Bark Maple (Acer palmatum 'Sango-kaku') is beautiful against the February sky.

Golden Oriental Spruce, Juniper Lime Glow and Golden Hinoki Cypress Nana

Here the Juniperus 'Lime Glow' display their winter bronze-colored foliage against the golden hue of the Oriental Spruce and Hinoki Cypress.

Hyacinths Way Out of Ground

More signs of spring!  Much earlier than this time last year the hyacinths are already emerging from the ground...

Tulips on the Way

and the tulips are making a showing.

Fiery Red Branches of the Coral Bark Close Up

Wow...can't get enough of that red!

Salvia 'May Night'

The Saliva are not only pushing up spring growth but also producing some flower spikes!  This is a first.   Below is a Knock Out Rose already showing new red growth. 

Knock Out Rose New Growth

It has been a year since I first joined up with Garden Blogger's Bloom Day and I have enjoyed walking out in to my gardens on the 15th of every month to see what is blooming.  It is also a great way to keep a diary of what's going on in the garden from year to year and to keep on gardening all year round.  Be sure to visit Carol at May Dreams Gardens for more gardens around the world and as always...

Happy Gardening!


Author:Lee@ A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2012. All Rights Reserved

Container Gardening-Indoors

If you love container gardening outdoors why not have some of these beautiful displays for your indoor enjoyment.  Indoor container gardening is easy and can be fun especially during the winter months.  There are a variety of indoor tropical houseplants that can be used in combination to create a knockout display.

First of all a large planter with good drainage is recommended.  I usually use a 16 or 20 inch decorative planter with openings in the bottom and use a light potting soil mixture containing a good amount of peat.  Then the fun part is I visit  the local nursery and select a grouping of plants that have the same requirements for light, water, and general care.  If you are not sure which plants to use, it is common practice for nurseries to group plants together with similar requirements, taking away some of the guess work.

Spathiphyllum


In this first planter I have selected five different plants for a 20-inch container.  The central focal point plant is a Spathiphyllum, commonly known as a Peace Lily.  Peace Lily thrives in low or filtered light conditions in a moderately moist loose soil which is excellent for an indoor planter.

Croton 'Banana'

Surrounding the Spathiphyllum is Croton 'Banana' which does require more light but it does very well in the constant filtered light that this planter receives.  I have the Croton more in the front section of the planter that sits across the room from a window so it receives filtered lighting.   Figure about three of these plants. 

Alocasia Polly and Arrowhead

Along the side and more towards the back of the planter (less lighting) I have added three Alocasia Polly, also known as Elephant Ear (left on photo). Elephant Ear has become one of my favorite houseplants with its shiny dark green arrow-shaped leaves with light colored veins running through them. Alocasia prefers bright indirect light and moist soil. I also used a grouping of three Nephtytis White Butterfly, commonly known as Arrowhead Plant along the back as well.   This is a great plant for indoors that prefers bright diffused lighting like the others.

Aspargus fern (center)

The last plant for a little bit of cascading interest along the front is Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri', commonly known as Asparagus fern.  It is the delicate light-green wispy plant in the center.  Asparagus fern prefers diffused lighting and moist soil.  It gracefully cascades over the rim of the planter creating a softer look.

The second indoor container planter that I have is in even lower lighting conditions and contains Peace Lily, Parlor Palm, Arrowhead Plant and Philodendron which are all shade loving plants.  The central plant is Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily), surrounded by three Nephtytis White Butterfly (Arrowhead Plant) on the right and three Chamaedora elegans or Parlor Palm on the left and toward the back.  Cascading down the front of the planter is Heartleaf Philodendron.  This planter does great in its limited diffused lighting and moist loamy soil.  I placed sphagnum moss around the top of the planter for both anesthetics and moisture retention.

Whether you are an avid gardener or just appreciate a little green around the house try out one of these indoor container gardens.  They will provide lots of enjoyment throughout the entire year.  The fun part about them is that you can combine your favorite tropicals to create a fascinating display.  To keep the planter looking full I simply change some of the plants out and add some new, which warrants a trip to the nursery...something I have no problem doing in the middle of the colder months! 

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author:Lee@ A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2012. All Rights Reserved