tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16120469101558099912024-03-07T10:07:50.074-05:00Gardening and Gardens<i>Inspiration and information on gardening, plants & flowers </i>Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.comBlogger198125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612046910155809991.post-3421261414564233522023-10-30T12:09:00.000-04:002023-10-30T12:16:05.453-04:00New Website & New Blog<p>Hi! I'm happy to announce I've launched a new website and with it, a new blog!</p><p>Please head on over to <a href="http://www.kwgardensandflowers.com" target="_blank">KW Gardens & Flowers </a>to check out my offerings in garden consultations and design help, as well as floral designs and subscription bouquets using locally grown flowers.</p><p>There, you can also find my <a href="http://www.kwgardensandflowers.com/blog" target="_blank">new blog</a> where I will be posting new and interesting content. This site and blog will remain, but I welcome you to find me over there and follow along. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqw6CdA2sN3Yl4wTOTuV8ln5QkCoBoLekaMX7altdIcb01Morc9SktR8WzAK8wu60_pxHCmvV9NCwO2kEcxgnVS0Y9JjGsjh3Z7NxIjnY4S_SdcLjAEoLmjUPtnv_MHXE00CLhEvqIWbBlS7-JG6T-NU-6xX24HpwNd2o_hoRDXEJr-zaRotGpEE1jpf0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqw6CdA2sN3Yl4wTOTuV8ln5QkCoBoLekaMX7altdIcb01Morc9SktR8WzAK8wu60_pxHCmvV9NCwO2kEcxgnVS0Y9JjGsjh3Z7NxIjnY4S_SdcLjAEoLmjUPtnv_MHXE00CLhEvqIWbBlS7-JG6T-NU-6xX24HpwNd2o_hoRDXEJr-zaRotGpEE1jpf0=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kwgardensandflowers.com" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="957" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwWemdN9LW5WZuCH4vOEX6uJBLqj01JsCVrK2-iUxziA0gXPQOrQMsSuM10GCA8vOUkMvmZlmRjT45s0XL6xp7_nJXpBliRNr7XefKIaW_-dtSZEVphHy7Zi0eSOGC9Gs1Dvdzv_lsg-j9VQo5IbIT0krHI2chEpVMqqiNmjTFVPQzFThI1xmgLHgJ2c/w492-h150/21KWlogo%20flowers2%20(1).jpg" width="492" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p><br />Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612046910155809991.post-28222258557613546242020-04-01T08:40:00.000-04:002020-04-01T08:37:10.638-04:00Little Blue Spring Flowers - What Are They?<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">I love seeing the little blue flowers that appear in the spring. They often appear naturalized in the lawn or showing up in the garden bed among the daffodils and hyacinths. But which are they - </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Scilla </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">or </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Chionodoxa</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhoJrkZMGbD_i2grZqBDF60hW-SrgF5-SbyoCM9uBMMZDm2wVBxC6r8Rr9VEmoOeadN2MhLDZQBg4FtUwObGJOXZKPaVt7xenZxRx6jC9z1rrUWq2ebZU5Fmy3Pe51AC7dXQanOGXi7o/s1600/IMG_0967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhoJrkZMGbD_i2grZqBDF60hW-SrgF5-SbyoCM9uBMMZDm2wVBxC6r8Rr9VEmoOeadN2MhLDZQBg4FtUwObGJOXZKPaVt7xenZxRx6jC9z1rrUWq2ebZU5Fmy3Pe51AC7dXQanOGXi7o/s1600/IMG_0967.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">The main difference is the direction the flower head faces.</span><br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Scilla</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"> <i>siberica, </i>or Siberian squill, have electric blue flowers that are bell-like, drooping downward. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkECl8Qprfhha0I1c37gNGZ61P0ZVixyaV4D65fkREQyGILpFTZzKSOQjWVKcsTIMEoHEpGfs8DrSdOZKzhYOja4YV-1QWLlMXbRHHPo7U_FCHeeslAdH-fs5dY8rBqIC2hwCdya6ro0/s1600/IMG_0966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkECl8Qprfhha0I1c37gNGZ61P0ZVixyaV4D65fkREQyGILpFTZzKSOQjWVKcsTIMEoHEpGfs8DrSdOZKzhYOja4YV-1QWLlMXbRHHPo7U_FCHeeslAdH-fs5dY8rBqIC2hwCdya6ro0/s1600/IMG_0966.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">It's six blue petals surround stamens that have thread-like filaments and are not clustered together. </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Scilla</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"> can grow 3-6 inches high and each bulb produces 3-4 stems with medium, strap-like leaves. It's very tough and cold hardy that easily naturalizes by bulb offshoots and self-seeding. </span><br />
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Chionodoxa</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"> is commonly called Glory-of-the-Snow because it is among the first bulbs to bloom in the spring. Each bulb produces six petaled, soft blue flowers with white centers that face upward and are surrounded by narrow, basal leaves.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawGkn7z_927bag2yDQFCpzNAtuwTkr7ZbEiw-bAiY2OdFlXnBsOUytvSrROD1SEPbFtVGngIFp-4uJ-wYnkgOU5Ekf9rbR-V-45zAM4XDQUPufgi39f3Wh4lkee3qeqrNTLThrLbEvvM/s1600/IMG_0968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawGkn7z_927bag2yDQFCpzNAtuwTkr7ZbEiw-bAiY2OdFlXnBsOUytvSrROD1SEPbFtVGngIFp-4uJ-wYnkgOU5Ekf9rbR-V-45zAM4XDQUPufgi39f3Wh4lkee3qeqrNTLThrLbEvvM/s1600/IMG_0968.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">If you look closely, you'll notice the stamens have very flattened white filaments arranged close together, giving the appearance of a central white cone. The plant naturalizes easily by bulb offsets and self seeding.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Both these bulbs are planted in the fall and during the late winter/early spring months begin to bloom. They may be small, I think they are both adorable and beautiful!</span></div>
Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612046910155809991.post-29087194680040369882019-06-15T08:02:00.001-04:002019-06-15T08:02:21.986-04:00What’s Blooming This Month? June 2019June blooms are everywhere. The air smells like sweet roses, the bees are happy to have a choice of flowers to enjoy and the hydrangeas are just about ready to make their grand entrance. Come along as we tour my Long Island garden this month!<div><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1j8n60O7bTpNT3SeI8XuN9hrwAfm0CewU" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1j8n60O7bTpNT3SeI8XuN9hrwAfm0CewU" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div>The shade garden off the back patio has completely filled in, mostly thanks to the ‘Guacamole’ and ‘June’ hostas. The pink and red astilbe add a touch of color, and I’m really starting to love the Cercis ‘Whitewater’ (redbud) tree cascading down between the birds. </div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Mh-tBnzQatA_RciFzDcyalPQ8brxWlzH" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Mh-tBnzQatA_RciFzDcyalPQ8brxWlzH" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just a few more days to go until these Endless Summer hydrangea shrubs are covered with big, colorful blooms. I’m not particular with the flower color - I like both pink and blue!