2012 Year in Review A Long Island Garden
Overall 2012 was a good year here in my zone 7 Long Island garden. We started off with a virtually snow less winter with the exception of one storm, followed by an early spring with warmer than normal temperatures which caused the gardens to spark a little earlier that usual. The summer temperatures were moderate (in the 80s) with just enough rainfall to keep the blooms coming. In October we were hit unexpectedly by Hurricane Sandy which did quite a bit of damage to many of the evergreens but I think they will recover for the most part. Winter came in like a lion with frigid temperatures and winds. We are expected to have a snowy winter of 2013 but time will tell. Many new additions were brought to the garden this year including more Knock Out Roses, the new Caramel Heuchera, Dwarf White Pine and Cyptomeria, Fire & Ice Hosta and some new crocus bulbs for the spring! Here is the year in review.
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| January 2012 |
Here in January is Golden Oriental Spruce (left) and Weeping Youngi Birch and Golden Japanese Sedge along the front walk (Right) and a Magnolia Bud (Below). As you can see January is pretty quiet around here so I rely on the evergreens for color and structure in the garden.
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| February 2012 |
The Coral Bark Maple (Sangu Kaku) bark is very vivid during the winter months with the appearance of red coral; hence the name. On the right is a combination of Ajuga and Sedge and below is Stachys (Lambs Ear). These elements present some color in the garden during February.
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| March 2012 |
In March there are signs of spring in the air with crocus and Hyacinth blooms and a Mockingbird preparing its nest. March came in like a lamb with mild weather and out like a lion with high winds this past year. |
| April 2012 |
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n April the grape hyacinths emerge and Magnolia Royal Star (top right) is in full bloom...love the fragrance! Vibernum (lower right) is displaying its pink and white fragrant blooms as well.
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| May 2012 |
May is a busy month with purple Salvia May Night (left), Japanese Iris and Rhododendron (right) in full bloom and Nepeta blooms (left) on the way. Love all the purples and lavenders at this time of year.
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| June 2012 |
June is busting out all over! On Long Island June is the height of our gardening season with most plants at their peak. Knock Out Roses, Stella D Oro Daylily, Spirea, Nepeta, Coreopsis, Astilbe and Lambs Ear are in full bloom. Evergreens are loaded with new brilliant growth and Heuchera is displaying beautiful shades of burgundy, lime and caramel. Hydrangea are starting to display their lovely blossoms. Everywhere you look the gardens are coming alive...love June!
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| July 2012 |
July brings the fragrant blooms of Butterfly Bush (left) and Lillium Stargazer (upper right)along with Endless Summer Hydrangea, Vibernum Summer Snowflake, more Salvia and Astilbe. Patio planters of Lantana and Coleus are displaying their blooms as well. The butterflies arrive to see all the attractions.
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| August 2012 |
The August garden displays Platycodon (Balloon Flower) with its purple-blue blooms and Hydrangea are at their peak. Vibernum and Roses are blooming as well and grasses are full and adding movement to the garden. Crape Myrtle are starting to bud.
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| September 2012 |
In September Crape Myrtle and Peegee Hydrangea are in full bloom and grasses are displaying their wispy plumes. Liriope joins in with its bright purple spikes and Nandina is forming its pinkish-red berries. The garden is still very much alive.
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| October 2012 |
Now October is here and signs of Fall are starting to arrive. Cone bearing trees are preparing for winter and blooms are starting to fade but the grasses are at their best. Late blooming perennials such as Sedum and Montauk Daisies are making their appearance.
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| November 2012 |
Welcome November with its bright and beautiful colors of fall. Winter is on its way but for now there is a beautiful display of bright pinks, oranges, golds and burgundy.
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| December 2012 |
We end the year with December and winter time is officially here. The garden goes to sleep until the longer days of spring arrive. Time will tell whether we get a blanket of snow this year that will cover the landscape. For now I will enjoy the evergreens which I have become to love. No matter what the time of year there is always something to look forward to in the garden.
As Always...Happy Gardening and Happy New Year 2013!
Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2013. All rights reserved.
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