It was interesting to go back just one month to see the changes. Last month there were still some leaves on the Japanese Maple and many on the ground below the tree. Since then the rest of the leaves have fallen and most of the leaves raked. I've gotten the bulbs in the ground and some Violas planted as well. After looking at these pictures I see that the hydrangeas could do with some pruning, but I won't prune them back until very early Spring.
Hardy fuchsia 'Pat's Dream' is still blooming.
Another difference this month is the Hydrangea leaves changing to a yellowish-gold color. It's difficult to see in this picture the pretty red color of the new branches on the Japanese Maple 'Orido Nishiki'. They definitely add some color to this area.
Most of the flowers on 'Nikko Blue' have become an extremely pale shade of blue, except for this late bloomer. I've cut several flowers off to bring in for some color inside this winter.It's hard to believe in one month it will be the end of 2009, and the eve of a new year starting. I wonder if we'll have had our first hard frost by then or maybe even some snow?
My goodness, Catherine, that is a very attractive and welcoming front garden! Those hydrangeas are amazing, and the Nikko blue flowering so late is such a nice bonus. Thanks for letting us know about the maple branches, I think that is such a nice touch to the winter landscape, and very difficult to photograph.
ReplyDeleteFrances
Hi Catherine
ReplyDeleteThat's a nice planting spot - I love Japanese Maple, and it must be amazingly beautiful when their leaves were reddish and then golden leaves. The red branches are nice too.
Love the flower too.
Oooooh - the nikko blue is so beautiful :-)
ReplyDeleteThat is such a lovely, inviting entrance Catherine. It will be interesting to see what weather the next few weeks bring. I like having pictures of the yard to "study" during the winter months. Sometimes I "see" things in the photos that I did not notice in person. It's helpful when planning for the next season. I cannot wait for you to share next year's bulbs' pictures.
ReplyDeleteWow Catherine. Can't believe you still have hydrangea's blooming. It is hard to believe that the new year is upon us. We are getting some real yucky weather for the next few days. We had some beautiful weather for the holidays.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a very unusual year for weather. I like the combination of Japanese maples and hydrangeas, they make great greeting plants for your entrance area!
ReplyDeleteThey are wonderful shots but yes you are headed into fall. You are missing leaves on trees. I really like the blue hydrangea.
ReplyDeleteCatherine..you always have such amazing photoscapes...truly awesome! I love the backdrop of blue..and your garden is stunning! What a beauty...great post!
ReplyDeleteIt is very welcoming - that blue hydrangea is great and still going strong. My pink one is young and didn't give me many large blooms to have indoors and my blue lacecap was loaded but they seem to have fizzled fast - so much for color inside.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea to focus on one area each month like you do with the pond.
Guess I'll do like you and cut back the hydrangeas in the spring.
Are all of the hydrangeas Nikko Blue? I think the leaf color and texture is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHi Catherine,
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed your end of the month reviews. I keep thinking of participating, and then, forgetting to. I actually take photos of different parts of my yard throughout the seasons to compare and help me decide about possible changes.
I love the color on the hydrangea. You have a great entry to your home.
I love seeing how your bed has changed. Just think how different it will look in spring!! Thank you for your comment on my post on blue. Forget-me-nots are indeed one of the treasures of spring.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your nice comments!
ReplyDeleteSweet Bay - Just the hydrangea on the right is a 'Nikko Blue'. The other was a florist hydrangea that my husband gave me many years ago. I took a chance and planted it, and it took off.
Amazing how some things are still going in your garden. The hydrangea is beautiful! I would love to live in your zone.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you still have a hydrangea bloom that pretty.
ReplyDeleteMy poor hydrangeas have been cut down for more than a month. Seeing the pretty yellow/gold of yours makes me wonder why I didn't leave mine for a while longer.
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures, the colour of your house is stunning. Lovely hydrangeas, great post. :)
ReplyDeleteHello Catherine,
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of taking an end of month photo. The foliage of your Hydrangea are still so beautiful. I am glad you were able to cut a few last blooms to enjoy indoors :0)
Hi Catherine~~ I love the hydrangea foliage color and form. I have a Japanese maple by my front entrance also. Do the tiny leaves stick to your shoes? It seems I'm constantly picking them up off the carpet and floor. They're such beautiful trees though... Love your entry vignette.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful entre in your garden!
ReplyDeleteThe lovely blue hydrangea and the background of your house that takes up the same color highlights its beauty.
Great Catherine!
Kisses!
Tiziana
Hello Catherine. I'm also waiting for snow (but feel I will be sadly disappointed). Do you plant new bulbs every year?
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous garden! That's one thing I don't have, so I shall be dropping by to 'borrow' yours from time to time. Thanks for looking at my blog - good to meet you.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to tell (aside from the bare branches of your Japanese maple) that it's almost winter there Catherine! Amazing that you have hydrangeas in bloom now. I think your entry area is very welcoming and pleasing to look at too.
ReplyDeleteSuch a nice entry way to your home! I love the deep blue color of your house- such a great color as a background for your garden :)
ReplyDeleteProspero - I usually plant some bulbs every year, but I don't usually go crazy. I planted more this year because I hadn't planted tulips or daffodils for awhile. Hopefully the squirrels will leave them alone :)
ReplyDeleteNikko is very pretty, and a nice complement to your blue wall. I'm enjoying the few hydrangeas that I brought inside this year. I think they're my favorite flower for drying.
ReplyDeleteOh man, I had a big old Nikko Blue at my old house--makes me miss it so much. My most fav hydrangea--ok, well maybe I like the Limelight a tad better. But you gotta love those blue blooms.
ReplyDeleteI like using pictures to try to figure out what needs to be done around the garden, Sometimes when you are out in the garden itself, it can be difficult to see the trees for the forest ;)
ReplyDeleteHi there - thanks for joining in with my end of month view. I have nearly done a year so was thinking of trying a different view next year.
ReplyDelete