THE POWER OF THE PLANT

As the trees and shrubbery go dormant for winter here in the northeast I begin to concentrate more on indoor projects. With Christmas around the corner what better than to put a little energy into tree decorating and present wrapping? This year my love and I bought a new faux tree from Michael's along with many, many sparkly adornments. And yes we did in fact make a point to head out with the masses on Thanksgiving night to take advantage of the sales (something I swore I'd never do!) With a vast assortment of high-end meets low-end buys I am proud of the overall outcome of our tree and wrapping presentation. Cheap tree from Michael's meet expensive ornaments from Restoration Hardware. Expensive wrapping paper meet cheap ribbon from .99 Cent Dreams. It's all about mixing it up and saving some dough along the way. And putting a smile on your loved ones face!

My two Royal Empress trees are in their second season of growth and have surpassed 20 feet tall. In early spring when buds and leaved began to appear I pruned back the growth at about 8-10 feet to allow a long tree trunk for aesthetic purposes and to allow the foliage to clear the stop sign. In early summer the trees appeared to have a bug problem as the leaves had small holes in them but as summer progressed the problem ceased so I did not have to spray the trees. Neighbors and passerby do in fact stop frequently and ask questions about the trees. People in general seen excited watching the rapid growth and unique tree.

In the midst of 4 large yellow day lilies is my one white astilbe. While the flowers on this perennial don't get as full as the deeper pink varieties it shows with such grace in a delicate manner in front of the hardness of the lilies. This is the astilbe's second year and it has doubled in size.

Last year my father built this lattice trellis for me. From past experience I knew to stay away from wisteria and trumpet vine, although both are gorgeous just VERY invasive. For my space climbing hydrangea seemed the best bet as it does not send out runners and attaches nicely with a thick bark like vine as it ages. Also, its clean white flowers and bright green foliage look great against my gray house and trellis. I planted this hydrangea last autumn and it has already grown tremendously. It's a beautiful choice when a vine is needed but containment is an issue.

Once when I was a child I bought a pack of seeds (through mail order) from the winner of New York's largest pumpkin grower. My father and I tended to the one pumpkin plant, following all instruction including pruning all but one flower and laying hay over the soil as to avoid the pumpkin from rotting. Fast forward 25 years and I've decided to take on the venture once again! Last Halloween pranksters dropped off about 10 pumpkins on my front porch which I took delight in and placed throughout the yard. Over the winter I left them as a food source for the squirrels. Come this spring many seeds germinated and the idea clicked once again. I transplanted two of the strongest looking seedlings into my homemade wooden garden box and they quickly took off. My first pumpkin has appeared and I will now prune back all other flowers as to provide all sustenance to this one pumpkin. For the second vine I will let a few smaller pumpkins grow. Below is the beginning of what i hope will...

Since my two cats are very much a part of my life and my house, here is a little comic relief of sorts. These siblings couldn't be any different. Blackie is a needy mush and Sparkie is an independent typical feline who wants affection when it suits her. Love these two to death! My babes! Blackie Sparkie

My wonderful neighbor Patty showed up at my door with a pot of pansies and a bottle of wine.  Just a little gesture to cheer me up after going through a bit of a rough patch. The kicker is, Patty has been undergoing chemo, a double mastectomy and radiation for breast cancer which she was diagnosed with last year. A couple weeks ago after falling from a dizzy spell two malignant tumors were discovered on Patty's brain. Surgery has successfully removed one tumor and the other will be treated with radiation. During all this Patty has kept a smile on her face and strength in her heart. Below are the pansies, now planted under my horn beam tree. Given to me as a gesture to cheer me up because of my "rough patch". It's almost silly to think I should have anything to complain about. These flowers make me smile every time I look at them. What an amazing lady Patty is to still be thinking of others while undergoing such a tremendously stressful time in her own life. Much l...

I was not sure my Salvia would survive the winter. They fully disappeared and left me wondering when spring arrived if I'd need to but new perennials to fill in the space. I'm happy to say that they not only returned, but returned with strength, abundance and beauty. The flower stalks are more than I could have ever imagined. The plants are strong and noble. In Nassau County Salvia is legal while in Suffolk and the surrounding areas this plant has been under scrutiny due to its hallucinogenic effects. Some dry the leaves and smoke them or make a potent tea that apparently is stronger than LSD. While I'll never know the effects I'll take the experts word on the matter. For me the plant is beautiful and when pruned regularly throughout the summer, it blooms the entire season through. Salvia under river birch shot at night

I'm very pleased with my second season landscape. All has survived our Long Island, NY winter and with the well established root system the trees, shrubs and perennials have returned stronger than before. River Birch (left) dianthus bath's pink, horn beam tree and variegated willow shrub red filagree lace japanese maple (40 years old)

The neighborhood is anxiously awaiting the new growth on the two Royal Empress trees I planted last spring. While the first year was exciting to watch for the speed at which the Empress shot up, this spring the "beanstalks" have hardener and taken on a woodier look. Beginning in early spring I pruned each new bud that appeared lower than where I wanted the tree to branch out. Here are the two Royal Empress trees after winter dormancy and about a month of active growth. The trees did bloom later than most of the other trees in the neighborhood.

The perennials and trees are returning. So much beauty awaits. This here will soon be transformed into a lush landscape of color. Beautiful to watch its transformation.

I love that many of the trees, shrubs and flowers are indigenous to Asia. So it's fitting to add Japanese garden statue. My sister bought this for me for my birthday. Thanks Dane!

My extra large Allium (purple Pom Pom) has made it's way through the ground. Very excited to watch it grow into a large purple Pom Pom!

The Variegated Dogwood which was a favorite shrub of mine throughout spring and summer is now a favorite winter shrub as well. It's long bright, red branches (which are brown in the summer) give a nice contrast against the green holly. I have a nice grouping of three birches which are showy and while leafless still provide interest.