The Subtle Beauty of a December Garden

Welcome to my December Long Island garden! The garden now rests as we approach the official start of winter here in the northeast, starting with rainy days in the 50’s followed by temperatures now lingering in the 30’s, signaling the changing seasons. Some parts of the island got an inch of snow, while here on the south shore we got to see a passing flurry as some clouds passed overhead. I continue to enjoy the garden, as while any remaining blooms have diminished due to the frosty temperatures, the focus now is on structure and foliage. As a lifetime gardener, I have learned to appreciate the beauty of nature every month of the year.

Japanese Red Pine ‘Low Glow’ and Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple

With several days now in the mid to lower 30’s the foliage is finally dropping from the maples, which they had held onto for such a long time. As the process continues, the structure of the stems will soon be visible along with evergreen foliage of Japanese Red Pine; hence, supplying interest throughout the winter months.

Nellie Stevens Holly

‘Nellie Stevens’ Holly continues to display evergreen foliage and berries throughout the year, with the berries varying in color depending on the season. They show their most vivid display now in December.

Golden ‘Fernspray’ Hinoki Cypress and Berries! In another view, the red berries of the holly are accompanied by the golden foliage of Hinoki Cypress ‘Fernspray’, which shares the same garden. Dwarf Cryptomeria, Nandina ‘Obsession’ and Weeping Norway Spruce

Along the patio garden, the foliage of Nandina ‘Obsession’ (a non-invasive and compact form of Nandina) is an eye-catching pinkish-red this time of year. Here it is planted alongside Weeping Norway Spruce and Dwarf Cryptomeria.

Osmanthus ‘Goshiki’

Osmanthus ‘Goshiki’ displays its variegated green and white foliage with touches of cream and golden newer foliage and a hint of pinkish-bronze highlights on the tips of newer growth. This interest is especially prominent during the colder months.

Back Island Bed and Patio Garden

Along the back island bed, Crape Myrtle ‘Sioux’ is dormant for winter displaying its exfoliating bark and is accompanied by evergreen ‘Gold Lace’ Juniper. Abelia ‘Kaliedoscope’ and ‘Blue Star’ Juniper border the patio walkway.

Dried Hydrangea Flowers

The dried flowers of hydrangea do add some interest this time of year. I get so many inquiries at the end of the season as what to do with them. The answer is quite simple…leave them alone! Pruning them once they start to set bud will risk next year’s blooms. I tend to remove the majority of the dried flower heads in fall when the temperatures are warm enough, but will leave the remaining ones to supply interest, and they do eventually fall off on their own with the winter winds. 

Twombly’s Red Sentinel Japanese Maple

Here in mid-December, this Japanese Maple is still holding onto its leaves, while the infamous garden frogs continue to hold down the fort with a cup of hot cocoa!

Back Garden & Feeder

The back feeder is very busy this time of year, but it is difficult to get a really close view of the visitors, since they take cover as I approach and wait until all is clear, even though they know I feed them! This Cardinal stayed for a bit, but played the shy card. Take a close look and you will see him hiding!

A Little Bit of Whimsy!

Along one of the back island beds is a little bit of whimsy with one of my favorite garden statues of two children together reading a book. Perhaps the book is all about gardening!

Golden ‘Skylands’ Oriental Spruce Other interest that can be found in the garden is the foliage of colorful evergreens, including that of  ‘Skylands’ Oriental Spruce, which can be seen along the driveway entrance.

Montauk Daisy Dried Seed Heads

Also, at this time of year, seed heads take on interest, like these dried flowers of Montauk Daisy…

Rose Hips!

and even the rose hips of Knock Out Rose are fun to admire.

All-Season Planter

Last but not least, during November of 2023, I created this all-season planter for next to the back entranceway. The combination of different varieties of cypress along with spruce and false holly make for a nice color display and I have produced similar combinations to be enjoyed by friends and clients.

Indoor Blooms-Thanksgiving Cactus

Thanks for visiting!