A GUIDE TO NORTHEASTERN GARDENING
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Articles on general gardening, landscape design, gardening tips, planting, pruning, garden maintenance, specialty gardens and more. Lee is a landscape designer, consultant, garden blogger and book author involved in the design profession since 1996.
A GUIDE TO NORTHEASTERN GARDENING
1w ago
Welcome!
Welcome to This Month in the Garden! The words of Albert Camus ~"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower", repeats through ones mind this time of year as the landscape transitions into an array of changing color. Today's post is not about a feature plant, garden chores that need to be completed or a botanical garden visited, but simply the works of nature to be appreciated. Sometimes one needs to step back from the stresses of everyday life and simply "stop and smell the roses." I hope you enjoy the views!
Weeping Eastern Redbud ..read more
A GUIDE TO NORTHEASTERN GARDENING
3w ago
Welcome!
Welcome to my zone 7b Long Island garden! Fall has officially arrived and there are signs everywhere as the landscape starts to transition into an array of color. The month of October has brought cooler temperatures in the upper 50's to low 60's by day, while dipping into the 40's some evenings with mostly clear skies. After a month of drought we finally received a few hours of steady light rain on the 7th, which helped to refurbish the landscape. Join me for a tour for some changing foliage, ongoing blooms and whatever else nature has to offer!
Abelia 'Kaleidoscope ..read more
A GUIDE TO NORTHEASTERN GARDENING
1M ago
Welcome to This Month in the Garden!
This month's feature is Balloon flower. One of my favorite perennials in the garden, Balloon Flower is scientifically known as Platycodon grandiflorus, and is a member of the Campanulaceae (bellflower family). It is ideally a unique perennial known for its balloon-like buds that burst into beautiful star-shaped blooms. Native to East Asia, Balloon Flower has gained popularity in gardens worldwide due to its low-maintenance nature and striking appearance. While the typical form has violet-blue blooms, there are several cultivars ..read more
A GUIDE TO NORTHEASTERN GARDENING
1M ago
Welcome!
As days with clear blue skies and temperatures in the 70's continue, fall is just around the corner as I gaze into the garden. As the seasons change so does the landscape, with much anticipation for the colorful display to arrive. Hopefully the time will not pass by too quickly, as for right now this gardener is living in the moment. Welcome to my zone 7b Long Island garden. Join me for a tour!
Patio Garden: Weeping Norway Spruce and Sedum 'Pure Joy'
One of the major signs of autumn arriving in the garden is the appearance of Sedum blooms. This late summer blooming c ..read more
A GUIDE TO NORTHEASTERN GARDENING
2M ago
Welcome to This Month in the Garden!
As the days of summer begin to wane, late summer is a critical time for gardeners to prepare their spaces for the transition into fall. While the days are still warm, the subtle changes in light and temperature signal that it’s time to focus on garden maintenance. Here's a guide to essential late summer gardening chores to keep your garden healthy and vibrant as the seasons change.
Mophead Hydrangea
Deadheading and Pruning: Late summer is the perfect time to deadhead flowering plants. By removing spent flowers, you encourage perenni ..read more
A GUIDE TO NORTHEASTERN GARDENING
3M ago
Welcome!
Welcome to my Long Island zone 7b late summer garden! The beginning of August brought steamy temperatures in the mid to upper 80's accompanied by lots of humidity and pop up thunderstorms, making the temperatures feel even higher. Then the passing by of Tropical Storm Debby brought 4 inches of rain within a few days to the island. After the storm, the days of mid-August bring blue skies and temperatures in the lower 80’s, evenings in the 60's and 70's, and the garden continues with its next round of blooms. Join me for a tour to see what's new!
Let's Vis ..read more
A GUIDE TO NORTHEASTERN GARDENING
3M ago
Lavender by the Bay, Long Island
Welcome to This Month in the Garden! Nestled in the scenic landscapes of East Marion, Long Island, Lavender on the Bay has become a cherished landmark, drawing visitors from near and far to experience the tranquility and beauty of its purple fields. The history of Lavender on the Bay is a story of vision, passion, and a commitment to sustainable farming practices.
Entrance to the Lavender Farm
Lavender by the Bay, established in 2002, is now the home of over 800,000 lavender plants on the original 17 acre property in East Marion, with an ..read more
A GUIDE TO NORTHEASTERN GARDENING
4M ago
Welcome!
Welcome to my Long Island zone 7b garden. It’s mid-summer and Hydrangea and Coneflower are the stars for this month! With a rather mild past winter, a cool spring and temperatures rising into the mid to upper 80’s for July with plenty of rain so far, the blooms are more robust than ever. Now with a sudden burst of higher temperatures and humidity, some of the blooms are even earlier than usual. Join me for a tour!
Hello Hydrangea ‘Nikko Blue’!
The two previous winters before the 2024 season brought temperatures in the teens to single digits to the northeast for ..read more
A GUIDE TO NORTHEASTERN GARDENING
4M ago
Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa)
Native to North America, the eastern Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa) is the only cactus widespread in northern gardens. A member of the genus Cactaceae, it is known for its showy bright yellow blooms followed by vibrant reddish-colored edible fruit in summertime. Its flat, paddle-shaped foliage consists of modified stems that are covered in small, hair-like spines, which provide the plant with protection from herbivores. This species has adapted to thrive in arid and semi-arid environments, making it a popular choice for xeriscapin ..read more
A GUIDE TO NORTHEASTERN GARDENING
5M ago
Welcome!
Welcome! I must say that a garden brings joy. My favorite way to start or end the day is to sit outside on the patio with a cup of tea and appreciate all that nature has to offer. My garden has been a labor of love all my life, but especially over the past 28 years since the time my design career blossomed. My love of gardening on my own property and passion to help others continues to grow. Join me for a tour of my Long Island garden!
The Welcoming Committee!
As the official start of summer approaches, daytime temperatures have now reached into the upper 70's to low ..read more