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=15mW9VRUJnCfW8H-a60tE2OLTtLaTrQh4" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=15mW9VRUJnCfW8H-a60tE2OLTtLaTrQh4" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">The garden in the front yard has really taken off this year. A friend gave me a small Baptisia plant two yearsago and this year it’s looking full, lush and had lots of blooms in early June. Below it, the dainty, chartreuse flowers of Lady’s Mantle cascade over the edge of the garden. Tall pink Astilbe are starting to bloom behind ‘Praying Hands’ hosta and and an oakleaf hydrangea. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1MBLo_aK6qZllI7K-HQEIPp1IssYuxDqi" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1MBLo_aK6qZllI7K-HQEIPp1IssYuxDqi" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">My other oak leaf hydrangea (‘Sikes Dwarf’) has just begun to open too. I’m loving its white panicle blooms. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1mOZqVSXibgO_Y6wI5TbukcdR0tKtiaz4" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1mOZqVSXibgO_Y6wI5TbukcdR0tKtiaz4" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">And finally, the shade garden is looking vibrant this year! The bright yellow-green Japanese Forest Grass looks like a giant beanbag in the front of the garden! Astilbe, Hostas and Japanese Painted Ferns fill in the middle of the garden. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">As the temperatures continue to rise over the next month, the pale links and blues will give way to the hot reds, yellows and orange blooms. Be sure to check back to see what’s blooming next!</div>Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612046910155809991.post-588718394458918222019-01-02T12:30:00.000-05:002019-01-02T12:19:18.550-05:00Rose Hips as Winter Food for Squirrels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiHiao44jXok1pkwA0Prg9e63AffnIW-8jqMdXmVLs9Ty93QTK_WyZQS1tMhOY57LAgvoysXqn3YobRatROtghHQK4inL7oVxMi5iMwr6_NF099U4lG4xM0_Y3HZwcNiMHTmIYzwcJZA/s1600/IMG_3722+squirrel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiHiao44jXok1pkwA0Prg9e63AffnIW-8jqMdXmVLs9Ty93QTK_WyZQS1tMhOY57LAgvoysXqn3YobRatROtghHQK4inL7oVxMi5iMwr6_NF099U4lG4xM0_Y3HZwcNiMHTmIYzwcJZA/s1600/IMG_3722+squirrel.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My backyard is still under over a foot of snow with more expected this week. My bird feeder has been a busy gathering place for my feathered friends. And the squirrels are just as happy to dine on whatever mess they find on the ground from those messy birds.<br />
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But yesterday, I saw them munching on a different treat - rose hips.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03_HxPqiovj2swMa24xurgXx2p-jAwODPq7hdICacykrtziKc5J3ShWJjxKde3tEE2rvQywv461XDb3_5mQ_iZl4i_2Et0jrXhg88Wd9foVsA1Mu4F82WiyvVxybo5bNdz8eXpp4Ceq0/s1600/IMG_3732+v2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03_HxPqiovj2swMa24xurgXx2p-jAwODPq7hdICacykrtziKc5J3ShWJjxKde3tEE2rvQywv461XDb3_5mQ_iZl4i_2Et0jrXhg88Wd9foVsA1Mu4F82WiyvVxybo5bNdz8eXpp4Ceq0/s1600/IMG_3732+v2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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During the summer, my carpet roses are a beautiful shade of pink and emit a sweet scent. Rose hips are swollen seed pods that form under the blossom, turning orange and red, and last for months after the blossom is long gone. Here's how mine looked in <a href="http://gardeningandgardens.blogspot.com/2014/10/whats-blooming-this-month-october-2014.html" target="_blank">October</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRs3pgdBQM-VtTaDc9bkxHKh_RMl1RPiqytdAcrb-vlPvYFhVYSm9RNX5CvJbNbtH2vlh2L7Cx0e8lWf1UobH8oYc3u4he8alt7AwgaUfIbFRPxl7Vdl8MONi_KFqVekJQtNUbdXZx2nw/s1600/IMG_3733+v2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRs3pgdBQM-VtTaDc9bkxHKh_RMl1RPiqytdAcrb-vlPvYFhVYSm9RNX5CvJbNbtH2vlh2L7Cx0e8lWf1UobH8oYc3u4he8alt7AwgaUfIbFRPxl7Vdl8MONi_KFqVekJQtNUbdXZx2nw/s1600/IMG_3733+v2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Rose hips are a tasty treat for squirrels, birds and rabbits. Humans can eat them too, but only the fleshy outer part. The hairy inner seeds can irritate human intestines. Personally, I've never eaten one, but I've read that they taste like a tart apple crossed with a rose petal. <a href="http://gardeningandgardens.blogspot.com/2010/10/rose-hips.html" target="_blank">Rose hips</a> are rich in vitamin C and can be made into jams, jellies, syrups and tea.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2_qSjoA4GrVF0qN2xa-Ms6AU6bcR4m2Ndb4nXctALnbe_qjcSnFU-ddVsNth7PLhlVIj4mrtwb9MBH8FgXgEqSmTD_yppx9kXnhMC436knOcvqiWeNvWcW-PPUFpNvv8H3KmNB2Iw-g/s1600/IMG_3734+v2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2_qSjoA4GrVF0qN2xa-Ms6AU6bcR4m2Ndb4nXctALnbe_qjcSnFU-ddVsNth7PLhlVIj4mrtwb9MBH8FgXgEqSmTD_yppx9kXnhMC436knOcvqiWeNvWcW-PPUFpNvv8H3KmNB2Iw-g/s1600/IMG_3734+v2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Looking at these two, enjoying the rose hips, I'm so happy I didn't deadhead the roses at the end of the season. I left them because they were attractive, but also a valuable food source for wildlife during a time of year when food is scarce.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-2d8eBP2_xWBaE-KgvyeXHheklxOaGU5e2Alsb2JKUUgZB-a8e_R0NxEq-6htB6s15XUwzPptJQz6bo9aN-UPVHwzZ-jSPzFs7n0caOdTGJeYRwXLsHGEaOOQQksPLGuHaMZhCNaQsU/s1600/IMG_3736+v2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-2d8eBP2_xWBaE-KgvyeXHheklxOaGU5e2Alsb2JKUUgZB-a8e_R0NxEq-6htB6s15XUwzPptJQz6bo9aN-UPVHwzZ-jSPzFs7n0caOdTGJeYRwXLsHGEaOOQQksPLGuHaMZhCNaQsU/s1600/IMG_3736+v2.JPG" width="508" /></a></div>
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Yum!</div>
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Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612046910155809991.post-50339986723543430792018-07-16T13:30:00.000-04:002018-07-16T13:25:08.728-04:00July Garden: What's Blooming NowIt'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.<br />
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Here's what's growing and blooming in my garden this month:<br />
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The Russian Sage mingles with the Black Eye Susans</div>
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Echinacea 'Hot Papaya' really stands out (and above!) the </div>
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Sedum, Liatris and more Black Eyed Susans</div>
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A beautiful pink bee balm - Monarda 'Raspberry Wine'</div>
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More pinks! Above, coneflowers (echinacea) in bloom and below, a hydrangea -</div>
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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!<br />
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Do you have any of these same plants? How's your garden this month? I'd love to hear from you!<br />
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After leaving a comment, head on over to <a href="http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/2015/07/garden-bloggers-bloom-day-july-2015.html" target="_blank">May Dreams Gardens</a> to see what's blooming around the country today.Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612046910155809991.post-42005129265695678512018-03-21T05:00:00.000-04:002018-03-21T05:00:23.494-04:00How to keep sane during the winter that will not end?<div class="p1">
