Gardening and Gardens

The temperatures have been downright frigid, the ground frozen solid and everything outside is in a deep hibernation. I know that the days are slowly getting longer and spring will come eventually. But for now, I am so thankful to have the deep green textures of my evergreens to admire out my window. The needle-like leaves of the cryptomeria trees along the fence are a lovely contrast to the deep green and shiny leaves of the cherry laurels in the foreground.   The bright morning sun shines on this mixture of evergreens. The variegated green-yellow liriope and deep green ilex provide a lovely frame for the red tipped leaves of nandina behind them. 

Today is Garden Bloggers Bloom Day! Here's a look at what's growing and blooming in my Long Island garden this month. The variegated Liriope is now in full bloom. The lovely purple spikes of flowers are a welcome splash of color in the garden.  I love the contrast of the pink flowers against the lush green leaves of this begonia and the entire plant form in front of the garden wall. Beyond the Liriope, the pink carpet roses continue to bloom and are truly maintenance free. What a joy to have in the garden. The hot colors of the Lantana remind me that summer is not over yet, as they continue to bloom in the warm September sun. My latest addition to the border - Callicarpa acuminata 'Woodlanders'. Similar in form to the more common beautyberry shrub, but these have larger, deeper purple colored berries. The berries just started turning color so I'm anxious to see how it looks when it's full of them! Dragon Wing Begonias...every time I pas...