This Month in the Garden As the autumn landscape becomes covered with an array of vibrant color, the temptation to tidy up your property and remove fallen leaves becomes almost instinctive. Leaving fall leaves in your garden can offer several benefits to both your landscape and the environment, but while the practice of leaving fall leaves has its advantages, it’s essential to strike a balance. Let’s explore the facts to help you make an informed decision.  Natural Mulch: Allowing fallen leaves to remain on the ground acts as a natural mulch, providing insulation for t ..read more

Welcome! We are in the midst of autumn here on Long Island and the landscape is a changing array of color. I must say that besides Spring, this is one of my favorite times of the year. There is a chill in the air, but not too cold to wander out into the garden to observe what nature has to offer, and there is a sense of energy and a willingness to explore. We all know a garden is constantly changing with something new to experience awaiting around each corner. Join me for a stroll in my November zone 7 garden! Front Lawn The first view is of the front lawn where two types of ..read more

This Month in the Garden Welcome to This Month in the Garden! This month we feature Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple, scientifically known as Acer palmatum ‘Rhode Island Red'. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9, this eye-catching ornamental tree adds a touch of elegance to gardens and landscapes of all types. This unique cultivar is cherished for its dwarf form and striking features throughout the seasons, making it a favorite among garden enthusiasts. Rhode Island Red Dwarf Japanese Maple Appearance: The Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple is renowned for its vivid, red tones as ..read more

Welcome! Welcome to Garden Blogger's Bloom Day (and Foliage Follow-Up) for October! Autumn like temperatures have arrived suddenly as daytime temperatures turned from 80 degrees one day for the last hooray, now moderating into the steady 60's  The skies are mostly clear with a slight chill in the air, which makes one feel alive, and the surrounding landscape is transitioning into what soon will be an array of changing colors. Join me in my Long Island garden for some autumnal blooms and views! Seasonal Planter The first view is of a planter that I had to own once I had p ..read more

Welcome! Welcome to This Month in the Garden! Autumn has arrived and the landscape is transiting into an array of color with each passing day. Starting with subtle hints, the garden becomes more of a work of art with color everywhere as the days grow shorter. In the words of Albert Camus, "Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." I couldn't agree more as the garden always keeps me anticipating the next wonder. Here are a few selections to incorporate into the landscape for interest during the fall season. Coral Bark Maple 'Sangu Kaku' Autumn Color The ..read more

This Month in the Garden: Feature Shrub: 'Sky Pencil' Holly Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil' (Sky Pencil Holly) Welcome to This Month in the Garden. For the month of September, we feature Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil', a versatile selection which adds dimension and intermediate height to the garden. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9, 'Sky Pencil' Holly displays a narrow, columnar habit with dark green evergreen foliage which adds interest throughout the year. In springtime, insignificant small white flowers that attract pollinators lead to small purple berries in fall, if a male holly is nearby ..read more

Welcome to My Garden! As the summer quickly passes by, the month of August brings an abundance of late summer blooms. The northeast has been fortunate weather-wise with temperatures mostly in the 80's with some "dog days of summer" thrown in, but there have been frequent enough rain showers to keep the garden thriving. While a cooler spring has delayed the blooms of Crape Myrtle, which is just starting to open its buds, the weather conditions have been ideal for Hydrangea. Following a seven week drought last season, and they are now in full bloom and showing all their glory! Welcome t ..read more

Feature Flowering Shrub: St. John's Wort Welcome to This Month in the Garden. This month we feature St. John's Wort. Hardy in USDA zones 5-8, St. John's Wort a semi-evergreen flowering shrub that comes in a variety of cultivars ranging in size from 2-3 feet tall by wide up to 6 feet tall with a spread of 3-6 feet in width. In its native form, Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) is renowned for its medicinal properties and contains various active compounds, including hypericin, hyperforin and flavonoids, which are believed to possess unique antidepressant and a ..read more

Welcome to my July Garden! There is a wonderful saying which describes me to a tee. "It's into the garden I go to lose my mind and find my soul." July is a perfect time for a stroll in the garden to find peace and tranquility during the heat of the summer. After a very cool June and the first spring like conditions we have experienced in a long time, July is here with an onset of higher more summer like temperatures in the 80's and low 90's. The garden is my refuge and brings me joy. I hope it brings you joy too! Welcome! We start our stroll as we enter the backyard along the ..read more

Seasonal Planters Welcome to This Month in the Garden! While traditional garden beds offer a more permanent option, seasonal garden planters have become increasingly popular due to their versatility, mobility, and ability to be altered with different displays throughout the growing season. Based on the time of year, plant choices can be combined for an ever evolving display of color and foliage, from robust blooms in springtime, to colorful foliage and autumn-like colors to bring in fall, and perhaps evergreens to carry on through wintertime. Seasonal planters play an important r ..read more