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: normal;">We had no snow in February and enjoyed days when the temps reached into the upper 60s. Spring will be here soon, I thought, as I looked over my still-sleeping landscape. Nothing changes in the winter. No shoots of new growth, no pink flower petals opening to the sky, no change in the intensity of the sun. Winter is a welcome time to rest and for the first few weeks, I’m relieved for the rest and ability to hibernate for a bit. But by they time March comes along, I’m ready for spring.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: normal;">I walk around my yard daily, looking for signs of life. A daffodil shoot perhaps? Buds on the magnolia tree? The birds are singing in the trees - they know whats coming.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I start thinking of the spring-clean up tasks I must tackle before the season gets too far in. I make a list.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And then - WHAM! A Nor’Easter hits Long Island. We are covered in snow, high winds topple my shrubs and cold temperatures burn the tips of my emerging daffodils. Sigh.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: normal;">In December, snow is exciting. Its beautiful as it covers the trees and landscape, quietly falling to the ground. My children are so excited to play in the snow, they get all bundled up in their snow gear even for an inch of snow on the ground! Yet now, as the snow clings to the witch hazel flowers, smothers the emerging hellebores and blankets the evergreen shrubs once more, it’s lost its appeal. I want it gone.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: normal;">The ground is frozen and so I’ll need to put off my work outside for a few more days. I continue to dream of new things to plant and where. The gardening catalogs have begun to arrive. Beautiful plants, lush with color, promising pleasant days outdoors ahead. I circle a few in every magazine, not sure where I’ll fit them into my yard, but knowing I could somehow make it work if I tried.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: normal;">The air is brisk and cold but I venture out to clean up from the storm, gathering fallen sticks and tree limbs for my children to paint or use in their pretend campsite under the oak tree. The snow has melted but its still cold. The rhododendron leaves droop down protectively every morning telling me the temperature naturally. I’m ready to put away my sweaters and snow shovels and I then, we are hit with yet another storm. This one is more rain than snow, but it’s a damp cold that goes right through you. The winds whip around leaves from the neighborhood, and suddenly, my spring clean-up was all for naught. The ground is now soggy and cold. My hellebores want so badly to bloom, but its tricky, even for these that don’t mind the cool weather. On the north side of my house, piles of snow remain. Now frozen, they are a strong reminder that spring has not yet arrived. Temperatures have not reached a warmth that could melt shaded snow.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: normal;">By now its late March. I visit the local nursery’s annual flower show. Colorful azaleas, blossoming trees and active fish ponds delight my senses. I walk past the rows of pansies and ranunculus for sale. I want to buy these, but the forecast is predicting another snow storm.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: normal;">So what do I do to keep sane when winter will not end?</span></span></div>
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<li>I continue to flip through my gardening magazines and plant catalogs. Maybe I won’t purchase anything this year, but I can still learn about new varieties, admire new combinations of plants and thinking about what could be.</li>
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<li>I purchased a few succulents and a cool new container. I’ve been wanting to grow succulents for a long time, but have always put it off. Now, I needed a project. I needed to watch something grow and flourish. It’s lovely on my table and it makes me smile.</li>
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<li>I keep cleaning up the leaves outside. They are blown in from all over and continue to collect in this one spot on my patio. I bundle up, get out my rake to clean them up and add them to the compost pile. It makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something.</li>
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<li>I start planning for next month. Spring weather will eventually come, of this I am sure. It’s just a matter of when. Nevertheless, I won’t let it get in the way of my planning. There are meetings to schedule with clients, seeds to be planted at the school garden and spring pruning that needs to be done.<span class="Apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "helvetica";"> </span></li>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: normal;">But for today, I’m determined not to let the weather forecast get me down. Instead, I’m planning a trip to the botanical garden to see their gorgeous, annual orchid show. It’s all indoors, in a warm greenhouse, filled with colorful and vibrant plants. Someday spring will come. For now, I’ll just enjoy what I can.</span></span></div>
Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612046910155809991.post-52749105053403640672018-03-20T21:04:00.000-04:002018-03-20T21:03:13.375-04:00A Fickle SpringAh spring. The birds are chirping, the crocus are blooming and the days are getting longer. My itchy gardening fingers can't wait to get out into the garden. There are plants to relocate, shrubs to prune and beds to clean up. The weather here on Long Island this month started off lovely and warm!<br />
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The Snowdrops (Galanthus) and Witch Hazel (Hamamelis) were blooming: <span id="goog_135104013"></span><br />
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Splashes of purple appeared around the yard - Crocus and Iris (Iris reticulata) were enjoying the sunshine!<br />
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And then it happened.<br />
Spring decided it didn't want to continue just yet and allowed Winter to return for a few more weeks. And with that, these blooming spring beauties were covered in snow, mid-March. Here's what my daffodils and hellebores looked like:<br />
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As upsetting as this was, there was not much I could do. I am unable to control the weather. I can only change my attitude toward it. And I also know that Spring WILL come and I'll be amazed by so many of my plants resiliency. A fickle spring indeed...</div>
