Gardening and Gardens

The early spring pastels are starting to be replaced by richer yellows, deep purples and warm pinks. Summer is nearly here on Long Island, NY (zone 7b).  Here's a look at some of the things blooming in my garden this month: The pink Astilbe is the show stopper in this garden bed, but the yellow Evening Primrose seem quite content to be sandwiched amongst the pink plumes. Endless Summer Hydrangea are nearly in full bloom. These are the mop-head style hydrangeas and will alter their color based on the pH of the soil - pink blooms in alkaline and blue blooms in acidic.  A few of the hostas are starting to bloom. I love how this variety has the flowering stems floating just above the stems. It took a few years to establish, but now the Foxglove (Digitalis) is ready to bloom! It's a welcome addition to this shady spot in my garden. The flowers in my new, full sun, cutting garden are starting to bloom - Erygnium (Sea Holly, above), Snapdragon and Digiplexis...

Dogwood trees and azalea bushes are in full bloom. Tulips are saying goodbye as iris are saying hello. Hostas, ferns and solomon's seal are speading their leaves and making themselves comfortable in the shade. Here are a few other things blooming in my Long Island, zone 7b garden this month. The allium are just about to pop open in front of a stunningly gorgeous azalea.  Clematis Claire de Lune just opened yesterday. It's peeking out above a nearby hosta which will contine to keep it's roots cool during the hot summer months.   These Anenome Madonna are enjoying their first year in my garden. I love the delicate wispy stems on these flowers and look forward to watching them continue to grow.  A lovely pink columbine is blooming happily next to the ferns and hostas. Under a blanket of pink petals from the fading Kwanzan cherry tree, the shade garden is coming to life. Taking center stage right now are the 2 magnificent bleeding hearts....

With the month almost at the close and the busyness of life at its peak right now (or so it seems), I thought I'd post some photos of my garden in November. I took these right before the big freeze set in which either forced all the leaves to drop or turned them into a crisp. Still the beauty of autumn was here until the end...  They don't call it Burning Bush for nothing! This Euonymus alatus literally looks like it's on fire. When most of the garden flowers are heading off to sleep, these Anenome 'Prince Henry' are in full bloom. All the hostas are now turning a brilliant shade of yellow, which adds such a flair of awesomeness to the garden. What would a fall garden be without mums? I love how these are flopped over the boulders, down the slope here.  Silly daffodils, it's not spring yet! Go back to bed. The Japanese Maple's deep reddish hue in autumn looks so pretty against the weeping spruce.  The foliage and the drying...

Every year, Hicks Nurseries in Westbury, NY transforms their showroom to a gorgeous display of landscape plants and flowers right as old man winter is starting to release his grip. The annual Spring Flower and Garden show is the largest and most popular flower show on Long Island. For many local gardeners, this flower show is the official beginning of spring.  Each year has a different theme and to be honest, I think some have been better than others. This year's theme is "Garden for Life: Discover Health and Wellness through the Joy of Gardening"  - how gardening can enhance your life, your neighborhood and the planet. I thought it was fantastic.  There were four different garden displays: the Relaxation Garden, the Easy Garden, the Earth Friendly Garden and the Learning Garden. The Relaxation Garden was like a tropical oasis in your own backyard: Filled with Palms, Bromeliads, Croton, Gardenias, Orchids and other tropical plants, it was sooth...

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower -- Albert Camus Here on the north shore of Long Island, that quote is certainly true. The beauty of New York's fall foliage is right outside my window...  The Barberry bush is a multitude of vibrant colors - like an impressionist painting.  The leaves of the Lady in Red fern (Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red) have turned from  lush green to butter yellow, still atop it's red stems.  The Hostas are a gorgeous golden color  The Crape Myrtle has just turned colors - more red at the top and yellow/orange toward the bottom.  Although the Pee Gee Hydrangea's flowers have technically faded, I think their brown/pink hue is a lovely compliment to the yellow leaves in it's drooping habit. The older Crape Myrtle in the front of the house is not only bursting with color but also berries,  residing where the flowers once reigned.   As the days progr...