The Memorial Day holiday weekend is in full swing with perfect weather here in the Northeast and I wanted to share some photos taken in the yard and neighborhood over the last couple of days. With the warmth and abundant sunshine, there are signs of life everywhere!
An Eastern Milk Snake soaks up the early morning sunA large shelf mushroom makes a home in an oak treeA neighbor’s Miniature Iris catch the first rays A rhododendron and azalea are decked out in their colorful May bloomsThe shade garden includes hosta, brunnera, bleeding heart, ferns, lamium and ajugaA large azalea brightens the end of our driveway
Every day this weekend has been spent outdoors! On Saturday I added some “Golden” oregano and “Berggarten” sage to the herb garden. Planted in its pot to keep it in bounds, some variegated pineapple mint joined them and should make an interesting addition to summer beverages. Yesterday, I planted six tomatoes (including my favorite “Sun Gold”) and moved the Genovese basil outside to harden off for a few days before going into the vegetable garden as tomato companions. Today, I will continue working amongst my new plants and old favorites. Whatever you’re doing this weekend, I wish you all a Happy Memorial Day!
This golden beauty is the first bearded iris to open
All photos by Walter and Nancy Marie Allen
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“All the leaves are brown and the sky is grey,” from the classic California Dreamin’ song, seems such an apt description of winter here in New England. Indeed, winters here can be so harsh that many of us feel the need to flee to warmer climes for some tropical respite! But, all is not as bleak as one may think, because upon taking a closer look the landscape is filled with myriad exclamation points of green.
Pond View with Evergreens in Early January (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
The color green symbolizes life. It’s the first color we notice in spring as tiny green leaves begin to unfurl on trees and shrubs; it’s the color of early flower bulbs just poking through the warming soil of our gardens; it’s the color of lawns and fields turning verdant again. Green is the color of renewal and rebirth and yet remains with us year round, even in the dead of winter.
Eastern White Pine (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
The old German song, Oh Tannenbaum, expresses our love of evergreens perfectly:
“Thy leaves are so unchanging
Not only green when summer’s here,
But also when it’s cold and drear.
Such pleasure do you bring me!”
The lacey flowers of Pieris patiently await spring (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
It always amazes me just how much green can be found in the cold and stillness of winter! The most well-known of the evergreens here is the Eastern White Pine with its towering straight trunks and canopies of green branches that reach towards the sky. They are so abundant that the fresh fragrance of pine permeates the air! There are also hemlocks and spruce with their more familiar, Christmas-tree shapes. Large rhododendron shrubs grow closer to our homes, their fattening buds just waiting for warmer weather. On the coldest days, the leathery leaves curl up to protect the shrubs from moisture loss and serve as a visual warning that we need to bundle up before heading outdoors!
Purple-bronze Azalea adds drama to the winter landscape (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
Smaller evergreen shrubs also dot the winter landscape. Pieris already sports sprays of tiny flower buds in readiness for spring. Mountain laurels remain a dark, shiny green along with spiky hollies. Some azaleas keep their purple-bronze leaves, providing a bright spot of contrasting color. At ground level, blue-green vinca shines along the edge of the road while velvety mosses abound on rocks and shaded paths. Last but not least are the few tough perennials that remain green in our flower gardens – heucheras, lamb’s ears, iris, and ajuga.
Soft Lamb’s Ears huddle in a blanket of oak leaves (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
Where there is green, there is life! And the color green is never more appreciated than in the dark months of winter when it reminds us that the promise of spring lies just around the corner!
Velvety Moss brightens the forest floor (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links to the companies listed below. When you click through on a link and make a purchase, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank You!