<span id="goog_135104012"></span>Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612046910155809991.post-75586621156558323762018-03-20T20:35:00.000-04:002018-03-20T20:33:05.239-04:00Flowering Trees of Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Compared to summer's bold riot of colors, spring begins in a slow crescendo of color. Mostly pastels followed by a few brightly colored tulips or daffodils. But for me, the real spring show is the trees. Spring flowering trees are simply magnificent. They bloom before the leaves appear and since so many other "leafy" trees are just starting to break dormancy, their lovely blooms stand out all the more. A quick drive around my neighborhood had me spotting these beauties:</div>
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Yoshino Cherry Tree (Prunus x yedoensis)<br />
A round shape with the palest, almost white flower petals.<br />
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Saucer Magnolia Tree (Magnolia x soulangeana)<br />
Large petaled blossoms flushed with pink, white and hints of purple<br />
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Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata)<br />
One of the first flowering trees to bloom. It's blossoms consist of up to 15 individual white petals, giving the illusion of a star.<br />
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Flowering Plum Tree (Prunus cerasifera)<br />
Small light pink flowers contrast nicely against the burgundy leaves of this upright, vase shaped tree.<br />
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Bradford Pear Tree (Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford') </div>
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Clusters of small white, fragrant flowers appear just before the green leaves. </div>
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Weeping Cherry Tree (Prunus subhirtella 'Pendula')</div>
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This gracefully wispy tree has light pink flowers hanging on dangling branches. </div>
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When it sways in the wind, it's absolutely captivating. This one is on my property, and though it's quite old, it still stops me in my tracks each spring. </div>
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So many gorgeous trees out there right now. I'm looking forward to seeing the dogwoods, eastern redbuds and kwanzan cherry trees bloom in the next few weeks too! </div>
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Do you have a favorite? Let me know below!</div>
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Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612046910155809991.post-13728251008862613582017-09-18T17:45:00.000-04:002018-09-17T17:40:06.524-04:00Fall Gardens Blooming with ColorEven though autumn doesn't officially start for another few days, it certainly feels like it outside. The air is cool and crisp and the sun still feels warm - a perfect day for a fall festival! The <span id="goog_1148531823"></span>teaching gardens at <a href="http://www.farmingdale.edu/campuspages.business.horticulture/pages/home/homepage.html">Farmingdale State College</a> are always beautiful and lush. But the colors I saw at their annual fall festival were just stunning. Have a look:<br />
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<br />Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612046910155809991.post-82883998060991753592017-07-29T13:00:00.000-04:002017-07-29T12:50:20.806-04:00Hydrangeas - Blue, Pink, White and Lace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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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.</div>
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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!<br />
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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. </div>
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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. <br />
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Another new hydrangea I added last year is Hydrangea 'Annabelle'. These have gorgeous white blooms and big green foliage. Unlike the blue hydrangea, their color cannot be altered by changing the soil pH. We have them planted in a nice shady spot to the far end of the property. It's a lovely background to the seating area.<br />
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I inherited these hot pink hydrangeas from the previous owners of the house. The color is simply show-stopping and the flower heads can really get large. Beautiful in the landscape but also a great cut flower. </div>
<br />Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612046910155809991.post-79302405029496115132017-07-10T07:10:00.000-04:002017-07-10T07:07:16.153-04:00Liatris: A Vertical Form in the GardenLiatris (also known as Blazing Star or Gayfeather) is a wonderful plant to add to any garden for its form, texture, fragrance and ability to attract wildlife.<br />
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The vertical form of the liatris is a welcome compliment to many of the daisy-like flowers that are in bloom this time of year. I often see them alongside echinacea (coneflower) or rudbeckia (black-eyed Susan). In the photo above, I love the mixture of purples and whites but also the contrast of liatris's strong vertical form against the wispy nature of the Russian Sage in the background and the big foliage of the montauk daisy. </div>
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To me, the flower spikes of liatris remind me of fireworks just before they explode in the sky. Each spike blooms tiny flowers from the top-down (most other spikes bloom bottom-up). They come in purple, white and various shade of pink. It's lovely fragrance attracts both butterflies and hummingbirds. </div>
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Even when not in flower, it's grassy-like foliage looks handsome nestled among the neighboring perennials. Give it lots of sunshine and It's easy to grow and care for. What's not to love?</div>
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Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612046910155809991.post-53010448925268437012015-07-29T08:39:00.001-04:002015-07-29T08:43:45.713-04:00And the color of the mystery Daylily is...Red! Not at all what I expected, but very pleased, nonetheless!<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuUFV7hQ5ovlq8FI2T1tXxW5G_M6ZHt7OAgYhEddfGK9CLJWxmUyOtuV4JBeXw_s4l2gshAk_uu2JjQhQFkH57Zq3oAItVpA8QOPxmt_Ih18HOhnKaUJcu-QDPmhfLGa9hQ2L21wizvs/s640/blogger-image--1710262641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuUFV7hQ5ovlq8FI2T1tXxW5G_M6ZHt7OAgYhEddfGK9CLJWxmUyOtuV4JBeXw_s4l2gshAk_uu2JjQhQFkH57Zq3oAItVpA8QOPxmt_Ih18HOhnKaUJcu-QDPmhfLGa9hQ2L21wizvs/s640/blogger-image--1710262641.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612046910155809991.post-79451910991740489842015-07-21T21:42:00.001-04:002015-07-21T21:42:48.419-04:00A Found Plant - Guess the color!A few years ago we moved to this house. The property was very overgrown with random plants in random places. <div><br></div><div>I found sun loving plants growing in the shade, like this daylily below, which I soon transplanted to a more suitable spot. