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Welcome!

As spring approaches in less than a week and with temperatures finally getting up into the upper 50’s, the garden is starting to come to life after its winter sleep. It has been an unusual winter all around with mild temperatures followed by temperatures in the teens and single digits with very little in the way of snow to insulate the garden, followed by lots of wind during the month of February and into the beginning of March.  It has been within the past week that Mother Nature has thrown the switch for spring to arrive. Welcome to my zone 7B Long Island garden, and join me for a tour!

Hellebore ‘Shooting Star’

One of my favorite views in the garden this time of year are the colorful bracts of Hellebore ‘Shooting Star’. The buds started back in January with some blooms in February and they have been somewhat delayed due to the weather, but they are now in full speed ahead for March.

Hellebore ‘Merlin’

Hellebore ‘Merlin’ is just getting its buds and ‘Champion’ will probably not be blooming until April, but for this gardener it just brings more anticipation and something to look forward to.

Nandina ‘Obsession’

While waiting for early blooms, I am still enjoying the colorful foliage of Nandina ‘Obsession’ against the lime green foliage of Dwarf Cryptomeria…and some signs of spring are upon us!

Hello Hyacinths!

Well, hello Hyacinths! The foliage has surfaced in just the past week and give hope of blooms to follow. 

Kousa Dogwood ‘Greensleeves’

While walking throughout the garden, the bark of Kousa Dogwood ‘Greensleeves’ really catches the eye. It is not something I have particularly noticed before, but this March it seems to call to me to get a closer look. The bark exfoliating is an adaption for shedding old growth and creating new; hence, strengthening the tree.

Coral Bark Maple

While the garden is waking up, the coral-red bark of Coral Bark Maple ‘Sango Kaku’ is still vibrant against the deep blue sky and soon the Weigela in the foreground will start to get some new buds.

Crocus!

Front Island Bed

Here on the front island bed is the view for March with some signs of new buds on deciduous shrubs and perennials. As mentioned before, the evergreens hold down the fort in winter with their continuing interest.

Holly Berries

The bright red berries of Nellie Stevens Holly are always a treat both for the senses and for the birds…

Weeping White Pine

and something as simple as a single pine cone from Weeping White Pine can be fun to photograph.

Hello Allium ‘Globemaster’ !

In the same garden bed, Allium ‘Globemaster’ is emerging on time. I enjoy the pinkish-red tips that border the foliage, with large lavender-purple blooms to follow!

‘Low Glow’ Pine

Along the patio border is the interesting foliage of Pinus ‘Low Glow’, which will get even more attractive as it produces new brighter light green clusters, that almost glow. Alongside ‘Low Glow’ is Juniperus ‘Gold Strike’ with its deeper winter foliage that will become more golden as the temperatures warm.

More Hellebores!

As we get near the end of our stroll, here is another look at Hellebore ‘Shooting Star’. It’s creamy-rose blooms and golden yellow stamens make for a wonderful addition to the northern border, and it will continue to bloom through April.

And Indoors…

As the landscape awakens outside, African Violet continues to bloom indoors…

Blooms Continue!

while Thanksgiving Cactus just keeps on giving. I find that by pinching back growth slightly after bloom, new growth emerges and more blooms develop bringing interest right into spring.

Thank you for Visiting!

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