Gardening and Gardens

It's hot and humid here on Long Island, NY this month, which is typical for July. Around this time, I'm happy I did most of my big gardening tasks in the spring when the weather was more comfortable. Still, there is always a flower to deadhead or a perennial to relocate. Thankfully though, the garden is mostly on auto pilot and I'm enjoying the blooms. Here's what's growing and blooming in my garden this month:  The Russian Sage mingles with the Black Eye Susans Echinacea 'Hot Papaya' really stands out (and above!) the  Sedum, Liatris and more Black Eyed Susans  A beautiful pink bee balm - Monarda 'Raspberry Wine' More pinks! Above, coneflowers (echinacea) in bloom and below, a hydrangea - Over in the shade garden, the Japanese Painted Fern is looking lovely next to the small Hosta 'Mouse Ears' and Hosta 'June.' This whole garden is finally starting to fill in! Do you have any of these same ...

The hydrangeas are in full bloom in my yard right now. These clusters are rich blues with a hint of purple are really a welcome treat this month. I have a few different types of hydrangeas in my garden. These blue beauties (above) are called Hydrangea 'Endless Summer.' 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. They stay true to their name "Endless Summer" because they bloom from late spring well into the fall. Gorgeous! Here is a mop-head in full bloom (above left) and a little newborn mop-head just starting to open its many flowers on the one head.  I also have a lacecap hydrangea. On these flower heads, small fuzzy blue flowers occupy the center and they are surrounded by a various number of 4 petaled flat flowers. The overall look is more delicate - like lace or a doily.  Another new hydrangea I added last year is Hydrangea 'A...

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...

It's Garden Blogger Bloom Day! On the 15th of each month, we garden bloggers like to show off what's blooming and growing in our gardens. Here on Long Island, zone 7, things are blooming all over and I'm just letting most of the plants simply do their thing.  Below are a few favorites from my August garden this month: These black eyed Susans take center stage in August in my garden. They are so happy and free, I just let them bloom and fill in all over. It's like a sky full of yellow fireworks. A new addition this year under the yellow Day Lily is Sedum 'Cherry Tart'.  I love the purple foliage and pink blossoms. The panicle hydrangea is in full bloom now and looking fantastic.  Another new addition is Echinachea 'Hot Papaya'. I needed something tall in the back of the bed that would look lovely with the rudbeckias. These cone flowers have petals  that point downward and look like little mini rockets to me.  The Knockout...

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...

It's been hot and humid for the past few weeks here on Long Island. Between the heat and the mosquitos, tending the garden has been a challenge. Thankfully there are lots of carefree heat-lovers in bloom making everything look lovely. Here's what's blooming in my garden this month: This is such a beautifully colored daylily . I love the yellow center and it's magenta petals. The purple coneflower (Echinachea) is a nice compliment to the yellow Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia). Behind them is the wispy, purple Russian Sage.  I planted this Knockout Rose only two months ago. It is coming along nicely and I just love the color of the blooms. On the left is Rudbeckia "Cherry Brandy" and on the right are more Black-eyed Susans.  This Hosta is just coming into bloom. The stems are nice and erect with a lovely purple blossom. To the right, is Yarrow and more Rudbeckia 'Cherry Brandy'.  The Crape Myrtle is starting to bloom! ...