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXREOzb-1So3F5JEZpIK45rJlNci1D-EVPHbYMJNXxTjM19hzO-jBt4wu4VPDnHxjaVrgzm4_slQfRoeM2qtFghF8DlgbAaHjgbq16h24rQ6c8ukOo-qsPcfcpzbK4U_v98E_Ma6Bz0s/s640/blogger-image--1556281814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXREOzb-1So3F5JEZpIK45rJlNci1D-EVPHbYMJNXxTjM19hzO-jBt4wu4VPDnHxjaVrgzm4_slQfRoeM2qtFghF8DlgbAaHjgbq16h24rQ6c8ukOo-qsPcfcpzbK4U_v98E_Ma6Bz0s/s640/blogger-image--1556281814.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Now, for the past few years I've watched this plant thrive but never once has it bloomed - let alone send up a bud. </div><div><br></div><div>But yesterday I saw two flower buds appear above the foliage. So the question is...what color will the flowers be? Orange? Yellow? Red?</div><div><br></div><div>What color do you think? Leave a comment below and in a few days I'll let you know!</div>Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612046910155809991.post-10854673003922434872015-07-14T06:52:00.001-04:002015-07-14T06:52:20.477-04:00Feathery Plumes of Astilbe<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Astilbe is one of those plants I have really become fond of over the years. The fern-like foliage looks so handsome in the garden and suddenly, spires of feathery plumes arise above in an array of colors. </div>
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Below, Astilbe 'Bressingham Beauty' enjoys the dappled sunlight in my backyard.<br />
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These shade loving plants can certainly brighten up a darkened section of the garden or even along a garden path to do the same. In colder climates, they can tolerate full sun, but they really thrive in the shade/dappled shade of my zone 7b garden on Long Island, NY.<br />
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This red variety doesn't get much "fuzzier" than this and also does well in some sun (most it gets is 2 hrs direct sun a day). But it's tall spires look like soldiers above the lush foliage below.<br />
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Here is a row of white astilbe I saw while on a local garden tour. I love how whimsical they look along the border. Such a great plant!Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612046910155809991.post-48549244573419381162015-06-15T17:10:00.001-04:002015-06-15T17:10:10.509-04:00What's Blooming in June?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:<br />
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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.<br />
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Endless Summer Hydrangea are nearly in full bloom. These are the mop-head style hydrangeas and will <a href="http://gardeningandgardens.blogspot.com/2013/06/hydrangeas-blue-pink-white-and-lace.html" target="_blank">alter their color</a> based on the pH of the soil - pink blooms in alkaline and blue blooms in acidic. </div>
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A few of the hostas are starting to bloom. I love how this variety has the flowering stems floating just above the stems.<br />
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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.<br />
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The flowers in my new, full sun, cutting garden are starting to bloom - Erygnium (Sea Holly, above), Snapdragon and Digiplexis (below, respectively).<br />
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Along the sidewalk, the Hemerocallis 'Happy Returns' (daylily) is making a lovely border above the stones. Daisy, Yarrow and Salvia fill in behind.<br />
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And over in the shade garden, the ferns, hostas, solomon seal and astilble are blending together beautifully in form and texture. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">June is really a special time in the garden - so many things blooming week to week. Keep up with me on </span><a href="https://instagram.com/gardeningandgardens" style="background-color: white; color: #7ca19c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Instagram</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;"> and </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gardening-and-Gardens/126774507390042" style="background-color: white; color: #7ca19c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Facebook</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;"> to continue to see what's blooming and making me smile these days!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Leave a comment below, then head on over to </span><a href="http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/2015/06/garden-bloggers-bloom-day-june-2015.html" style="background-color: white; color: #7ca19c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">May Dreams Gardens</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;"> blog for a look at what's blooming around the country today.</span> </div>
<br />Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612046910155809991.post-75975797701302445372015-06-12T16:12:00.003-04:002015-06-12T16:12:38.251-04:00Easy Care RosesRoses. Something about them makes people swoon at the mere mention of the name. What is it about roses? The smell? The loveliness of the petals? The nostalgia they conjure?<br />
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Whatever the reason, I'm so happy to have them in my garden. And even better, I have roses that require little care on my part. I simply get to enjoy their beauty in looks and smell.<br />
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The Knockout Rose is one of the easiest roses to grow. It's very disease resistant and once established, needs little care. I prune mine every March to reshape and keep it from getting too big. But starting in June and going well into the fall, this rose bush keeps blooming beautiful deep pink blooms atop rich, blue-green leaves.<br />
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I love the color and texture combination of the wispy, chartreuse Lady's Mantle with the deep pink of the Knockout Rose:</div>
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The other roses I have are the Carpet Roses. Mine are a lovely light pink color with many petals, giving it a delicate texture.<br />
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I have a few Carpet Roses bunched together atop this rock wall in my backyard. They don't get too tall and bloom all summer long with a delicate, sweet scent.<br />
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I think all roses are spectacular - tea roses, climbing roses, miniature roses (just to name a few). But for me, the ease of these two, coupled with their beauty, makes me smile daily.<br />
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What sort of roses do you have or want to have in your garden? I'd love to hear from you!Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612046910155809991.post-56925978685117649752015-05-20T07:27:00.001-04:002015-05-20T07:27:38.916-04:00Azaleas: to prune or not to prune?The azaleas are in full bloom at my house and in my neighborhood. I love the splash of color it provides in the garden. Here is mine nestled next to a weeping spruce:<br />
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My neighbor has a whole hedge of azaleas along the sidewalk: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2h_RSnl8DmgtJlvEWWsMPFTuDgdhDC4XGMazuw3wq7lMTDubhZTBST6CzwTxK9L5fYiLQh8e3rFzNHXQBvqKQkOvI5uQ3Z9IaHwbKXwHfaEgKwCRAZRxu1xyLC3i0ssDdk0IBQuJXwJY/s1600/2015-05-11+14.55.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2h_RSnl8DmgtJlvEWWsMPFTuDgdhDC4XGMazuw3wq7lMTDubhZTBST6CzwTxK9L5fYiLQh8e3rFzNHXQBvqKQkOvI5uQ3Z9IaHwbKXwHfaEgKwCRAZRxu1xyLC3i0ssDdk0IBQuJXwJY/s640/2015-05-11+14.55.55.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For all other times of the year, these shrubs are rather ordinary. But for the few weeks they are in bloom, it's a show stopper along the street. I love the how the different color blooms mesh together in this informal hedge, like a painter's palette at the end of a painting session.<br />
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Personally, I like the informal look to these shrubs rather than the perfectly sheared forms. Here are a few examples of those:<br />
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Azaleas should be pruned immediately after flowering which will allow for new leaf growth and return to natural form before it sets its new buds for next year. Waiting three months or later after bloom may sacrifice next years blooms. </div>
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Here is another example of the natural beauty of this shrub. Here, the yellow, red and purple azaleas flank the winding stone path, as if to lead us to a woodland retreat. </div>
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So which do you like? The informal woodland hedge or the sheared gumball shaped shrub? Share in the comment section below!</div>
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<br />Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612046910155809991.post-65250493302987866052015-05-15T07:20:00.001-04:002015-05-15T07:20:54.071-04:00What's Blooming in the Garden? May 2015Dogwood 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.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYH6xuGada7IL33gZJoJaUkGJCANpn1pgOu3hB2SGaCWrY73ZL2JVhEgFYBDeE_PIHtyoUcYdes0uzhr6LDKTl0F5oABSAuDSv1PrFjBApqADxcLQOcS8RcKQOYHn-bIJeRPCiANWSCVI/s1600/IMG_4085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYH6xuGada7IL33gZJoJaUkGJCANpn1pgOu3hB2SGaCWrY73ZL2JVhEgFYBDeE_PIHtyoUcYdes0uzhr6LDKTl0F5oABSAuDSv1PrFjBApqADxcLQOcS8RcKQOYHn-bIJeRPCiANWSCVI/s640/IMG_4085.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The allium are just about to pop open in front of a stunningly gorgeous azalea.</div>
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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. </div>
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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.</div>
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A lovely pink columbine is blooming happily next to the ferns and hostas.</div>
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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. </div>
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The viburnum shrubs just started blooming a days ago. </div>
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I love how the delicate flowers rest atop the branches. </div>
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The tulips are just about finishing up, making way for the purple iris behind them. </div>
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The last of the many bulbs (tulip and hyacinth) planted last fall, finishing their bloom. It's so rewarding to see that hard work from a cold November day to finally come to fruition. </div>
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Keep up with me on <a href="https://instagram.com/gardeningandgardens" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gardening-and-Gardens/126774507390042" target="_blank">Facebook</a> to continue to see what's blooming and making me smile these days.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Then, head on over to </span><a href="http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/2015/05/garden-bloggers-bloom-day-may-2015.html" style="background-color: white; color: #7ca19c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">May Dreams Gardens</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;"> blog for a look at what's blooming around the country today.</span>Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612046910155809991.post-30790496844603176592015-04-27T15:03:00.002-04:002017-04-19T21:44:24.513-04:00Spring Flowering Trees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Compared to summer's bold riot of colors, spring begins in a slow crescendo of color. Mostly pastels followed by a few brightly colored tulips or daffodils. But for me, the real spring show is the trees. Spring flowering trees are simply magnificent. They bloom before the leaves appear and since so many other "leafy" trees are just starting to break dormancy, their lovely blooms stand out all the more. A quick drive around my neighborhood had me spotting these beauties:</div>
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Yoshino Cherry Tree (Prunus x yedoensis)<br />
A round shape with the palest, almost white flower petals.<br />
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Saucer Magnolia Tree (Magnolia x soulangeana)<br />
Large petaled blossoms flushed with pink, white and hints of purple<br />
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Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata)<br />
One of the first flowering trees to bloom. It's blossoms consist of up to 15 individual white petals, giving the illusion of a star.<br />
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Flowering Plum Tree (Prunus cerasifera) <br />
Small light pink flowers contrast nicely against the burgundy leaves of this upright, vase shaped tree.<br />
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Bradford Pear Tree (Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford') </div>
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Clusters of small white, fragrant flowers appear just before the green leaves. </div>
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Weeping Cherry Tree (Prunus subhirtella 'Pendula')</div>
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This gracefully wispy tree has light pink flowers hanging on dangling branches. </div>
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When it sways in the wind, it's absolutely captivating. This one is on my property, and though it's quite old, it still stops me in my tracks each spring. </div>
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So many gorgeous trees out there right now. I'm looking forward to seeing the dogwoods, eastern redbuds and kwanzan cherry trees bloom in the next few weeks too! </div>
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Do you have a favorite? I'd love to hear it in the comments section below!</div>
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Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612046910155809991.post-3459093790214859492015-04-15T21:51:00.001-04:002015-04-15T21:54:19.514-04:00What's Blooming in the Garden? April 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Spring has finally sprung in my Long Island garden and all my hard work planting 200 bulbs last fall is finally paying off! Some of the bulbs are in full bloom, others are still sending up shoots. Each day there is something new to see and it's all very exciting to watch unfold. In the photo above, a group of Tete-a-Tete daffodils are happily mingling with purple hyacinth. </div>
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Clumps of crocus are all over the property - some deep purple, some white and some purple and white!</div>
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And the lovely chinodoxa (Glory of the Snow), smiling happily upwards.<br />
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This Lenten Rose is one of three plants I planted last year. The delicious pink hue of Helleborus 'Cotton Candy' brightens my day.<br />
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Looking forward to more and more blooms and new growth as the month wears on. Hope you are enjoying your gardens were you are!<br />
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Head on over to <a href="http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/2015/04/garden-bloggers-bloom-day-april-2015.html" target="_blank">May Dreams Gardens</a> blog for a look at what's blooming around the country today.<br />
<br />Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612046910155809991.post-83440866213995457702015-04-10T09:26:00.002-04:002015-04-10T09:26:53.509-04:00Orchid Chandeliers at NY Botanical Garden<br />
Spring seems to be taking it's timing coming to New York this year. But inside the conservatory at the New York Botanical Garden, one quickly forgets the weather outside and its transfixed on the beauty and majesty inside. This year, the annual Orchid Show has been expanded to include beautiful displays throughout all the Rain Forest Galleries as well as the main exhibit section. In addition, the orchids aren't simply on display here and there, they are suspended from the ceiling and from the tops of trees and arches, truly living up to this year's theme name: Orchid Chandeliers.<br />
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By suspending these "chandeliers" one can admire the aerial beauty of these gorgeous and fascinating flowers. <br />
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Most of the cultivated orchids are epiphytes, which literally means "air plant" or "to grow on a plant." The roots of these plants do not grow on the ground, but rather in trees or on rocks. They are not parasites though, and therefore do not take anything from the host plant. They simply cohabitate, getting their moisture and nutrients from the air.<br />
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Other orchids (like Cymbidiums) are terrestrial, which means "growing in the ground." These orchids prefer to have their roots firmly in the ground, rather than on trees or bushes. There are over 200 species of terrestrial orchids and most grow wild in subtropical and tropical areas of America.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is an estimated 30,000 naturally occurring orchid species and tens of thousands artificially created hybrids, yet each orchid flower shares similar characteristics, setting them apart from other flowers. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Each orchid has the same "parts" - three sepals, three petals, a column and a lip. The lip (or labellum) is actually the third petal, but since it looks so different from the other two, it gets a different name. All orchids have a lip and it's function is to aid in the pollination process. Think of it as a fancy landing pad for an insect to land and do it's pollination business. The second characteristic is the column, which contains the reproductive organs ("male" anther with pollen and "female" stigma). </span></span><br />
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Some orchids mimic bees, wasps, butterflies and wasps. These adaptations help ensure that insect pollinators visit the flowers. I loved this one that looked like a spider. </div>
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Walking into the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, these enormous clusters of orchids sit on top of the reflecting pool creating a mystical effect.</div>
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The true masterpiece of this show is the huge three-tiered, star-shaped chandelier that overflows with orchids. If you go, be sure to stand beneath it and look up. It's magical.<br />
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The 13th annual The Orchid Show at NYBG showcases so many different varieties of orchids and is a must-see this spring. The show continues through April 19 at New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY; nybg.com<br />
<br />Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612046910155809991.post-29857822485144816142014-11-29T07:27:00.002-05:002014-11-29T07:27:46.586-05:00What's Blooming This Month? November 2014With 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...<br />
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They don't call it Burning Bush for nothing! This <i>Euonymus alatus</i> literally looks like it's on fire.<br />
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When most of the garden flowers are heading off to sleep, these Anenome 'Prince Henry' are in full bloom.<br />
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All the hostas are now turning a brilliant shade of yellow, which adds such a flair of awesomeness to the garden.<br />
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What would a fall garden be without mums? I love how these are flopped over the boulders, down the slope here.<br />
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Silly daffodils, it's not spring yet! Go back to bed.<br />
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The Japanese Maple's deep reddish hue in autumn looks so pretty against the weeping spruce.<br />
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The foliage and the drying flower heads of this sedum are eye catching right now.<br />
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And of course the variegated holly is in full "bloom" with berries galore - just in time for the winter season!<br />
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So there you have it - my Long Island, NY garden in November! I hope you were able to get out and enjoy the fresh autumn air before the cold and snow set in.<br />
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As always, you can follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more frequent photo updates.<br />
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Until soon!Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612046910155809991.post-76982299561374382692014-10-15T14:25:00.000-04:002014-10-15T14:25:13.223-04:00What's Blooming this Month? October 2014They sunlight streams through the trees at a different angle these days, the mornings and evenings are cool and the leaves gently fall to the ground like raindrops. Autumn is definitely here. The days are getting shorter and yet, my days are not getting any less busy. Two of the children are off at school, the other two still home with me. This doesn't leave me much time to garden or blog, but I do what I can, knowing that both will still be here next year and maybe then I'll have a few more minutes. In the meantime, I am admiring the life cycle of my garden, the beauty of the season's colors and the sweet smell in the air.<br />
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Here's what's blooming in my Long Island, NY garden this month:<br />
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My cute little garden owls continue to make me smile as they peek out from under the hydrangea leaves.</div>
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The rose hips on the carpet roses are just lovely and the perfect color to go with their surroundings.<br />
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I bought these mums last year for a few containers and before the ground froze, plopped them into the ground, not sure whether they would come back of not. I am beyond excited they came back and just love the color!<br />
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Anenome 'Queen Charlotte' is a welcome pink beauty when all the garden is getting ready for a long winter nap.<br />
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I have been waiting for days and days to see what this Dendranthema (Korean Mum) looked like. It was given to me back in June after my horrible <a href="http://gardeningandgardens.blogspot.com/2014/07/sour-mulch-and-its-devastating-effects.html" target="_blank">sour mulch debacle</a>. The name was new to me, and so I did a little research and learned that Dendranthema was formerly known as Chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemum is still commonly used for hardy florist mums to differentiate from true hardy Dendranthema.<br />
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And this sedum is still looking magnificent. The flowerheads have moved from bright pink to this deeper maroon color on top of the lovely green foliage. I don't know the cultivar, as this plant was grandfathered into my garden, so if you have any ideas, please let me know!</div>
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That's what's blooming in my garden this month! What's in yours? I'd love to hear from you.</div>
As always, thanks to Carol over at <a href="http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/2014/10/garden-bloggers-bloom-day-october-2014.html" target="_blank">May Dreams Gardens</a> for hosting the monthly Garden Bloggers Bloom Day. It's great to see what's blooming all over the country!Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612046910155809991.post-59679016712332548272014-09-15T19:39:00.001-04:002014-09-15T19:39:15.331-04:00What's Blooming This Month? September 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The last few days have been perfect September weather - cool mornings and evenings, warm days and low humidity. The sunlight hits the garden differently this time of year - warmer, softer and somewhat more peaceful. </div>
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Here's what's blooming in my Long Island, NY garden this month:</div>
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Although the Rudbeckias (Black-eyed Susans) are starting to fade, their seed heads are a wonderful treat for the birds. In a few more days, the mums will be in full bloom, prolonging the show in this garden.</div>
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The panicle hydrangea is still in full bloom. I just love the fullness of this shrub, the delicacy of the flowers and its long season. </div>
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The Crape Myrtle finished flowering weeks ago, but the seed heads will remain and are quite attractive. </div>
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The Knockout Rose shrub is still blooming, with new buds appearing every day. It's a lovely compliment to the light green and pink of the neighboring Sedum.<br />
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Deep in the shade of my shade garden, these Toad Lilies are happy as can be.</div>
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The variegated Liriope is also in full bloom. I love the purple spikes standing tall over the green and white leaves. </div>
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And what would fall be without a few new container plantings?<br />
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That's what's blooming in my garden this month! What's in yours? I'd love to hear from you.<br />
As always, thanks to Carol over at <a href="http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/2014/09/garden-bloggers-bloom-day-september-2014.html" target="_blank">May Dreams Gardens</a> for hosting Garden Bloggers Bloom Day. It's great to see what's blooming all over the country!<br />
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<br />Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612046910155809991.post-49750950207810718002014-09-03T13:25:00.002-04:002014-09-03T13:25:41.404-04:00Hummingbirds in My BackyardA few weeks ago I purchased a hummingbird feeder at our local nursery. As much as I tried to plant flowers that would attract these facinating birds, I just never got any to visit. But within a few hours of placing the feeder where we could watch from the kitchen windows, we saw one! What an absolute delight to see!<br />
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Hummingbirds get their name from the sound their wings make when they fly because they are flapping so fast (about 80x per second!). They have a unique ability to fly in any direction - right, left, up down, backwards and upside down too.</div>
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Hummingbirds are attacted to food by sight, and though red flowers are huge attractors, these birds will go to any colored flower, so long as they are rich in nectar. My feeder is red and yellow, but the nectar is clear. </div>
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If you haven't done so already, I highly recommending attracting hummingbirds either with a feeder or plants. Perennials such as bee balms, columbines, daylillies, lupines and annuals like cleome, impatiens and petunias are a good place to start!<br />
<br />Kate @ Gardening and Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371717107588481262noreply@blogger.com4